DaytonDailyNews.com

A little black bear named Cup Cake, who was found in Dayton July 24 tied to a fence in a backyard on Catskill Lane, is now getting used to a safe new home in Colorado.

And she has already had a visit from a concerned Dayton resident who wanted to check and see how she is doing.

Barbara Fryberg, who has been a loyal worker and dedicated volunteer at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton at 1661 Nicholas Road for 25 years, just returned from seeing Cup Cake at her new home in the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center located in Keenesburg, Colo., just outside Denver.

The bear rescued in Dayton is about three months old, is very affectionate, and will be welcome to spend the rest of her life in the 240-acre compound with about 20 other bears.

The wildlife conservation center is a state and federally licensed sanctuary which opened in 1980 and is a nonprofit organization which operates with volunteer help and public donations.

According to founder Pat Craig, the animal haven is home to more than 155 exotic animals including African lions, leopards, wolves, jaguars and, of course, bears illegally obtained as pets.

"I was there on the morning when they brought the little black bear into the Humane Society in Dayton," Fryberg said. "I just fell in love with her, as did all the staff. She is so cute, so cuddly. Just darling. Of course we are not able to care for this type of exotic animal, so Sharron Exline, our animal cruelty officer, talked to Tim Harrison, director of Dayton's Outreach for Animals, who suggested we get in touch with the compound in Colorado."

In just a few days Casey Craig, the son of Pat Craig, drove to Dayton and began bonding with little Cup Cake.

Exline said, at first, they called the bear Mogley, but others on the staff thought Cup Cake was a better name. "It stuck," Fryberg said.

Local officials are still investigating and trying to find the owners. Exline said if investigators find out who abandoned the bear they could face penalties under the city's exotic animal ordinance. "People buy these animals not realizing how large they grow and how dangerous it can be," Exline said. "This bear was probably in a house and started trashing it, and eventually was taken outside and chained to a fence."

Fryberg said she has been taking care of "wonderful little animals, so precious" for all of her adult life, and warns people not to take on more than they can handle. "Love animals and give them a home. But remember that little animals don't always stay little," she said.

Fryberg's granddaughter lives in Colorado, about 26 miles from the wildlife sanctuary.

"When I visited my granddaughter I called the sanctuary," she said. "Pat Craig came and picked me up and took me to the place to see Cup Cake. Our little bear from Dayton is being cared for in a loving way. They do a great job with all the animals there. It is truly heartwarming to know that these people take care of exotic animals who have no place else to go."

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St., Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.