MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (AP) — High school athlete Josh Herbert isn’t easily intimidated by opponents, not when he has a 6-foot-5, 450-pound bear for a playmate.
But after spending his early childhood fighting off life-threatening leukemia, he’s used to challenges. His pet bear is more fun than frightening.
“He’s never been too rough with me, “Herbert said of “Buddy, “the bear. “He’s playful, but he knows when to stop.”
The family has raised the orphaned 8-year-old American Black Bear since he was a cub.
Herbert, who plays football and wrestles for Madison High School, said Buddy is learning some wrestling moves, like a quick, double leg lock. But he doesn’t finish off his opponent.
“All we have to say is ‘No!’ and Buddy will back off, “said Herbert, a 5-foot-4, 195-pound lineman for the football team.
Buddy’s claws and incisor teeth were removed by the chief veterinarian at the Columbus Zoo. Herbert’s father, Daniel, is an outdoorsman who has been asked by fish and game associations to help track and relocate bears. He also does heating and air conditioning work for supermarkets, which helps him get a supply of old fruit, vegetables and pastries for Buddy.
Growing up with Buddy has gotten Herbert, a senior this year, interested in a career in veterinary medicine.
Herbert, now 18, is familiar with medicine and doctors. At age 1, he was diagnosed with leukemia, and his body’s immune system wasn’t strong enough for him to attend school until he was 7.
Herbert still gets regular blood tests at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and at the request of the hospital staff, takes wrestling trophies and medals and spends time with children there telling them how he was able to overcome disease.
“It’s tough to see the kids and know how they feel, “he said. “But I try to give them some hope. I tell them to keep their heads up, that they can fight this thing, and that they should always stay positive.”
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