San Francisco’s Pier 39 has a new star in town, and it’s not a celebrity from the human world. Meet Bear, a German Shepherd whose impressive skills on the docks of the Kitty Kat catamaran have earned him a place in the hearts of many and made him a sensation on TikTok.
Bear’s day begins with a display of professionalism. As the ship’s designated deckhand, he swiftly tackles the ropes, expertly pulling them in and securing them. His partner in this maritime routine is Captain Joe Nazar of San Francisco Whale Tours, who oversees Bear’s work with a mix of pride and amusement.
The crowd that gathers to witness Bear’s work is a testament to his growing fame. With his TikTok account featuring a plethora of videos showcasing his rope-handling prowess, Bear has garnered millions of views, with some clips reaching over five million hits. Captain Nazar has noticed a shift in attention—visitors may be as interested in Bear as they are in the whales.
“I think a lot of our visitors come specifically to see Bear,” Nazar observed. “The popularity of Bear is incredible.”
Despite some viewing Bear’s role as a novelty, Captain Nazar emphasizes the practical benefits of having his canine deckhand. Bear assists with tasks that would otherwise be challenging for a solo crew member. During the pandemic, Bear proved especially valuable, filling in gaps when staff shortages were a concern.
Local crew member Olivia Belair appreciates Bear’s contributions, noting that he willingly handles less desirable tasks, such as managing wet ropes—a job not everyone relishes.
Bear’s journey began shortly before the pandemic, when Captain Nazar’s family adopted him from a Craigslist ad. Initially, Bear was just a playful puppy, but he quickly became an integral part of the crew. His training began with games of tug-of-war, which evolved into essential boat-handling skills. Nazar reports that Bear can now manage the boat’s ropes independently, both during departures and returns.
Nazar has been continually impressed by Bear’s learning ability. To ensure Bear isn’t simply following a routine, he sometimes rearranges the sequence of tasks, testing Bear’s adaptability. The dog consistently rises to the challenge, responding to commands with remarkable precision.
Before each outing, Bear is equipped with his own life jacket, a gift from a sponsor. Unlike many deckhands, Bear is enthusiastic about his duties, ready to work with a wagging tail and a cheerful demeanor.
Nazar also credits Bear with an unusual talent—whale spotting. Bear’s behavior, such as pawing or barking, is sometimes interpreted as a signal for nearby whales. During a recent trip, Bear’s nap was humorously linked to a successful whale sighting, with Captain Nazar playfully announcing the “whale dog” had done it again.
While some might be skeptical about Bear’s whale-finding abilities, Nazar believes in his canine companion’s instincts. He views Bear’s contributions as more than just practical; they bring joy and a sense of companionship, both on and off the boat.
Bear’s TikTok fame, managed by crew member Sophie Belair, highlights his rope-fetching skills and his distinctive life jacket, which resonates with online audiences. The viral success of Bear’s videos has further boosted the popularity of the whale tours.
Ultimately, Captain Nazar hopes Bear’s story will inspire others to consider adopting dogs, giving them a second chance at a fulfilling life. “Bear brings friendship and loyalty,” Nazar said, affectionately patting his renowned deckhand. “You’re never alone when you have a friend like him.”
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