When you’re out on the streets, you can’t exactly be picky with food or shelter. Though you will build a ton of experience if you’ve had to settle that way for a few years.

Meet Bear, a stray dog in Hutto, Texas.

Bear is no everyday stray.

First of all, his long, gorgeous coat and stature aren’t something most stray dogs have. Second, his cunning way of avoiding capture has given him a bit of a reputation.

Bear has become a master of escape and hiding, even if he’s friendly with a few residents.

And friendly he is.

The locals in Hutto have all grown to appreciate him. Though no one has claimed him or taken him in, the folks here do take care of him.

Whenever Bear is out, he can find food scraps from people’s homes. That, and hiding places to take shelter.

Bear does have a soft spot.

Although Bear gets collectively taken care of by the locals, there is one household that he frequents more than the others.

This would be the Mendoza household.

The family is represented by Irma Mendoza and her son, Alfonso Salinas.

Irma and Alfonso are Bear’s go-to source for food and shelter if he can’t find it anywhere else.

Though don’t be fooled, Bear isn’t exactly their pet. Think of them as a kind lunch lady and security guard.

Happy to look out for you when you need them, but can’t exactly be your legal guardian.

A dog is just too big a commitment to most people, through no fault of their own. Bear needed to look after himself, and he got pretty good at doing just that.

“He’s pretty much a family member.” – Alfonso said of Bear

The elusive, crafty dog was on local Animal Control’s radar for years. In all that time, they’ve still never managed to capture him.

Wayne Cunningham, an officer for Animal Control, spoke of how good the dog was at evading capture.

Bear recognizes the animal control van.

At this point, it’s likely they don’t expect to catch him most of the time. The moment he hears the sound of the van or sees it in the distance, he’s already planned out his route of escape.

The only people he’s comfortable approaching are the Mendozas. Irma has gotten closer to Bear than anyone so far.

Things have been this way since 2010. Hutto’s residents suspect that Bear once did have a family, and they’ve since left him here.

Sounds very sad to hear, but knowing he hasn’t given up and keeps surviving touches the sore spot quite nicely.

The dog’s reputation certainly precedes him.

He’s even got a Facebook page, which speaks a lot about how fond people are of him. But he can’t live like this forever.

As good as he is at evading capture, that doesn’t mean he won’t be caught someday. Even if he isn’t caught, the world can be unforgiving if you don’t have a home of your own.

The open fields and lots that Bear calls home won’t be empty forever. Once they get sold and built on, Bear will lose his home.

For this reason, Wayne and Irma agreed that it was best if Bear found a permanent home. One he deserves.

Bear is quite the likable dog, so that didn’t take very long.

Niroshini Glass, another Hutto resident, clearly wants to share her home with Bear.

“If he’s been through all this and he’s still going strong, he’s not skin and bones thanks to her [Mendoza], then he deserves to be in a home.”

As of now, Bear is happily residing in Niroshini’s home after being evaluated by vets and groomers.

He won’t have to look for scraps in a field anymore! Good for him! He deserves it after all he’s been through.

See Hutto’s favorite stray in the video below!

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Source: Fox 7 Austin on YouTube, Fox 5 NY