A dog named Chloe from Nipigon, Ont., has been honored for her bravery in protecting her family from a black bear last autumn. Chloe, a mixed-breed medium-sized dog, has been inducted into the prestigious Purina Animal Hall of Fame, which celebrates pets for their exceptional courage and dedication in safeguarding their owners during life-threatening situations, as stated in a press release.
Colette Shwetz, Chloe’s owner along with her husband Joe, shared that Chloe was rescued in May 2019 at about six months old. Colette described Chloe as a reserved yet affectionate dog, possessing an old soul filled with love.
The remarkable incident occurred on the night of September 16, 2025, when Chloe encountered a black bear in the yard, which followed her inside the house. In the kitchen, Colette found herself face to face with the bear alongside Chloe.
Joe, who was asleep, was awakened by Chloe’s barking and rushed to find Chloe bravely holding the bear’s hind leg in her mouth, attempting to guide it out of the house. With their combined efforts, they managed to relocate the bear from the kitchen to a hallway, eventually pushing it into the basement.
Chloe valiantly guarded the family, barking and fending off the bear until the police arrived and dealt with the intruder. Despite sustaining injuries, including Chloe being bitten, they all received medical treatment and care. Chloe was rewarded with a steak dinner for her heroism, with Colette emphasizing that Chloe’s actions saved their lives unequivocally.
Purina, in a statement, highlighted the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 1968, recognizing a total of 198 animals to date for their extraordinary acts of bravery and loyalty that have saved lives across Canada. Chloe joins other heroic pets in the Hall, including Murph, an Australian Blue Merle Sheepdog from Kenora, inducted in 1984 for alerting her owners to a fire in their apartment building, leading to the safe evacuation of all residents.