That many animals, dogs in particular, make for loving and loyal companions for humans is no secret. What may not be so well known is that when the occasion arises, some of these extraordinary animals can go above and beyond to protect and save their human companions, performing acts of courage and quick thinking in life-threatening situations. Earlier this month, two such pets became this year’s inductees into Purina’s Animal Hall of Fame, one of Canada’s longest-running pet recognition programmes. From sensing danger to performing rescues, these four-legged heroes displayed their strong bonds with their owners in life-or-death situations.
“These incredible animals remind us that the bond between humans and their pets goes far beyond companionship—it’s a partnership of trust, loyalty, and sometimes, life-saving bravery. As pet people, we are proud to share these inspiring stories,” said Jenn Terra, vice-president for marketing, Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada. “Since 1968, the Animal Hall of Fame has celebrated remarkable pets, and these two new inductees join a long list of animals whose acts of heroism have touched countless lives.”
On a quiet night in October in Bonfield, Ontario, around 0400 a.m., Bear, a Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever mix, abruptly woke his owner, Janice, by jumping on her in bed and howling in her ear. As Janice awoke, she noticed her husband of 35 years, Darren, was not in bed.
Following the fast paws of Bear down the stairs, Janice found Darren unconscious in the family room with Bear jumping on his chest. She immediately called paramedics and Darren was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered he had suffered a widowmaker heart attack.
Once Darren, a former member of the Canadian armed forces, awoke in hospital, doctors noted that before Janice found him, he had probably been unconscious for up to three hours. The jumping Bear had performed repeatedly was an effective form of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation that kept the ex-soldier alive. Born from two former service dogs, Bear had always been Darren’s closest companion. He now calls Bear the family’s furry hero who was born to serve.
After suffering heart failure a few months earlier, Martin spent his days recovering at home in Guelph, also in Ontario, with Maggie May, a Red Fox Labrador Retriever, close beside him to ensure he was safe and happy. To manage his new condition and lack of mobility, Martin was given heart medication and arranged a main floor bedroom where Maggie May kept him company every day.
On a cold night in March 2023, Maggie May alerted Martin’s wife, Amy, who was in the upstairs portion of the house, and guided her downstairs to where Amy found Martin out of his bed and the back door unlocked and wide open. Maggie May ran outside and Amy followed, finding her husband in the middle of a snowdrift in a catatonic state.
After Amy called emergency services, paramedics informed her that Martin’s new medication had probably caused him to hallucinate and disorientated him, causing him to go outside the house.
Once Martin was stabilized, doctors said if Maggie May had not alerted Amy in time, Martin may not have made it. Martin and Amy are grateful for their 9-year-old furry companion and now call her their Super Hero Pup!
Purina’s Animal Hall of Fame has honoured 194 animals since 1968. With the addition of the latest inductees, 166 dogs, 27 cats, and one horse are amongst the heroic animals that exemplify remarkable intuition and unwavering dedication to their humans, earning their place in the hall of fame.
The programme is run by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which was founded in 1894 and promotes responsible pet care through scientific research, products, and support for pet-related organizations.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
