Ontario dog honoured after saving owners from black bear
A family dog named Chloe has been inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame for protecting her owners from a black bear attack in Nipigon, Ontario. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the dog successfully held the bear at bay until emergency services arrived.
Why it matters
The story highlights the extraordinary bond between humans and pets and serves as a notable example of animal heroism in life-threatening situations.
A seven‑year‑old dog from Nipigon, Ont., is being celebrated after she helped save her owners during a terrifying encounter with a black bear that forced its way into their home late at night.
Chloe, a mixed‑breed family dog, has been named a Purina Animal Hall of Fame Award recipient after protecting her owners, Colette and Joe Shwetz, during an unexpected black bear intrusion on Sept. 16, 2025.
Colette explained that she opened the door around 11 p.m. to let Chloe out for her usual nighttime routine. As the dog walked down the deck stairs, she came face‑to‑face with a black bear hiding behind the railing.
Chloe quickly bolted back up the stairs — but the bear followed. When Colette opened the door to let her dog inside, she said the bear charged through the doorway, knocking her to the ground.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in