'She's our hero': Bear attack victim says her dog saved her life
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A dog named Chloe has been inducted into the Purina Canada Animal Hall of Fame for saving her owners from a bear attack in their Nipigon home. The attack left the family with physical injuries and ongoing trauma, but they credit the dog's protective instincts with saving their lives.
Why it matters
Highlights the role of pets in human safety and the long-term psychological impact of wildlife encounters in residential areas.
NIPIGON - From a rescue pup seven years ago to a national celebrity - Chloe is now a member of the Purina Canada Animal Hall of Fame.
The mixed-breed, medium-sized canine belonging to Colette and Joe Shwetz of Nipigon has been inducted into the hall because she is literally a life-saver.
Chloe, described by her owners as a fiercely-protective "old soul" dog, came to their defence when a bear invaded their home in September 2025, leaving all of them injured and likely traumatized for the rest of their lives.
"It's been tough. A lot of PTSD for all three of us, and for my family, too who was here at the time," Colette told Newswatch in an interview Tuesday. "She's our hero. She put herself in harm's way to save us."
The couple has never publicly shared the details of their ordeal.
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