A rescue dog in Nipigon, Ontario, is being honored for intervening when a black bear entered her family's home, putting herself between the animal and her owners.
This courageous pup, Chloe, is a mixed breed adopted in May 2019, and she is now being inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame for her bravery, which may have saved her owners' lives.
Here's what to know
According to CBC News, Chloe was chosen for the Purina Animal Hall of Fame for her actions during a bear attack on Sept. 16, 2025. The program recognizes pets "for their remarkable bravery and unwavering devotion in protecting their owners during life-threatening emergencies."
Colette Shwetz told CBC News that the incident started when Chloe went out into the yard and then returned with a black bear close behind her.
Colette described the unusual sight in simple terms: "Here we are in my kitchen, the three of us, me, the dog and the bear."
Joe Shwetz, Colette's husband, said he had been sleeping until Chloe's barking drew him awake.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"I got up, ran out, went into the kitchen. Chloe had a hind leg, which was the bear, in her mouth, trying to pull it towards the door."
Before the police arrived, Chloe and the family managed to get the bear out of the kitchen and into a hallway, where it went into the basement. CBC News reported that Chloe kept barking and holding the bear at bay there until officers arrived and dispatched it.
More background
Chloe had become part of the family as a rescue dog.
"We rescued her in May 2019. She was about six months old when she came to us," Colette said.
Colette described Chloe as a gentle, loving companion who tends to shy away from attention.
"She doesn't like a lot of attention. She's just one of those old soul dogs," Colette said, adding that "she's just full of love."
Both Chloe and her family suffered serious injuries from the attack.
"We all ended up with a lot of staples and stitches and a lot of wound care. Chloe, we almost lost her through the bite that she got, but she did really well. We got her through it," Colette said.
What's being done?
According to CBC News, Purina's Animal Hall of Fame began in 1968 and has since honored 198 animals across Canada for life-saving acts: 170 dogs, 27 cats, and one horse.
Readers interested in community-level solutions can check out resources on taking local action.
Colette also gave Chloe a well-deserved reward of a delicious steak dinner.
For her family, there is no question about what she did for them.
"She's our hero. I know that without her, I would not be here. That is a 100 percent certainty."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
