A seven-year-old dog from Nipigon, Ontario, named Chloe is being honored for helping save her owners during a terrifying encounter with a black bear that broke into their house on Sept. 16, 2025.
Her actions helped save her owners' lives after a black bear broke in on Sept. 16, 2025, earning Chloe a spot in the Purina Animal Hall of Fame.
Here's what to know
Around 11 p.m., Colette Shwetz let Chloe out for her normal nighttime trip, CityNews reported. During that outing, the mixed-breed family dog encountered a black bear.
The sight of the bear sent Chloe running back up the deck stairs, and the animal followed her straight to the entrance before pushing into the house.
Shwetz said the bear knocked her down as it came through the doorway. "And the next thing I remember, the 300-pound bear is on top of me. I remember screaming, 'help me, please someone help me,'" she said in the release.
Chloe then ran in to alert Joe Shwetz, who was asleep and had a loud CPAP machine on. When he came to help, the bear turned toward him, and the couple—with Chloe still trying to protect them—drove it down the basement stairs, according to CityNews.
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Police told the family that whenever the bear tried to return upstairs, Chloe would bark and charge at it again. Those moments gave Joe time to call 911, and responding officers safely ended the incident.
Chloe was left with serious bite and scratch injuries and needed multiple stitches, while her owners were also injured.
More background
Purina said her actions made her a deserving inductee into a program that has honored more than 180 animals since 1968.
Colette Shwetz also shared, "The bear was scared of her."
What can be done?
After Joe Shwetz reached 911, officers arrived and brought the terrifying situation to an end.
People who want to get involved in neighborhood efforts that improve safety and preparedness can also check out the TCD Guide's page on taking local action.
For the Shwetz family, Chloe has shown to be both a brave and loving companion. After surviving the attack and helping hold off the bear inside the house, Colette Shwetz described her dog in the simplest possible terms: "She is our hero."
Where can I learn more?
Chloe isn't the only dog to step up when the moment calls for it. From Wales to Grand Teton to Australia, canines have helped protect wildlife, track invasive species, and support scientists working on problems that are tough for people to solve on their own.
• In Wales, puppies are being trained to protect wildlife across African conservation areas.
• At Grand Teton National Park, detection dogs are doing their 'ruff' work against invasive plants.
• A pet dog has tracked down iguanas with a remarkable nose.
• Scientists are using a unique method for finding bumblebee nests hidden underground.
• In Australia, a hero dog made the discovery of a lifetime in a wildlife reserve.
Stories like these make Chloe's Hall of Fame honor feel especially fitting. Dogs keep showing up where courage, focus, and sharp instincts are needed most.
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