Chloe, a mixed-breed dog from Nipigon, Ontario, has recently been honored for her courageous act of protecting her family from a black bear last autumn. She has been inducted into the esteemed Purina Animal Hall of Fame, a platform that celebrates pets for their exceptional bravery and unwavering dedication in safeguarding their owners during life-threatening situations, as per a news release.
Colette Shwetz, Chloe’s owner along with her husband, Joe, mentioned that Chloe was rescued in May 2019 at around six months old. Describing Chloe as a humble and affectionate soul, Colette shared that the incident unfolded on the night of September 16, 2025, when Chloe and the bear unexpectedly found themselves in the kitchen together.
Despite Joe being asleep, Chloe’s persistent barking alerted him to the situation. Upon rushing to the kitchen, he found Chloe holding onto the bear’s hind leg, attempting to guide it out of the house. With their combined efforts, they managed to lead the bear out of the kitchen and into the basement before the authorities arrived to handle the situation.
Colette recalled how Chloe bravely stood guard, barking and keeping the bear at bay until the police intervened and dealt with the intruder. The entire family, including Chloe, sustained injuries from the encounter but managed to recover, with Chloe receiving a well-deserved steak dinner as a token of appreciation.
Purina, in a press release, highlighted that the Animal Hall of Fame, established in 1968, has recognized a total of 198 animals to date, comprising 170 dogs, 27 cats, and one horse, for their exceptional acts of courage and devotion that have saved lives across Canada. Chloe joins the ranks of other heroic animals, including Murph, an Australian Blue Merle Sheepdog from Kenora, who was inducted in 1984 for alerting her owners to a fire in their apartment building, leading to the safe evacuation of all residents.
