Chloe, a mixed-breed dog from Nipigon, Ontario, has been honored for her bravery in protecting her family from a black bear last autumn. The courageous canine has been welcomed into the prestigious Purina Animal Hall of Fame, which celebrates pets that exhibit exceptional courage and loyalty during life-threatening situations. Chloe’s owners, Colette and Joe, rescued her in May 2019 when she was just six months old, describing her as a humble and affectionate soul.
The harrowing incident unfolded on the night of September 16, 2025, when Chloe encountered a bear in the yard and bravely led it into the house. Colette recounted the intense moment when she found herself face-to-face with the bear alongside Chloe in the kitchen. Joe, awakened by Chloe’s vigilant barking, rushed to the scene to find Chloe gripping the bear’s hind leg, attempting to guide it out of the house. Together, they managed to maneuver the bear into the basement before law enforcement arrived.
Chloe valiantly stood her ground, barking fiercely to keep the bear at bay until the authorities intervened and subdued the intruder. The entire family sustained injuries during the ordeal, with Chloe sustaining a significant bite. However, with proper care and attention, Chloe pulled through, earning a well-deserved steak dinner as a token of gratitude from her grateful owners. Colette expressed profound appreciation for Chloe’s heroism, emphasizing that without her, the outcome could have been dire.
Purina’s Animal Hall of Fame, established in 1968, has recognized a total of 198 animals for their extraordinary acts of bravery and devotion, with Chloe joining the esteemed ranks of courageous pets from across Canada. Notably, Murph, an Australian Blue Merle Sheepdog from Kenora, was also inducted into the hall in 1984 for alerting her owners to a fire in their apartment building, ultimately saving numerous lives.