A LEGACY OF BRAVERY: TWO CANADIAN DOGS RECOGNIZED FOR SAVING THEIR OWNERS LIVES

This year’s Purina Animal Hall of Fame inductees are more than just pets—they are true lifesavers.

These remarkable animals have gone above and beyond to protect and save their human companions, showcasing incredible courage and quick thinking in life-threatening situations. Whether sensing danger or performing daring rescues, these four-legged heroes have demonstrated that the bond between them and their owners can be a matter of life or death. Their extraordinary heroism is now celebrated as they are inducted into Purina’s Animal Hall of Fame, one of Canada’s longest-running pet recognition programs, which has honored 194 animals since 1968.

“These remarkable animals remind us that the bond between humans and their pets extends far beyond companionship—it is a partnership of trust, loyalty, and sometimes, life-saving bravery. We are proud to share these inspiring stories,” said Jenn Terra, VP of Marketing at Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada. “Since 1968, the Animal Hall of Fame has celebrated exceptional pets, and these two new inductees join a distinguished list of animals whose acts of heroism have made a profound impact on countless lives.”

The 2024 Purina Animal Hall of Fame Inductees:

Bear (Bonfield, ON)

In the early hours of a quiet October night, around 4:00 a.m., Bear, a mix of Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever, startled his owner, Janice, by jumping on her bed and howling in her ear. When Janice woke up, she realized her husband of 35 years, Darren, was missing from their bed. Following Bear’s urgent paw steps down the stairs, Janice discovered Darren unconscious in the family room with Bear desperately jumping on his chest. She immediately called for paramedics, and Darren was rushed to the hospital, where doctors identified that he had suffered a widowmaker heart attack. Once Darren, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, regained consciousness in the hospital, doctors revealed that he had likely been unconscious for about three hours, and Bear’s repeated chest-jumping had effectively performed a form of CPR, helping to keep Darren alive. With Bear being born from two former service dogs, he has always been Darren’s closest companion. Now, Darren proudly refers to Bear as the family’s furry hero, who was truly born to serve.

Maggie May (Guelph, ON)

After experiencing heart failure months prior, Martin spent his days recovering at home with his loyal Red Fox Labrador Retriever, Maggie May, by his side to ensure his safety and happiness. To accommodate his condition and limited mobility, Martin was prescribed heart medication and moved to a main-floor bedroom where Maggie May provided daily companionship.

On a cold night in March 2023, Maggie May alerted Martin’s wife, Amy, who was upstairs, and led her downstairs to find Martin out of bed with the back door wide open. Maggie May then ran outside, prompting Amy to follow and discover her husband in a catatonic state amidst a snowdrift. After calling 911, paramedics informed Amy that Martin’s new medication had likely caused hallucinations and disorientation, leading him to go outside. Once stabilized, doctors confirmed that if Maggie May hadn’t alerted Amy, Martin might not have survived. Martin and Amy are deeply grateful for their 9-year-old furry companion, who they now proudly call their Super Hero Pup!

With the addition of these two new inductees, the hall of fame now includes 166 dogs, 27 cats, and one horse, all of whom exemplify remarkable intuition and unwavering dedication to their human companions.