Heroic Dog Dies Protecting His Owner and Dog Friends from a Bear
After protecting his father and his doggy companions from a black bear, a couple told a sad story about how their devoted senior dog died.
When a black bear attacked his canine day care group during a hike in New York State, Pete the English Setter gave his life to save his pack.
Pete was 12 years old when Cathi and Steve adopted him 18 months ago. Pete and the dogs they look for are often taken for walks in the woods by the couple, who own Me & My Shadow Pets, a dog walking and pet sitting business.
Steve was hiking in Greenwood Lake, New York, with Pete and a group of dogs when they accidently surprised a black bear. When the group stumbled across the bear’s route, it was raining severely and the bear was hidden behind a rock formation.
Pete sprung to his feet and blocked the path, allowing Steve and the other dogs to flee to safety. Cathi documented the incident on Instagram, writing:
“Here is my husband’s account of yesterday’s pack walk.’
Pete, our gallant, old man, passed away today. While trekking this morning, the dogs surprised a black bear just off the route. With the rain, it couldn’t have heard or smelled us.
“It felt threatened and turned around. Pete stepped up and held off the bear until I could get the other dogs to safety. Once I was sure they were safe, I went back and scared the bear off, but Pete was gravely injured.”
“Thanks to Cathi and Kate, we were able to get him back down to the main route and into a car and to the hospital quite fast.” He hung in there like a true soldier the entire time, and he was never alone in his suffering. The x-rays revealed severe spinal injury, which would mean he’d never be able to walk again if he survived all of the procedures (which is unlikely given his age).”
“We decided it was best to let him go this afternoon. Run free Pete, you no longer have all those aches and pains of old age. You had a great 18 months with us running the days away like you loved.”
“Please light a candle for Pete and remember that fostering and rescuing a dog can sometimes save you. Senior dogs have so much to give.
“Love you Petey. Save me some cheese for when we see each other again.”
Rest in Peace, Pete. You are a true hero.
Related Posts
About The Author
