2024 Purina Animal Hall of Fame inductees are recognized for life-saving heroism
This year’s inductees each saved the life of their owner
This year, the Purina Animal Hall of Fame inductees were recognized for saving their owners’ lives. The Animal Hall of Fame by Purina is the longest-running Canadian pet recognition program. Since 1968, Purina has honored 194 exceptional animals for their notable acts of bravery and heroism.1
According to Nestlé Purina, this year’s 2 new Purina Animal Hall of Fame inductees have received this recognition as a tribute to their bravery and instinct, showing acts of courage of wit during life-threatening situations.1 The following 2 inductees join 166 dogs, 27 cats, and 1 horse that have earned a place in the hall of fame for their heroism, exceptional intuition, and strong dedication to their humans, according to a news release.1
Bear, a Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever mix
Bear. (Photo courtesy of Nestlé Purina)
In the early hours of an October night in Bonfield, Ontario, Bear, a Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever mix, startled his owner Janice awake by jumping on her bed and howling in her ear. When Janice woke up, she realized Darren—her husband of 35 years and a Canadian Armed Forces veteran—was not in bed. Janice followed Bear down the stairs of their home and discovered Darren unconscious in the family room, with Bear jumping on his chest. Janice immediately called for emergency help, and Darren was rushed to the hospital.1
At the hospital, doctors found out that Darren had suffered a widowmaker heart attack—one of the deadliest kinds of heart attacks that is caused by a key artery responsible for moving blood to the heart becoming almost of completely blocked.2 After Darren awoke in the hospital, the couple learned from the doctors that he had likely been unconscious for 3 hours before Janice found him. According to the doctors, Bear’s repeated jumping on Darren’s chest had been an effective form of CPR that kept him alive.1
With Bear’s lineage tracing back to 2 former service dogs, he has always been Darren’s closest companion, according to a news release.1 Darren now calls Bear the family's furry hero who was born to serve, per the release.1
Maggie May, a Red Fox Labrador Retriever
Maggie May. (Photo courtesy of Nestlé Purina)
Months after suffering heart failure, Martin was recovering at home with his 9-year-old Red Fox Labrador Retriever, Maggie May, by his side for support and comfort. He was given heart medication to manage his decreased mobility and his new condition. He also relocated to a bedroom on the main floor, where Maggie May stayed with him every day.
On a cold night in March 2023, Maggie May alerted Amy, Martin's wife, who was upstairs in their home. Maggie May guided Amy downstairs, where she found Martin out of bed and the back door wide open. Maggie May then dashed outside, leading Amy to discover Martin in a snowdrift in a catatonic state, unresponsive. After calling 911, paramedics told Amy that Martin's new medication likely caused hallucinations and disorientation, prompting him to go outside. Doctors later informed Amy that Maggie May’s intervention likely saved Martin’s life. Martin and Amy are immensely grateful for canine companion, who they now call as their Super Hero Pup, according to a news release.1
"These incredible animals remind us that the bond between humans and their pets goes far beyond companionship—it's a partnership of trust, loyalty, and sometimes, life-saving bravery. As pet people, we are proud to share these inspiring stories," Jenn Terra, vice president of marketing at Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada, said in the release.1 "Since 1968, the Animal Hall of Fame has celebrated remarkable pets, and these 2 new inductees join a long list of animals whose acts of heroism have touched countless lives."
References
- A legacy of bravery: Two Canadian dogs recognized for saving their owners lives. News release. Nestlé Purina. September 12, 2024. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-legacy-of-bravery-two-canadian-dogs-recognized-for-saving-their-owners-lives-898849308.html
- Brown S, Seed S. Widowmaker heart attack: Why is it so dangerous? WebMD. June 20, 2024. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/widow-maker-heart-attack
