Canadian Hero Dogs - 2013 we applaud you

Titan (blue RIP) and Charlie (rescue)

In May of 2013 the Purina Animal Hall of Fame recognized four Canadian dogs' extreme acts of bravery, courage and devotion at its annual ceremony at Toronto's PawsWay.

Bella, Vicious, Snickers and Teak were all honoured for "the extraordinary actions they took to protect a human life — demonstrating the unique and powerful bond that exists between animals and people," a press release stated.

"The tenacity of our 2013 inductees to rescue and protect people from harm — whether it's a wild animal, house fire, criminal or a medical emergency — showcases the connection animals have to humans and the physical risks they will take to keep them safe," Purina PetCare Legacy executive director Mary Siemiesz said in a statement. "This year's inductees remind us of how much animals enrich our lives, and that pets and humans are better together."

Bella, a 2-year-old Bernese Mountain dog from Milton, Nova Scotia, was recognized for her quick-thinking heroism. She pulled her injured owner, Chris Laroque, from their burning home.
"Without Bella's devotion, strength and courage, I would have died in the fire that destroyed my home," Laroque said. "She is truly our family hero, and we're so happy that Bella is being recognized for her life-saving efforts by the Purina Animal Hall of Fame."

Another honoree, Vicious, a 12-year-old border collie/Labrador cross from Trail, British Columbia, was praised for lunging at a cougar attacking owner Angie Prime in her home. Conservation officers agreed that without Vicious there to attack and then chase away the wild cat, Prime would not have survived the ordeal.

Snickers, a 4-year-old border collie/pointer cross from Oshawa, Ontario, barked aggressively in his neighbours' driveway, blocking them from leaving for work. They called the police, who noticed that Snicker's owner, Gregory Gould, who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, was lying unconscious on his living-room floor. Snickers had repeatedly thrown himself against the screen door so he could get outside and bark for help.

The "Service Dog of the Year" award went to Teak, an 8-year-old German Shepherd from Vancouver, British Columbia. Teak and his partner, Constable Derrick Gibson, responded to an armed robbery in progress this January. Teak caught and tackled the suspect, but was stabbed multiple times in the process. After two surgeries, Teak has healed from his wounds. He has since retired from duty.
Since its inception in 1968, the Purina Animal Hall of Fame has inducted 159 animals: 132 dogs, 26 cats and one horse.