Heroic Family Dog Killed While Protecting Owner From Charging Bear

It’s often said that dogs are man’s best friend. That certainly was true for a Wexford County, Michigan homeowner. He checked outside his home on East 34 Road in Haring Township to ensure that no bears were lurking around before he let his beagle Max outside around 11:30 p.m. on June 8. A noise was heard, but no bears were seen. Unfortunately, an unseen bear was outside the home. And the bear started charging at the homeowner. Max, apparently trying to protect his owner, got in between and was attacked by the bear. Max was severely injured, including deep puncture wounds, according to M!Live.

Max was taken to a local veterinarian, but his injuries proved to be too severe and he died, according to the Examiner.

Wexford County sheriff’s deputies were called to the home, and the bear still was in the driveway. The police attempted to scare the bear off with sirens and a spotlight. However, the bear climbed up a tree, but eventually descended the tree. The bear was finally seen leaving the area followed by three cubs, departing for a wooded area.

The family believes that the dog saved their lives. It’s probably true and if it wasn’t for Max’s quick actions and devotion, someone might have been injured. A bear had been seen on the property in recent days. Rest in peace, Max.

There are many examples of heroic dogs of all breeds, mixes, and sizes. The human-animal bond is often very strong. A woman’s dog saved her from an aggressive human predator. A violent, drug-using criminal broke into a home in Wyandotte, Michigan. The homeowner, Sarah Powers, was home alone at the time. When Powers exited her bathroom, she saw a man violently punching her beloved 11-year-old golden retriever, Sadie. The home invasion ended because of Sadie’s heroic actions. Sadie’s teeth were showing, she was growling, then she was barking but her front legs were always on the invader. Powers noted that she had never seen her usual amiable, good-natured dog behave in that manner. Of course, dogs often can tell friend from foe. The dog acted very defensively, knowing this was no friend, and held the predator back, saving her owner’s life.

It was fortunate that Sadie acted as she did. Powers later reviewed police photos and identified the home invader as John David Shook. Shook is a repeat offender. He had warrants out for his arrest in several communities. Daniel Grant, Wyandotte’s police chief, noted that large or small dogs can serve as deterrents to crime.

[Photo By Johannes Simon/Getty Images]