Courageous Senior Dog Rescues His Family From Bear Attack, Sacrifices His Own Life

Nov 06, 2019

There's no love quite like the love of a dog. You might have heard the old saying that none of us deserve dogs. That might be true, but it doesn't mean that the world isn't an infinitely better place for having canines in it.

Pete was a handsome 14-year-old English Setter who was taken in by Stephen Parisi of New Jersey. He was formerly a hunting dog, reports the BBC, and enjoyed his new life happily going for walks in the woods with the other dogs of his family's doggy daycare.

Tragically, Pete would make the ultimate sacrifice for the family he loved so much. During a family hike with Pete and some other dogs, a black bear became spooked and went on to attack. While the other dogs in the party retreated, Pete stood up to the bear. Thanks to Pete's courage, the other canines and Stephen alike were able to escape the bear's wrath and make it to safety.

While Stephen held out hope that Pete might have somehow survived the attack, he was found critically injured when he went back for him later that day along with two other humans. After the professionals at a veterinary clinic determined that Pete was unlikely to recover from his wounds, he was humanely euthanized, surrounded by compassionate people who loved him.

The family was devastated by the loss of Pete. However, family friends quickly began to circulate the heroic dog's photo and the story of his sacrifice on social media. The internet was deeply touched by the senior dog who laid down his life to protect the family he loved so dearly. He was quickly dubbed "Pete the Hero" by social media users.

"Rip Pete you prove that a dog is fearless and truly loyal !" wrote one Instagram user.

"So sorry for your loss. Pete must have loved you so much. May your memories of him be a blessing down the road," wrote another fan of the late canine.

If you have a dog you love, hug him a little tighter today in honor of Pete's memory. To make sure he didn't sacrifice his life in vain, make sure as many people as possible know the tale of Pete the Hero.