Those of us who adore our four-legged friend can appreciate the loyalty and unconditional love we get from our dogs.
One dog’s loyalty towards to family was put to the test when he protected them from a black bear.
As reported in the Independent, Pete, an English Setter, has been described as a hero, after being killed whilst tying to protect his family and other doge.
The family only adopted Pete 18 months before the tragic event happened.
Pete was out walking with his family in northern New Jersey when a a black bear surprised the group.
As the black bear started to attack the pack of dogs, Pete stood his ground and held him off while the other dogs ran to safety.
A family friend posted the heartbreaking loss on his Twitter page.
“So our friends lost their sweet setter Pete today …He and some other dogs surprised a black bear while on a hike,” he wrote.
“Pete bravely protected the rest of the crew who got to safety. Pete later succumbed to his injuries. He was an older guy and went out a true hero. RIP PETE THE HERO!”
So our friends lost their sweet setter Pete today. He and some other dogs surprised a black bear while on a hike. Pete bravely protected the rest of the crew who got to safety. Pete later succumbed to his injuries. He was an older guy and went out a true hero. RIP PETE THE HERO! pic.twitter.com/a3W5q9DHbc
— Ben White (@morningmoneyben) February 12, 2018
The post went instantly viral with thousands of people sending condolence messages for this loyal dog.
One person simply wrote, “We don’t deserve dogs!”
Held off the bear
The dogs were out with Me & My Shadow Pets daycare service, according to the Independent.
The owners described what happened in a heartbreaking Instagram post.
“Today we lost our brave, old man Pete. The dogs surprised a black bear just off the trail while we were hiking this morning. It must not have heard or smelled us with the pouring rain,” the post read.
“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.
“The x-rays revealed some pretty bad spinal damage that would mean he could never walk again, if he survived all the surgeries (not a certain thing at his age).
“We decided it was best to let him go this afternoon.”
Dogs the potential to show unconditional love towards their owners when they are treated with respect. The more you love your dog, the more they will love you back. Pete has really proven this in the most incredible way, he really is a hero! He gave his all for the family who loved him.
Please share to send love and strength to a family who has lost a very special member. Rest in Peace Pete.
