Purina Animal Hall of Fame Inducts Two More Heroes

Since September 1968, pet lovers north of the border have made a point of recognizing the heroics of everyday pets through the Purina Animal Hall of Fame awards.

When the program launched 56 years ago, it was to recognize the bravery of dogs such as a Black Labrador named Pat who didn’t hesitate to jump into the stormy St. Lawrence River and then courageously swim to shore, towing a powerless boat and owner, to safety. Over 3.5 hours of dedicated paddling in strong winds and churning waves certainly deserved more than just a treat and pat on the head determined the head honchos at Purina. And from there, the iconic pet food brand decided to step up to the plate and start seeking out and celebrating these hero pets.

Back in 1968, it was Pat and two other brave pooches who would be the first to be recognized by the Purina Animal Hall of Fame for their lifesaving efforts.

Since then, 166 dogs, 27 cats, and even a horse have been lauded for going above and beyond what one would expect from an animal not specifically trained in search, rescue, or medical support services.

Fast forward and this year the coveted award goes to two dogs located in Ontario named Bear and Maggie May.

For Bear, it was his amazing skills at CPR that saved his owner’s life. You see, not only did the dog wake the man’s wife to alert her to an emergency situation taking place in their living room, but he had already been repeatedly jumping on the chest of his collapsed owner. Doctors confirmed the man had suffered a massive heart attack and had likely been rendered unconscious close to three hours before his wife found him and called for help. During those hours, Bear, a large Siberian Husky / Golden Retriever mix, had the heft and determination to continue the life-saving “compressions” that ultimately turned into CPR and saved his favorite human.

With nine-year-old Maggie Mae, it was her owner’s medications for a recent heart condition that had left him disoriented and wandering outdoors on a frosty cold night. Alerting the owner’s wife to the situation, she then led the woman to a snowdrift where the unconscious man was found. Attending paramedics confirmed that had it not been for Maggie Mae’s alertness and loyal resolve, her owner would likely not have survived.

According to Jenn Terra, Vice-President of Marketing at Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada “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.”