It may seem like a cliché at this point to say that dogs are “man’s best friend,” except these furry creatures continue to render the statement woefully inadequate. An example of this is Pete, an elderly foster dog who died bravely protecting his family from a black bear while on a hike.
Pete was a 13.5-year-old English Settler, he had been adopted 18 months earlier by his foster parents who owned a dog-walking and pet-sitting service and was one of the oldest pups among the rest of his fellow canines.
The owners enjoyed touring the woodlands of Greenwood Lake, New York with their dogs, oftentimes documenting the walks on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
You’re my #bluesky You’re my #sunnyday #mmspets #packrules #losetheleash #hikingwithdogs #labs #gsp #setters #spaniels #hounds #nofilter #appalachiantrail
Posted by Me & My Shadow Pet Sitting on Wednesday, January 31, 2018
The owners could never have predicted that one Sunday walk would end tragically.
In a detailed Instagram post, female owner Cathi shared a statement by her husband Stephen Parisi describing the moment he and the dogs ran into a startled black bear.
“The dogs surprised a black bear just off the trail while we were hiking this morning,” he said. “It felt threatened and turned around.”
The owner then ran to safety with the rest of the dogs, but Pete bravely stayed behind, fighting off the wild animal. The man said he tied the animals to a nearby tree before returning to help his fearless canine.
The bear eventually ran off, but the confrontation left poor Pete “gravely injured.” The owner carried the wounded pup back down to the main trail where he was transported to a vet hospital.
X-rays showed a spinal cord injury that would cause the dog to never walk again. At his age, surgery was not the best option.
Pete’s foster family, Instagram users @mmspets, elaborated on the account dedicated to their rescued pets, telling Pete’s story in greater detail:
“He held on like a real trooper the whole time, and he was never alone in his pain,” the post read. “We decided it was best to let him go this afternoon.”
The emotional tribute has now gone viral. The canine’s untimely death spread rapidly through Twitter, with over one million mourning the loss.
Ben White, a friend of the owners and economic correspondent at CNBC, hailed the “hero” dog in a tweet now seen by over seven million.
The TV journalist wrote: “He was an older guy and went out a true hero. RIP PETE THE HERO!”
Cathi spoke of her loss, saying:
“Please light a candle for Pete. Remember that fostering a dog can sometimes save you.”
Pete was an elderly dog with a huge heart, who stood his ground even as other dogs ran to safety. He was willing to lay down his life for his friends and the man who rescued him. Rest easy, Pete and know that you are dearly missed!