Two extraordinary dogs have been inducted into the 2026 Purina Animal Hall of Fame™, recognized for their remarkable bravery and unwavering devotion in protecting their owners during life-threatening emergencies. From helping an owner escape a frozen Nova Scotia lake to defending an Ontario family from a black bear that forced its way into their home, these canine heroes demonstrated incredible instinct, courage and loyalty when it mattered most.
"The Purina Animal Hall of Fame shines a light on the remarkable impact pets have on the lives of Canadians every day," says Maleeha Sheikh, Corporate Communications Manager, Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada. "This year's heroes exemplify courage, loyalty, and selflessness in extraordinary ways. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the profound connection we share with our pets and the lasting difference they make in our lives."
Since its inception in 1968, the Purina Animal Hall of Fame has recognized 198 animals, including 170 dogs, 27 cats and one horse, for extraordinary acts of courage and devotion that have helped save lives across Canada.
2026 Inductees
Chloe (Nipigon, ON): Late one September evening, Colette Shwetz let her seven-year-old dog, Chloe, outside before bed, unaware that a black bear was hiding just beyond the deck. As Chloe rushed back toward the house, the bear followed, forcing its way through the open door and launching a violent attack on Colette inside her home.
Despite suffering injuries herself, Chloe immediately sprang into action. She alerted Colette's husband, Joe, whose CPAP machine had masked the commotion, and helped distract the bear as the couple fought to survive. Together, they managed to force the animal into the basement, where Chloe repeatedly barked and held it at bay while Joe called 911. Police eventually arrived and safely ended the incident. The family refers to Chloe as their hero.
Timber (Lawrencetown, NS): What began as an afternoon of skijoring through the snowy trails of Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia quickly turned into a fight for survival when Jenna Galloway unknowingly crossed onto a frozen lake. The ice suddenly gave way beneath her, plunging both Jenna and her five-year-old Australian Shepherd, Timber, into the frigid water.
Unable to climb out while tangled in her skis and battling the freezing temperatures, Jenna managed to free Timber from the frozen lake and gave him the command to move forward. Timber responded immediately. As he pulled ahead, his harness caught around nearby branches, creating enough leverage for Jenna to pull herself from the icy water and onto solid ground.
Looking back, Jenna believes Timber's quick thinking and determination made all the difference. Alone on the trail, with no phone and no one aware of her location, she credits Timber with helping save her life. His unwavering loyalty and instinctive actions have earned him a place among Canada's most heroic animals.
Chloe and Timber now join a distinguished legacy of animals whose extraordinary actions have protected and saved the lives of the people they love. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the courage, loyalty and selflessness pets demonstrate every day, and of the extraordinary bond that connects Canadians with their companion animals.
About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Purina promotes responsible pet care through scientific research, products and support for pet-related organizations across Canada. Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.ca or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
SOURCE: Nestlé Purina
