It may sound like an old cliché, but it’s indisputable that a puppy really is man’s best friend.

In fact, some furries are even better than best friends. Or how many of your best friends would give their own life fighting a bear to save you? The answer is obvious.

This is when the brave and heroic act of a little dog named Pete leaves us speechless.

Pete was an older English setter puppy, rescued and adopted by Me and My Shadow Pets, a small company founded by a couple from New York, USA, who lovingly care for and walk pets.

He was 12 years old when, along with other dogs, he was adopted by Cathi and Steve. Their plans were to enjoy his old age and give him the best months, and if possible, some more years of happiness at their side.

But after just a year and a half of sharing incredible adventures and knowing true love, Pete faced the ultimate test of courage and faithfulness. And with his life he proved how grateful he was and how much he loved them.

Pete gave his own life in the face of a huge bear to defend his owner and his canine friends.

Although the events happened in February 2018, two years after his departure, his legacy lives on in all those who knew him and on those he left an indelible mark.

It was during one of the walks in the woods, which his owners organized with their clients’ puppies, when everything ended in misfortune.

That day, Steve went out with Pete and the other dogs to Greenwood Lake in New York. He never imagined that this would be his last walk and the one that would tear the older puppy from his arms forever.

Suddenly, a huge wild black bear appeared behind them, unaware of their presence because it was raining.

However, Pete was more than clever and when he saw that the bear could attack them, he decided to block the bear’s path to frighten it, so that his owner and his friends could escape.

Everything happened so fast, that when Steve wanted to intervene to stop him, Pete was already on the ground injured.

“The bear felt threatened and turned around. Pete took a step, I got up and held the bear at bay until I could get the other dogs to safety. Once I was sure they were safe, I went back and scared the bear away, but Pete was badly injured,” Steve recounts.

Steve, totally distraught yet in shock at having witnessed his little dog’s heroic act, quickly got him into the car to seek immediate help. “All the way, he clung on like a real trooper the whole time, and he was never alone in his pain,” his owner recounted.

However, due to his advanced age and the severe injuries he received, it was best to put him to sleep to spare him suffering.

In a post on the company’s website, Steve opened his heart, touching millions of people with what happened and his hard loss:

“X-rays revealed some pretty severe damage to his spine that would mean he would never be able to walk again, if he survived all the surgeries (not a sure thing at his age). We decided it was best to let him go that afternoon. You will no longer have all those aches and pains of old age, you had 18 wonderful months with us spending your days as you loved. I love you Pete, save me some cheese for when we meet again.”

For Steve and Cathi it was really hard to get over the loss of their very brave boy. However, they took the opportunity to send an emotional message to the world

“Remember that raising and rescuing a dog can sometimes save you. Older dogs have so much to give. Your actions prove that no dog is too old to be abandoned or too lost to be loved.”

While it’s impossible not to feel sad about such a departure, we know that on the other side of the rainbow bridge he is happy and proud to have saved those he loved so much. Fly high, brave little guy!*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***