Darren Cropper, who lives in Bonfield, Ontario, close to North Bay, credits his three-year-old dog, Bear—a mix of Siberian husky and golden retriever—with saving his life. CTV News
In Bonfield, Ontario, a remarkable story of loyalty and bravery unfolded when a three-year-old dog named Bear saved his owner, Darren Cropper, from a life-threatening situation. This heroic act not only highlights the bond between humans and their pets but also showcases the incredible instincts that dogs possess.
Darren Cropper, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, considers Bear, a mix of Siberian husky and golden retriever, as more than just a pet. “He’s loyal to the end,” Darren said, expressing his gratitude for the dog’s life-saving actions.
On the night of August 29, 2022, at around 4 a.m., Bear sprang into action. His sudden movements and howls woke Darren’s wife, Janice, and their son. When Janice realized that Darren was missing from their bed, she instinctively followed Bear downstairs. What she found was alarming: Darren lay unconscious on the living room floor.
"I came down and the dog had jumped over the couch and onto Darren, and I said, 'Holy crap,'" Janice recalled, clearly shaken by the scene.
In the early hours of August 29, 2022, at around 4 a.m., Bear woke up Janice, Darren Cooper’s wife, by jumping on her and howling. She soon realized that Darren was having a severe heart attack. CTV News
Without hesitation, Janice called 911, and paramedics arrived promptly. They took Darren to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a severe heart attack known as a “widowmaker.” This type of heart attack is often fatal, but thanks to Bear’s intervention, Darren had a fighting chance.
Earlier that night, Darren had felt unwell and decided to make a cup of coffee around 1 a.m. “I wasn’t in any pain, but everything felt fuzzy,” he recalled. After reaching the bottom of the stairs, everything went blank for him.
Bear, born from two former service dogs, sensed that something was wrong. The family believes it was in his instinctual nature to act. After being unconscious for about three hours, Darren came to, discover Bear’s paws on his chest, apparently trying to revive him.
“I remember coming around and he was on my chest,” Darren said. “He wasn’t even trained to do it. He just did it.” Bear’s determination likely played a significant role in keeping Darren alive until help arrived.
Once at the hospital in Sudbury, Darren underwent a five-hour emergency triple bypass surgery. Although he has experienced some lingering side effects from the heart attack, he has worked hard to regain his strength and normalcy over the past year.
Because of Bear’s brave actions, Darren Cooper is safe and healthy today. In recognition of this, Bear has been honored with a spot in the 2024 Purina Animal Hall of Fame. CTV News
Thanks to Bear’s incredible actions, Darren is alive today, and the bond between them has deepened even further. In recognition of his heroism, Bear has been inducted into the 2024 Purina Animal Hall of Fame, an honour that reflects the impact he made that fateful night.
“When I first saw him when I got home, he came right to me and jumped in my arms, and I just broke down crying,” Darren said, his emotions evident as he recalled their reunion.
The family plans to attend a special ceremony at Purina’s headquarters in Mississauga to celebrate Bear’s bravery. This touching story proves that heroes come in many forms, including those with four legs and wagging tails. “If it wasn’t for him, everything would be a lot different,” Darren emphasized, grateful for his loyal companion.
