Brave Dog Saves Owner From Bear

Photo from Craig Campbell

What Happened?

Craig Campbell, a 70-year-old man from Cochrane, was hiking a trail that he knew well, located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of Cochrane. And who was right by his side, you may ask. It was his 10-year-old Doberman named Night. Suddenly, a mother bear and two cubs were in their path. The grizzly bear stood at nearly seven feet on two legs. Campbell was prepared with bear spray but could not get it out fast enough. Campbell told CTV News, “I managed two thoughts.

First of all, I said to myself, ‘This can’t be happening.’ And then I realized I wasn’t going to get the bear spray out (in time) and I said to myself, ‘I’m about to die.’” Then, suddenly, the mama bear charged at him, and Night heroically jumped in front of Campbell, putting distance between him and the bear. Campbell said, “I saw Night racing out of the corner of my eye and leaping directly in front of the bear.

(Night) crouched in front of the bear and I kept my eyes on him, and I finally got my bear spray out — but it was Night who bought me those precious seconds.” The bear, whether it was intimidated by Night or did not want any trouble with the bear spray, huffed loudly and then retreated to her two cubs.

About Night

Campbell trained Night well over the course of several years in “obedience, protection, and tracking through the German sport of Schutzhund — a discipline often used for police dogs.” He said, “I always wanted to turn a dog into a sort of super dog. I knew the breed pretty well, and I ordered Night from the best breeder I could find. He wasn’t just my buddy and my friend, but a dog I could train to bring out the very best in him.” Campbell believes that it was his extensive training that led Night to jump into action and save his life. He also shared, “Most dogs will flee from a bear. My dog runs at them. He is a very brave dog.” Brave indeed.

A friend of mine had a dog that chased after a bear. We were all screaming at her to come into the house before she got hurt, but she chased that bear right up a tree, barking at it all the while. She was a protective dog, always looking out for my friend’s younger sister, who was playing outside and didn’t even notice the bear.

Campbell went on to describe Night as loyal, protective, and sometimes playful. He also says that Night loves fishing and will stand in the water watching the fish go between his paws. To other dog owners, Campbell says, “What’s the best dog? The best dog is the dog you have in front of you. That’s the best dog.”

Night’s Victory

Night was one of two animals inducted into the 2025 Purina Animal Hall of Fame, Canada’s longest-running pet recognition program, for his bravery. Campbell could not be prouder of his best buddy, saying, “It’s cool, and it’s a nice recognition for Night. I always knew I had a good dog, but it’s special to see him recognized like this.” The program has been running for 57 glorious years, and has recognized almost 200 animals: 168 dogs, 27 cats, and 1 horse.

The corporate communications manager for Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada, Maleeha Sheikh said, “Pets are not just pets; they are family members. They do these beautiful, courageous, heroic acts, and it’s really wonderful that we get to honour them with this program.” Night beat out dozens of other submissions to earn his place in the Purina Animal Hall of Fame. He received a medallion, recognition at a special ceremony in Toronto, along with a year of free pet food.

A Cautionary Tale

Everyone who knows what Night did is also aware that things could have taken a turn for the worse. Kim Titchener, founder of Bear Safety & More commented, “It is rare that a dog off-leash chasing a bear turns into a happy ending like this one. I’m really happy and grateful for them, but generally, these interactions actually cause some pretty serious issues, such as people getting injured or even killed.

Generally, what we see is the dog runs ahead on the trail, they stumble upon a bear, and the bear gets defensive. The dog usually comes back to the owner, and when the bear sees the person, it sees them as an even bigger threat and then attacks the person. That’s generally what happens. This is one in a million — a very lucky situation.” I am sure Campbell and Night are relieved to have survived the encounter.