The Humane Society of the United States has named Bear, a 160-pound mastiff-mix from Palmer, Alaska, as a "Dogs of Valor" finalist in the inaugural competition honoring courageous canines. Bear was chosen because he intervened during a machete attack against his owners in December 2007.
News reports give the following account: Bear's owners, Christopher E. Rogers Sr. and his fiancée Elann "Linny" Moren, were allegedly attacked with a machete by Rogers' 28-year-old son, Christopher Erin Rogers Jr. During the alleged attack, which took place in the couple's bedroom, Christopher Erin Rogers Jr. allegedly struck his father multiple times with the blade, ultimately killing him. When Christopher Erin Rogers Jr. allegedly struck Moren, Bear intervened, allowing Moren to escape to the bathroom where she was able to lock herself inside and call police. Christopher Erin Rogers Jr. fled the house and reportedly continued his 26-hour rampage in nearby Anchorage. Moren suffered a dozen devastating slashes to her head, neck and back, but survived the attack, in part, because Bear's actions gave her a chance to escape.
Bear was selected as a finalist by a panel of celebrity judges that included Martina Navratilova, Candy Spelling, Tamar Geller and Silvio Horta. Last week, HSUS Regional Director Dave Pauli presented the award to Bear and his family at a First Strike workshop sponsored by Friends of Pets of Anchorage. Nearly 50 law enforcement, animal protection and domestic violence organization representatives were in attendance.
At the workshop, Moren addressed the group and thanked law enforcement, emergency services providers and Anchorage citizens for their ongoing support. She also gave a special thank-you to Bear, who sustained injuries to his face, jaw and teeth while protecting her.
"Dogs of Valor awards are an excellent way to recognize heroic stories involving canine bravery, intelligence and loyalty," Pauli said.
In addition to a sterling-silver Dogs of Valor tag, Bear's family received a framed certificate and a hand-crafted dog wall-clock from Humane Domain, The HSUS' online store.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.
