Dog honoured for saving his Kamloops owner’s life during bear attack

A dog who saved the life of his owner during a 2019 horrific black bear attack in Kamloops is being nationally recognized for his heroism and courage.

The incident occurred in May, 2019 when Ashley Gribble was hiking with her dogs between McQueen Lake and Isobelle Lake.

An attack by a male black bear left Gribble bruised and shaken, while her dog Bane suffered 26 puncture wounds after leaping in to protect her.

READ MORE: How this Kamloops woman and her dog are coping after bear attack

Bane has been inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, an annual event that reminds Canadians of the selfless love of our loyal companions. It is the longest running Canadian pet-recognition program in history, celebrating outstanding acts of animal heroism since 1968, according to a media release.

Four heroic hounds have been inducted this year due to their incredible acts of perseverance, intuition and love, all which ultimately saved lives. Bane from Kamloops is one of them, and his owner said she wants to share the good news.

"We are very proud of Bane and honoured to have been chosen," Gribble said. "Because of Bane's heroism saving my life that day he is now one of only a few in B.C. with this honour."

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