Bear, a seven-year-old American Shepherd, has long been adored by his family. After a recent terrifying experience, his family and friends of theirs consider Bear to be a hero. They credit Bear with saving their lives when their Akron, Ohio home caught fire.
“That dog…if he hadn’t woken anyone up, I don’t even want to think about what would have happened,” Annie Geiger told News 5 Cleveland about Bear. Annie’s friend Donna Freeman, her kids, and mother Bernice, were staying with Annie and her kids on a recent night. Donna woke up during the night to feel Bear repeatedly nudging her. “He was very persistent,” Donna told reporters about Bear’s actions. Bear then went and woke up Bernice. The two women realized that the home was filling with smoke and, because of Bear’s persistence at getting them up, were then able to alert Annie and all the kids. Everyone, including Bear, was able to get to safety.