Heroic 12-Year-Old Half Blind Dog Protects Family From Bear
Honey, a half-blind senior dog has saved her family and their dozens of farm animals after bravely fighting off a bear in New Mexico.
On March 3rd, Honey was on farm patrol when she encountered a hungry bear that had just emerged from hibernation. The bear was trying to get into the chicken coop, which holds the family’s 60 chickens when Honey shielded them from harm. She kept the attacking bear away from the chickens, horses, and other dogs but suffered some massive blows.
“We’ll never know exactly how it unfolded in the dark of that night, but we know this: Honey stood her ground against something she had no business fighting,” Española Humane wrote on Facebook alongside photos of Honey, who had suffered numerous injuries. “She took the hits so no one else would have to, and she drove a predator away from everything she loves.”
Honey’s owner, Denise Martinez, discovered Honey hours after the incident. The poor pup was badly injured and lying in the driveway. Security footage and tracks from the attack showed that Honey had diligently warded off a bear while on patrol.
Denise’s daughter, Leanna Martinez, noted the extent of Honey’s injuries: “Her face was swollen on the left, so I turned her head to the right, and that’s when I saw her whole neck was just ripped from the back all the way down.”
They rushed her to the urgent care clinic run by Española Humane, the nonprofit shelter.
“Her injuries were catastrophic,” the shelter wrote. “A devastating degloving wound from her neck up into her face. Deep punctures. Unbelievable bruising and swelling. Lacerations that told the story her voice never would.”
“But Honey made it… and zero chickens were harmed, both horses fully protected,” the post continued. “Her family, who work in healthcare themselves, knew immediately, though, that this was life or death for Honey.”
Honey is no stranger to danger. She survived Parvo, a run-in with a porcupine (the cause of her blindness in one eye), and now a bear. Her family have nicknamed her “Honey the Bear Slayer,” noting the loyal dog risked her life to save her friends and family.
Now, Honey is at home recuperating, which will take months. But she is surrounded by love and support.
“It could have cost her everything,” Española Humane said. “And because of her family’s love, a community who cares, and a little bit of Honey Badger badassery…this half blind sassy senior is still here.”