Meet Bear, the Heroic Dog Who Saved a Missing Man

On his 12^th birthday, retired police dog Bear found a missing person thanks to his keen sense of smell, undoubtedly saving the old man’s life in the dense woodland along the Sussex Way in London, England.

“Bear suddenly stopped dead in front of us,” recalls Sophie Haydock, retired police officer and owner of the heroic dog. “He stepped backwards, completely focused on a spot in front of him, then dragged me towards the undergrowth.”

Missing for hours, the man had gone for a walk, got lost, tripped over and couldn’t get up. A helicopter and drones were deployed, and foot searches were conducted on the rugged terrain, but to no avail. Bear’s instinct saved the day… and the man, who was entirely covered by dense undergrowth. The 48-kilogram German shepherd led his owner to the older man, who seemed distressed, had a few scratches, and was confused and cold. “If Bear hadn’t found him, he would unlikely have survived the night.”