Onyx and the Backyard Bear

The united pets of Hambone Nation welcome a warrior this week: Onyx, the bear whisperer. Not many small dogs have approached a bear in their backyard and lived to tell about it, but that’s exactly what happened to this mixed-breed pooch.

“Onyx was out front with my husband before she suddenly dashed into the backyard,” said pet parent Marie Flores of Vernon, N.J. “I was inside at the time and I just happened to look out our bedroom window – I’m not sure why, but I did – and right as I looked up, I saw Onyx confronting a bear and her cubs in our backyard.” According to Marie, she could tell her dog and the bear were fighting, even though there had been no attempt at contact from either challenger.

“I know the bear didn’t want to kill Onyx, because it easily could have,” said Marie. “Instead, it sort of pushed her away. I screamed so loud at that moment and, even though I was inside, I think the sound of it startled both Onyx and the bear.” Jarred by Marie’s fearful scream, the bear backed off and Onyx ran back toward the house. “We were a little shook up, but we thought everything was fine,” said Marie. “My husband immediately picked up Onyx and when he set her back down, his whole T-shirt was covered in blood.”

It was noon on a Saturday, but Marie knew of a local animal hospital that was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “We took her down to the animal hospital and she had a gash on her side about the size of two quarters,” said Marie. “Luckily, it wasn’t very deep but the doctor decided to sedate her and stitch it up. While Onyx was sedated, he found another gash on the inside of her leg, which was deeper into the muscle.”

After stitches, an e-collar, antibiotics, pain pills and 10 days of rest, Onyx made a complete recovery. Though their dog is back to her usual, curious self, Marie and her husband are taking extra precaution. “We don’t let her outside alone anymore,” said Marie. “It’s important for pet parents to be aware of their surroundings. If the area is known for wildlife, keep dogs on a leash when taking them out at night.”

According to Marie, Onyx isn’t an aggressive dog but rather instinctually curious, which lead her to approach the bear that was on her property. “You can never be too careful because you just don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Marie. “This is exactly why we got VPI Pet Insurance and although we only have the lowest level of coverage for Onyx, it definitely helps.”