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Four incredible dogs inducted into Canadas Animal Hall of Fame

It doesnt take a lot to be considered a good dog. A good dog sits and stays on command. A good dog responds to its owners call. A good dog doesnt eat your shoes. It doesnt bark, bite or hump every two- or four-legged creature in sight. If the dogs a good cuddler and can pull off a few tricks, well then hes a great dog.

The gap between great and extraordinary, however, is wide. And the dogs inducted into Canadas Animal Hall of Fame are undoubtedly a different breed. Theyre honoured for their acts of incredible heroism in cases where their owners lives were placed in danger. Theyre smart and loyal and unbelievably brave. Frankly, they put average pooches to shame.

The Animal Hall of Fame is presented by Purina. Each year, they receive hundreds of nominees, but only few animal are awarded. The prize includes a medal, which the animal takes home, and a special plaque at Torontos PawsWay.

The 48th annual Animal Hall of Fame ceremony had all the pomp and circumstance of Best In Show, the mockumentary film set at a prestigious dog show.

In addition to a red carpet, there was a podium for the dogs to pose on, lighting effects, dramatic music, hors doeuvres served to human attendees and radio-host presenters to introduce each dog. Several camera people captured the front, back and side angles of all the dogs as they walked on stage similar to whats done at other award shows like the Oscars.

It should be noted that the Animal Hall of Fame recognizes animals of all species. Dogs just happen to dominate the field, with 144 inductees over the years. Heroic cats do, however, exist there have been 27 of them. Theres also been one life-saving horse.

The stories of this years four dog inductees are truly remarkable. A fifth dog was honoured this year with a new award, too. Meet the pups and read their amazing stories below.

Name: Raya

Age: 4

Breed: Labrador Retriever Norwegian Elkhound cross

Home: Fort St. John, BC

Parts of the movie The Revenant may have turned out differently had Leonardo DiCaprios character, Hugh Glass, had a dog like Raya around. In 2015, Raya accompanied her owner, Brent Cote, and his mother Trudy on a recreational hunting trip. They hiked for hours deep into the woods before turning around as the sun started to set. Suddenly, a bear came charging in front of them, growling and clacking her teeth in defense of her cubs. Even though Cote was an experienced adventurer, he was unprepared for this encounter. Raya ran out in front of Cote and his mom and barked at the bear until she stopped in her tracks, giving them time to slowly retreat to safety. Only after they had returned to their car did Cote realize that Raya had risked her life to save theirs.

Name: Rex

Age: 9

Breed: Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd cross

Home: Aberdeen, SK

Rex was rescued from a local shelter by Mitch Hawman and his wife Santana when he was just a puppy. In 2015, Mitchs mom Noreen Lucas fell ill while visiting the family on Christmas Eve. She took a sleeping pill to help her rest when everyone left the house, but later awoke to Rex tugging desperately at her pant leg. The whole house was engulfed in flames and filled with smoke. Noreen had only had a few minutes to get herself, Rex and the other family pets to safety. Without Rex, I wouldnt be here, Lucas says, fighting back tears. We honour men and women who are heroes. Weve got to honour animals who are heroes too.

Name: Zola

Age: 7

Breed: Labradoodle

Home: Toronto

When Zola entered the Church household, Matthew Church didnt consider himself a dog person. Zola was daughter Olivias dog, but a near-death incident in late 2014, completely changed Matthews views on the family pet. After returning home from a long bike ride, Matthew went upstairs to shower and relax. His wife, Patricia, recalls hearing a heavy thud, but assumed someone had dropped a pile of books. Zola, however, became increasingly agitated and signalled to Patricia that something was wrong. She found her husband unconscious he had suffered from cardiac arrest and was able to call for help just in time.

My relationship with Zola is completely transformed by this experience, Matthew says. Im grateful, but its deeper than that. Its the kind of appreciation of who she is and how shes apart of our family.

The dog is famous in the neighbourhood now, Patricia adds. We always treated her well, but now we treat her super well.

Name: Lonca

Age: 2

Breed: German Shepherd

Home: Toronto

Lonca works for the Toronto Police Services as part of the TPS Canine Unit. One night in 2015, Lonca and her partner, Constable Steve Balice, were responding to a residential incident, when a suspect ran from the house with a machete in hand, approaching a group of police officers. According to Balice, Lonca ran after the suspect, bringing him to the ground, but not without sustaining injuries to her head, neck and body. His bravery and determination helped end the dangerous situation and kept other officers safe.

A new award was introduced this year. Called the Better Together Awards, it honours pet and human partnerships, where the relationship makes a significant impact on the daily life of the owner. Heres this years winner:

Name: Kayla Aolick and Shadow

Shadows age: 6

Breed: Golden Retriever

Home: Port Alberni, BC

Kayla Aolick, who suffers from epilepsy, was matched with Shadow, a seizure-response dog, three years ago through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. I dont know where Id be without Shadow, she says, adding that having Shadow by her side helped her gain independence. My family and I are so grateful for how our lives have changed for the better having Shadow in it. Aolick says shes now fundraising to sponsor a guide dog for another Canadian in need.

michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas

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