Let's hear it for the dog-moms! Woo-hoo - four paws up!

Often we read about a canine (or feline) performing an unusual act of bravery to help the human that he (or she) loves. Most recently pet owners of the feminine PURRsuasion have stepped up to the plate (mother instincts) to take on predators to save their dogs.

Now, I'm not going to say that women are more brave than men; however, men run back into the house to get a gun and the women - well, heck, they just run out to take on the bear bare-handed not thinking of themselves and their safety, but with a singular focus to save the life of someone they love. Let's hear it for the ladies!



About two months after an Alaska woman punched a bear in the face to save her dog, a Pennsylvania woman has a similar story to tell.

Suzan Merritt heard what sounded like animals fighting in her yard on Thursday night. When she went outside to investigate the commotion, she found a bear and cub attacking Otto, her dog.

The 38-year-old was able to deter the bear's attention away from the German Shepard, but it soon came running toward her, WNEP reports.

The black bear swatted at Merritt and knocked her to the ground, but she got right back up and yelled until the two animals scampered off into the woods, she detailed on ABC's "Good Morning America."

The entire incident happened in about 30 seconds, the Morning Call reports. "[My husband, Chris,] grabbed a shotgun on his way out, but the bear was already gone."

Merritt received cuts to her neck, head, wrist and finger and needed several stitches and staples. Otto underwent surgery to repair damage to his right leg. Both dog and owner are expected to be OK.