Taber Police say a dog protected a man from coyotes and kept him warm while he was stuck in a ditch for two days. (Photo: Taber Police Service)

By Christian Oldale

Taber dog fights off coyotes, protects man stuck in ditch for two days

Mar 30, 2024 | 12:29 PM

TABER, AB – A dog in Taber is being recognized by police for his heroics.

On March 28, 2024, at around 6:50 a.m., the Taber Police Service (TPS) received a complaint about a dog at large, with potential injuries, on the north side of the Sugar Factory property. Police were unable to find the dog at the scene.

Later that day, TPS received another report, this time saying a man and his dog had been bitten by a large dog, on the north side of the Sugar Factory property.

Police arrived on scene and found a large Akita dog on a small hill. They also heard cries for help from nearby. They found a 61-year-old man hidden in tall grass, who said he had been stuck in a muddy ditch for two days.

With the assistance of Taber Emergency Services, the male was rescued and transported to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

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The Akita, fittingly named named Hero, was taken to a veterinarian for assessment. The owner said Hero had stayed by his side to keep him warm and at one point, fought off coyotes.

The Akita, named Hero, was treated at a vet. (Photo: Taber Police Service)

The man who had been bitten by Hero also received medical attention, and said despite being bitten, he is grateful that Hero protected the other man.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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