Protective instincts are ingrained in a dog’s DNA, yet when canines look out for each other or their families, it still comes as a beautiful surprise.
Two dogs in particular struck social media viewers after their need to protect and look out for each other began early in their relationship. Four years ago, owner Jason Zackowski was walking the dogs by the creek next to his farm, with Beaker, who was around 5 months old, leading. Zackowski estimated the golden retriever puppy was no more than 10 feet in front when a coyote rushed out of the bushes and attacked.
“I was yelling and screaming, but I wasn’t going to make it to her in time,” he told Newsweek. “Coyotes rarely attack people and dogs, but this one did. I forgot that Bunsen was beside me, and he charged in and bodychecked the coyote into next week.”
Bunsen, a Bernese mountain dog, took off after the coyote while Zackowski put Beaker back on the lead. He said by the time he looked up, Bunsen strolled back as if nothing had happened. If it weren’t for Bunsen stepping up to protect Beaker, Zackowski believes the pup would’ve died.
Fast-forward to today and Beaker hasn’t forgotten how her older doggy sibling saved her. In fact, she’s stepped up to return the favor after Bunsen had “lifesaving surgery.” The dog had a massive growth slowly growing inside him. The surgery removed the 8-pound growth, and now Bunsen is recovering with Beaker by his side.
“She slept by him in his pen, she brought him presents, and she shooed Bernoulli, our puppy, away if he was getting too close to the pen,” Zackowski said.
A TikTok video shows two canine siblings. The golden retriever won’t leave her brother’s side while he recovers from surgery. Four years ago, he saved her from a coyote attack.
@bunsenbernerbmd/TikTok
Their bond doesn’t come as much of a shock to Zackowski. He said the two dogs loved each other instantly. Plus, dogs are pack animals.
“Bunsen would die for anyone in our family, and our family included Beaker,” Zackowski said. “When Beaker needed to step up, even though she isn’t big and tough, she knew the assignment. It was sweet, inspirational and awesome.”
TikToker Users React
An August 20 TikTok video posted to the account @bunsenbernerbmd showed off the dogs’ beautiful bond and need to be there for each other. As of Tuesday, the clip had over 802,900 views, 76,800 likes and 173 comments.
“Part of the ship, part of the crew haha dogs are so amazing,” commented one viewer.
Another added: “Such a good baby sister!
A third person wrote: “So happy he’s home. Beaker will take good care of him.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
