Former NY shelter dog honored for heroism

ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — A former shelter dog has been honored for saving his new family from a Long Island house fire.

Bear the 150-pound Mastiff mix was honored Wednesday at a ceremony in Islip (EYE'-slihp).

Officials presented him with a 12-inch dog biscuit in the shape of a "key to the town." He ate the attention — and the treat — right up.

Town officials say Bear saved Carol Swinson and her 9-year-old grandson, DJ, during the recent fire in Brentwood. He jumped on Swinson to wake her up.

The family had adopted Bear just two weeks earlier. He'd been at the shelter two months.

Bear also received dog toys to replace the ones he lost in the fire.

Town officials say Bear represents other deserving shelter pets still waiting for adoption.

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