Bear, a Border Collie x Koolie, a dog from Sunshine Coast that no one wanted has become one of Australia’s most unlikely conservation heroes.
Spent the early years of his life being passed from home to home, deemed too energetic, too difficult, and too much to handle. But this year, he is celebrated as a wildlife protector, having helped locate and save over 100 koalas in need.
Bear’s extraordinary efforts were recognised with the All Rescues Are Special (ARAS) Medal, proudly sponsored by The Saltiest Dog, as part of the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards. Nominated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Bear’s story is a powerful testament to second chances and the incredible potential of rescue animals when given the right support.
A Dog No One Wanted
Adopted as a puppy, he was soon surrendered because his high energy made him too much for his owners to handle.
Several families tried to give him a home but ended in disappointment. His final guardians even faced eviction due to the destruction he caused in their house.
At that point, Bear’s future looked uncertain. But then, fate intervened.
When the University of the Sunshine Coast Detection Dogs for Conservation team heard about Bear, they saw something others hadn’t.
Dr Romane Cristescu, Director of the Detection Dogs for Conservation, recalled that after seeing Bear, the team already knew he’s “the one.”
Bear’s Life Saving Mission
Bear became a specialist detection dog, trained to sniff out sick, injured, or displaced koalas. His work became even more critical during Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires, when koalas needed urgent rescue and rehabilitation.
By tracking their scent, Bear has helped save over 100 koalas, ensuring they received medical care and, where possible, were released back into the wild.
Bear’s inspiring story has been featured in documentaries even on his own: “Bear, Koala Hero.”
Celebrating Australia’s Most Remarkable Dogs
The Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards honour extraordinary dogs who make a difference—whether through rescue work, therapy, protection, or companionship. Now in their fifth year, these awards shine a spotlight on the ways dogs enrich human lives and contribute to the world in unique and inspiring ways.
Alongside Bear, other inspiring winners include:
Australian Dog of the Year 2025: Elle, a deaf Border Collie from the Gold Coast. Elle uses sign language to navigate agility competitions and work as a school therapy dog, helping anxious children.
People’s Choice Award: Daphne, a Tibetan Spaniel from Melbourne is a former therapy do. Daphne defied the odds by recovering from a severe brain injury.
Paws-itive Change Award: Sunday, a Sydney dog who became the first Australian animal to receive an osseointegration procedure, leading the way for groundbreaking medical treatments.
The Power of Second Chances
Kate Opitz, founder of The Saltiest Dog, the award sponsor, believes in the power of finding the right home:
“I truly believe that the right dog finds us when we need each other most.”
For Bear, the once-unwanted pup turned conservation superstar, the message is clear: every dog has a purpose—they just need the right opportunity to shine.
Published 30-Jan-2025