A 27-year-old man from Cataract, Wis., credits his deceased dog for saving his life. According to Jason Schindler, he wouldn't have been alive if his 8-year-old mixed-breed hound, Dude, might not have jumped between him and an attacking black bear.

Recalling the Thursday night incident to the Lacrossetribune.com, Schindler said he came out of his house after hearing Dude yelping loudly. But he was taken to surprise after he saw a huge "dark thing" lunging at him.

Suddenly his dog jumped between the two and was quickly mauled by the bear.

Schindler said he returned to his house, grabbed his gun, returned to the scene and fired, which apparently scared the beast who then fled into the woods.

Dude was rushed to the Sparta Veterinary Clinic, but he could not survive the deep wounds, he told the Lacrossetribune.com.

Schindler also revealed the heart-warming story behind Dude's adoption. Schindler said Dude was the last of a litter of puppies available at the Monroe County Animal Shelter, and had he not adopted him, he would have been euthanized.

"In a way he was a miracle dog," he said.