Boston Bar, B.C. - Yesterday, Constable Chad Gravelle received a Detachment Commander's Commendation for his quick response and efforts that saved the life of Angel, the retriever who  put herself in harms way to  spare her  eleven year old  buddy Austin Forman from being attacked by a cougar.

(  at right, Constabe Chad Gravelle and Austin Forman  photo courtesy RCMP)

The Commendation was presented at the Boston Bar RCMP Detachment by Superintendent Keith Robinson, Officer in Charge of the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP.

The Commendation states:

“The Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment Senior Management Team and I would like to recognize you for the outstanding work and quick thinking during a potentially deadly situation.

On January 2, 2010 in Boston Bar, B.C. you responded to a call of a cougar encounter with a young boy and his dog, Angel. The cougar had entered on to the family property advancing towards the child when the family dog came to the boy’s assistance by attacking the cougar. The child was able to run from the cougar, taking shelter and a call for police assistance was made.

Upon your arrival on the scene, it was evident that Angel was losing her battle with the cougar. Your quick response to put the cougar down ended what could have been a fatal outcome for the family pet.

Your expertise and dedication clearly epitomize our Core Values and meet the highest traditions of the RCMP."

The events that unfolded on January 3rd, 2010 for 11 year old Austin, his best friend Angel, and Constable Gravelle have created a lasting bond. While discussing the recent events, Constable Gravelle and his wife, who were still without a name for their soon to arrive son decided Austin sounded pretty good to them.

Austin will be the name sake for Constable Gravelle’s new son, and the bond that has now been created between Cst. Gravelle, Austin, Angel, and their families is one that will last a life time.

Angel was expected to return home yesterday but is still being monitored after her surgery in the Chilliwack area.  Angel suffered  puncture wounds to her head, neck and hind leg.

Her recovery is going well but all the excitement at home with the international media attention she has attracted (a live broadcast on the Today Show out of New York, coverage on Inside Edition out of Las Angeles which is set to air on Wednesday night, and CNN just to name a few) was expected to be a little too much for her.