The community of Greenwood Lake and admirers from all over are paying tribute to an elderly dog who died from wounds suffered protecting others from a bear attack.

The past few days have been sad on Court Avenue in Greenwood Lake. Residents are rallying behind a neighbor whose beloved dog Pete died following a bear attack in the nearby woods. Neighbors say it's not uncommon to see bears roaming around the area.

Pete’s owner told News 12 that she’s heartbroken and too distraught to talk on camera, but described the harrowing ordeal on Instagram. She says Pete, an elderly English setter rescue, held off a startled bear until the rest of the dogs in their group were gotten safely away. Pete was gravely injured by the time her husband rushed back.

The injuries were so severe that the owner reportedly decided it was best to put Pete down.

The hashtag #PeteTheHero has gone viral in honor of the old dog who refused to back down from a fight.