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Quanto, an Edmonton police service dog who died in the line of duty is among the fearless four-legged heroes that have been inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame.

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The late Quanto, a five-year-old German Shepherd, was among the four dogs and one cat being honoured at the annual ceremony at the PawsWay in Toronto on Monday. The event recognizes extreme acts of courage, bravery and devotion by Canadian pets and service animals.

On an early morning last October, Quanto and his partner, Const. Matt Williamson strayed from a pack of police cars that were in pursuit of a suspect in a stolen vehicle in an effort to quickly secure the perimeter. When the vehicle became disabled at a gas station, the man jumped out and fled. Williamson ordered the suspect to stop or he would send in Quanto — but his calls were ignored.

The officer deployed the dog to nab the suspect, and the man wound up hitting the dog several times with his right fist. As Williamson got closer, he realized the suspect was wielding a knife and actually stabbing the dog.

Williamson ordered the man to drop the knife and the dog released his hold on the man. By this time, police officers had arrived and surrounded the suspect to arrest him.