A dog is the most reliable friend you can have. He is always willing to intervene to protect you, even if it means putting himself at risk.
This is what a brave dog recently demonstrated by defending his young owner from a rattlesnake, even if it meant being bitten himself.
Alex Loredo, 18, of Harbison Canyon, California, is the owner of Marley, a Labrador. He first adopted the dog to help him lose weight after suffering health problems, and the two have been best friends ever since.
Last month, he was extremely fortunate to have Marley by his side as the teenager was in grave danger.
He told KGTV he was outside his house when he heard a “loud clicking sound” and came face to face with a huge rattlesnake. About a foot and a half in length.
Alex claims he “panicked” and was preparing for a snake bite… until Marley arrived.
“But before I could even turn around, Marley stepped between us,” Alex recalls. “Marley basically pushed me out of the way.” He barked repeatedly at the snake.
Unfortunately, Marley’s bravery put him in danger, as the snake bit him twice, once on the tongue and once on the neck. Alex reacted quickly, running to save his dog’s life from the poison.
“There was blood everywhere, and Marley collapsed to the ground, screaming in pain,” Alex wrote. “I panicked and took him to the nearest vet, which was 5 miles away.”
“I was terrified and tried to stay calm and think quickly because time was not on our side.”
Marley was taken to a veterinary hospital 25 miles away and given two antivenom injections. He had to stay in the hospital for several days, and the vets feared they would have to amputate his tongue.
Fortunately, Marley was unharmed and has already been released from the hospital to be reunited with his happy owner.
“If Marley hadn’t been there, they would have bitten me, and it would have been really bad,” Alex explained to KGTV. “Marley is a true hero. They are my best friends. “I’m not sure what I would do without him.”
Marley’s procedures were expensive, but Alex was willing to pay it to save his best friend’s life. Fortunately, GoFundMe donations paid the bills. The fundraising page surpassed its goal of $8,000.
Marley is an unsung hero! This shows how dedicated and protective dogs can be towards their people. We are so happy that he is safe now!
Please spread the word about this incredible story!