Dogs are our best friends, the source of extreme loyalty and unconditional love. A canine would do anything for his human companion, but some are simply born natural heroes!

When he was only 9 months old, in September 2019, Zeus sacrificed his own life to protect the children of the couple that owned him. While the puppy pit bull was playing outside in the family home in Sumter County, Florida, he suddenly started acting strangely.

He started throwing something that resembled a rope around in his teeth as if to get it away. He then laid down on it, next to his water bucket, and looked unwell.

The boy hadn’t noticed a coral snake coming toward him, but Zeus was quick to protect him!

The face of the pit bill started swelling up, and when they lifted his head, they found the lifeless body of a red, yellow, and black snake lying on the floor.

These snakes are extremely dangerous, as their bite can lead to a paralysis of the breathing muscles in the victim. The pain is usually mild, but in a few hours, one can experience respiratory failure.

The father, Gary Richardson, explained:

“All of a sudden, he started attacking the snake which was close to my son and he was bit four times. I knew when he first came in that something was wrong and (it) was very traumatic because I knew he was dying.”

Zeus was immediately taken to the vet by the mother Georgina, and the father stayed at home with the kids.

Unfortunately, the puppy succumbed to the snake’s venom.

Gina explained was born at their home on New Year’s Day, so Zeus was a “member of the family,” and his death “just killed us”. The puppy died on the birthday of her son.

She admitted:

“I’m still holding back tears just talking about it. We’ll forever be grateful for what Zeus did for our family.”

Gina added that apart from their bad reputation, pit bulls are often aggressive because they are mistreated.

She said:

 “If you treat them right, they would give their life for you and I owe my son’s life to him.”

Rest in peace, brave Zeus.

Sources:
www.today.com
www.cbsnews.com
metro.co.uk