Pit bull puppy sacrifices self to protect kids from venomous snake, support pours online

“All of a sudden, he (Zeus) started attacking the snake which was close to my son and he was bitten four times,” her husband, Gary told Fox News Orlando. The family found the remains of the dead reptile and believed the puppy may have swallowed the head of the snake when it ripped it off as they found a “headless body.”

While the dog saved the boys, it suffered several bites and was rushed to the Veterinary Hospitals in Ocala where it was administered anti-venom.

However, the pup succumbed the next day. Coral snakes are dangerous and has the second-strongest venom, after the black mamba which has the most deadly venom.

Zeus’ story touched many hearts online and netizens were as disheartened as the Richardson family. Many donated towards the high vet bill for the pup’s treatment and showered love to the family. “He will be remembered by the many hearts he has touched across the world now,” she added.

As many fear pit bull and there are misconception about them being aggressive and not a friendly breed to be around babies, the family highlighted “Pit bulls are the most loyal dog. If you find (a pit bull) that’s aggressive, most likely, it’s because they weren’t treated right. If you treat them right, they would give their life for you and I owe my son’s life to him,” she added.