Hero Dog Gets Bitten In The Face By Rattlesnake While Saving Owner

Paula Godwin/Facebook

In today’s edition of ‘why we don’t deserve dogs’, a very good boy saved his owner from being attacked by a rattlesnake, and got bitten in the face as a result. 

Dogs do lots of wonderful things for their owners, like providing joyous furry company, always greeting you like you’ve been away for years, and also, simply just existing.

One dog went above and beyond the levels of being a good boy and has achieved hero canine status by saving his owner from a rattlesnake – taking the bite for her.

Todd, the golden retriever, was on a walk with his owner, Paula Godwin, in Anthem, Arizona, on Friday morning (June 29) when Paula almost stepped on a rattlesnake without seeing it.

Paula Godwin/Facebook

Much like a slow-motion action movie where someone dives in front of a bullet, Todd spotted the snake and saved Paula from being bitten by jumping in front of her legs, sacrificing his face in the process.

The snake bit Todd on the nose, causing his snout to swell up in a painfully adorable fashion.

Paula posted to Facebook about her dog’s quick reflexes, calling him her ‘sweet hero’.

The post read:

So this morning was up bright and early to go on a hike on 7 th street carefree . It was a beautiful morning but as we were walking down the hill I literally almost stepped on a mf rattlesnake. [sic]

But my hero of a puppy Todd saved me He jumped right in front of my leg were I surely would have got bit. This is what a hero looks like please say a little prayer for my sweet hero. [sic]

Todd was reportedly taken to Anthem Animal Hospital for treatment, and thankfully, is expected to make a full recovery.

Check him out below:

The photos Paula shared of her injured doggo have gone viral, with people praising Todd and wishing him well.

One commenter wrote on Facebook:

Take care of you dogs and they will take care of you sending love from Canada and a speedy recovery for Todd.

While another added:

Prayers for your brave pup

A sympathetic friend wrote:

Prayers for Todd, not a good way to end a hike

Paula Godwin/Facebook

Paula Godwin/Facebook

The popular Twitter account WeRateDogs also posted about the golden retriever, sharing his amazing story and giving him a very well deserved 15/10 rating.

They tweeted:

This is Todd. He saved his human from a rattlesnake yesterday. A true h*ckin hero. He’s expected to make a full recovery and has been rewarded our fifth ever 15/10

Todd is proof that even canines can wear capes – and he’s not afraid to do so. Paula posted another picture of the dog in his superhero outfit yesterday (July 1).

Paula captioned the photo ‘Much love to all from hero Todd’.

I think Todd has officially set a new standard for good boys by saving Paula, we wish him a fast recovery!

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to [email protected].

Emily Brown

Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.