Not all heroes wear capes. In fact, some prefer a smart collar and a silky gold coat.
At just six months old, handsome golden retriever Todd put his life on the line for his beloved human, Paula Godwin.
Todd and Paula – from Arizona – had been enjoying a hike together on June 29, when Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake. Paula hadn’t spotted the snake, but Todd had; acting quickly to save his owner from serious injury.
The good boy dived in front of Paula’s legs, taking the venomous bite for himself. Todd’s beautiful, fluffy face swelled up as a result; a painful mark of his selfless loyalty and love.
Writing on Facebook after the perilous walk in question, Paula spoke with emotion about her ‘sweet hero’:
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.
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.
Fortunately, Todd later made a full recovery after spending 12 hours in Anthem Animal Hospital where vets administered anti-venom treatment.
Todd swiftly became something of an internet celebrity, even featuring on the adorable WeRateDogs™ Twitter page where he was rated a terrific 15/10.
Now, brave Todd’s devotion to his human has been recognised, and he has been given the very first Milk-Bone Dog of the Year Honor award at the Streamy Awards. How woof-ly.
The Streamy Awards celebrates all things online video, and this of course includes the contributions made by our four legged besties.
According to the Streamy Awards website:
Dogs do more for us every day, so why aren’t they honored in the same way that humans are? Milk-Bone believes it’s time to change that.
For the first-time ever the Streamys, which historically only honors humans and their accomplishments, will award one dog who has done more with the Milk-Bone Dog of the Year Honor.
Todd, who won via an online vote, had some serious competition to fight off; reigning victorious above adorable runners up; Louboutina, famed for her warm hugs, and Pierre, the fancy-dress therapy dog.
Proud owner Paula told Billboard:
We are ecstatic because this is the first-ever Milk-Bone honor, so everyone is going to remember Todd the Hero Dog. When he got bit, we were able to start a fundraiser to help other pets — raising money for dogs who can’t afford anti-venom.
There’s a lot of people out there who can’t afford the $500 dose and their pets die because of it. I have another golden retriever named Copper, like Copper and Todd from Fox and the Hound. Todd’s story was a big highlight for us as a family.
To mark this very special achievement, Todd was handed/paw-ded a trophy as well as a customised piece of art.
Well done, Todd!
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.