Heroic Labrador Pushes Teen Owner Out Of The Way Of Rattlesnake

A dog owner has praised his heroic labrador after the pooch pushed him out of the way of a rattlesnake.

Alex Loredo, 18, says he was bringing in some freshly cleaned washing at his home in San Diego when he heard the rattlesnake coming out from under a table in the garden - but Marley bounded over to save the day.

The seven-year-old labrador sprung into action, pushing his owner out of the way of the snake and then standing between them to keep him safe.

Speaking to NBC San Diego, Alex said: "Before I could even turn, Marley had run out the door, pushed me out of the way, and gotten in between the snake and me.

NBC

"My heart just dropped. My first thought was, 'Oh no, I'm going to lose my best friend.'"

The snake bit Marley twice - once on his tongue and another on his neck - before slithering off.

Alex rushed his beloved pet to the vets.

He added: "It was complete panic.

"My heart was racing, and I didn't know what was going to happen next. To be completely honest, I thought he was just going to die in the car."

Treatment for poor Marley was delayed because the first vet he went to didn't have any anti-venom for the bites, meaning Alex had to drive 25 minutes to another vet.

He was kept in for two nights and is now on the road to recovery.

Alex has now launched a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of Marley's vet bills, which has pulled in $12,893 (£9,256).

Writing on the fundraising page, Alex explained: "Marley's face started to swell up and he began to start having breathing complications.

"Blood also began to start pouring from his mouth.

NBC

"I was so scared and tried to keep my cool and think fast because time was not on our side.

"I was able to call ahead of time to check him in and the technician was there waiting for my best friend.

"This was the most horrifying moment of my life, not knowing if your best friend was going to make it through."

Although he's now back at home, Alex said Marley has sustained nerve damage to his tongue and jaw and is on medication as well as having therapy.

Topics: Dog, US News

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19