Meet Todd, The Dog That Saved His Owner From Being Bitten By A Rattlesnake

Dogs are brilliant at the worst of times.

I'm literally looking at mine as I type this and wondering if he knows just how many times a day he makes me smile and laugh, usually by doing something unthinkably cute for the former and unspeakably stupid for the latter.

I'd hardly expect Bob Dog - my hairy Pinscher pal - to take a bullet for me (in fact it'd more likely be the other way around) but I'm sure that he'd at least consider it.

For Paula Godwin, she found out that her pup, Todd, was willing to go that extra mile to keep her safe.

Paula was out walking Todd and her other dog, Cooper, in Anthem, Arizona, in the Southwest of the United States, when she very nearly stood on a rattlesnake.

Todd, sensing the danger, threw himself in front of Paula's leg and copped a huge bite to the face for his troubles.

"He for sure saved me from getting bit," announced Paula in a video that she posted on her Facebook page. "He's definitely my hero."

"Usually when I hear that rattle I'm backing away. I think he was just resting ... I did not see him. Just be aware. I'm so aware and so vigilant and I just didn't see him anywhere."

Paula had been all smiles previously sharing her walk with Todd on Facebook Live. "Nobody wanted to come with me -- it's too early," she said. "Look how cute Todd is in his little harness."

Recounting the incident in a Facebook post, Paula wrote: "So this morning was up bright and early to go on a hike on 7th 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."

Paula was able to rush Todd to the vet and get the golden retriever the treatment that he needed and he is now recovering from the bite.

"Todd's doing so well he is a wonder to me how he is healing," added Paula in a later post on Facebook. "Just a thank you to all the support Your kindness and support is truly a blessing."

Paula has now set up a GoFundMe page to help other pet owners whose animals who may need expensive emergency treatment.

Paula said of the fundraiser: "Todd wants to help more puppies that may need help. Donations are not towards Todd's bill but for those in need of help in paying unexpected vet bills."

Over to you, Bob. Save me from a rattlesnake to prove that you love me

Featured Image Credit: Paula Godwin/Facebook

Topics: Viral, Community, Animals, Dogs

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]