It’s a sad fact that many people view pit bulls as dangerous. Over the years this particular breed has been given a bad rap. Some landlords won’t even rent to people who own what they consider to be a dangerous breed. Everywhere you look, pit bulls are still being called aggressive and vicious.
However, one family in Florida can tell a totally different story. Their 9-month-old pit bull died as a result of protecting his owners. The Richardson family spoke to CBS News about how hurt they still are over the incident, which has been quickly going viral all over social media.
The Richardson family is made up of two small boys who were outside cleaning out the dog’s water bowl. They were not aware that a venomous snake was quietly coming right towards them. Luckily, Zeus, the 9-month-old pit bull puppy, spotted the snake and realized the kids were in danger. He began to fight the snake off, giving the kids time to escape.
The snake in question was a coral snake. They are small and very colorful. Their venom is the second-strongest of any snake; however, the coral snake has a less effective way of delivering the poison when compared to more venomous rattlesnakes.
Gary Richardson told WOFL-TV that Zeus was bitten four times as he attacked the snake. The family rushed the puppy to the emergency vet for treatment, where the animal was given anti-venom medication. They were hoping that they got him to the vet in enough time for the medication to work. Tragically, the puppy succumbed to the venom the next day.
Zeus had been a huge part of the Richardson family after being born on New Year’s Day. Gina Richardson said that while she and her family miss Zeus terribly, she is very thankful that he was willing and able to give his life for her children. The family also hopes that his story is able to sway the stigma that still surrounds pit bulls.
“If you find one that’s aggressive, most likely, it’s because they weren’t treated right,” Gina Richardson told WOFL-TV. “If you treat them right, they would give their life for you and I owe my son’s life to him.”
We are sad to hear that Zeus didn’t survive the snake bite. But we will never forget how he sacrificed his life for his family.
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