A Texas woman was just trying to pull a few weeds outside her home when the moment turned terrifying—a rattlesnake coiled up, ready to strike. But before it could sink its fangs into her, her dog leapt into action.
That dog, an 8-year-old Border Collie fittingly has now become an unexpected internet hero after risking his life to protect his owner.
It happened in Killeen, Texas. As the woman was working in her yard, she suddenly came face-to-face with a juvenile Western diamondback rattlesnake. Startled, she screamed.
That scream was all Dog needed to hear.
“He saw the snake raise its head, and he just ran straight for it,” her niece, Chloe Palousek told. “He grabbed the snake—and it bit him right on the lip.”
The Western diamondback isn’t just any snake. Native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, its venom is no joke. It breaks down tissue, attacks blood cells, causes intense swelling and pain, and messes with clotting. Left untreated, a bite can be fatal—especially for vulnerable people like kids or the elderly.
Dog was rushed to the vet right away. He was given antivenin and kept under observation overnight. It was a scary 24 hours, but remarkably, he pulled through.
“His doctor said he was doing amazing,” Chloe shared. “He’s on antibiotics, steroids, and pain meds, but the swelling only lasted about three days. He’s doing so much better.”
Wanting to share his story, Chloe posted about Dog’s bravery on Reddit—and the internet quickly fell in love. The post racked up more than 4,000 upvotes and over 400 comments full of support, relief, and admiration for the loyal pup.
“What a good boy! I sure hope he makes it through this with no lasting issues,” one person wrote.
Another added, “Poor baby. I love this breed—they truly love and protect their humans. Beautiful inside and out.”
One comment simply demanded: “Give that bestest boy a steak.”
And someone else couldn’t hold back their emotions: “Oh my god I cried when I saw this. I’m glad he’s going home. Best doggy gets all the love. Give him kisses for me!!”
Chloe was touched by the flood of kind messages. “The reaction from Reddit has been wonderful. So much support and love—we’re really grateful,” she said.
Dog’s story is heart-pounding, but he’s not alone in having a brush with a snake. Just last year, another dog had his own rattlesnake run-in—and learned the hard way that not all slithery things are worth chasing.
But as for Dog? He didn’t hesitate. When his human was in danger, he didn’t think twice.
And thanks to some fast action—and a whole lot of courage—he lived to wag his tail another day.
