A puppy has tragically died after trying to protect his owner’s children from a snake.
Zeus, an eight-month-old pit bull, suffered four bites from the coral snake as he ran in front of brothers Oriley and Orion.
The Metro reported that the kids had no idea the snake was approaching as the brave pup jumped in the way to save them at their family home in Sumter County, Florida.
Despite rushing Zeus to the vets, where he was given anti-venom, he sadly passed away the next day.
The boys’ dad, Gary Richardson, told Fox 35 Orlando that Zeus was lying down when his eyes looked ‘bugged out.’
He explained, ‘All of a sudden, he started attacking the snake, which was close my son and shaking it around, he was bit four times.’
The dog’s face started swelling up and when Zeus lifted his head, the snake’s lifeless body was spotted on the floor.
Mum Georgina Richardson had to video call the family from the vets so that Gary and the kids could speak to the loyal pooch.
She said, ‘He kept falling asleep on FaceTime but tried hard to interact and show his human kids and Gary that he will fight this.’
Sadly, Zeus lost his battle at 6.30am the following morning.
Georgina said, ‘We are beyond broken right now. He gave his life to keep our son safe. I am forever grateful to him.’
Gary added that Zeus was ‘the most loyal dog I know of.’
The family have set up a Gofundme page to raise money for vet bills.
