The Deluca family recently adopted a German shepherd in need of rescuing — a move that likely saved their daughter’s life.
Named Haus, the 2-year-old dog was with Molly, the family’s 7-year-old daughter, in their backyard when they encountered a venomous Easter Diamondback rattlesnake.
“He kept jumping back and then forward… and he did it three times. He had every opportunity to run but he didn’t,” Donya Deluca of Tampa, Fla. told WFLA.
Image via GoFundMe
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The family thinks the dog was protecting Molly from the snake, standing in between the poisonous animal and the girl.
Haus’ act of bravery had major implications for him. The dog was bleeding when taken to the vet and after shaving down his leg, three snake bites were visible. Haus is being treated with painkillers, was given anti-venom medications and is gradually improving.
Image via Facebook
“He can now stand up; he whines for water. His swelling in his leg has reduced, she writes on Facebook. We are moving in the right direction. They are very hopeful. The care we are receiving is incredible.”
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He should make a full recovery, but may have kidney damage.
“The BEST news so far. Haus is doing great; Walked up to me the most ‘Haus-like’ we’ve seen since before the incident. The vet, seemed completely surprised and delighted at his recovery,” Deluca says on Facebook. “He said his age and health played a big role in it along with the way they slowly dripped the anti-venom.”
The family started a GoFundMe page and has so far raised more than $52,000. Any money not needed to cover Haus’ medical costs will be donated to a rescue organization.
“It shows you that a rescue dog, for us, paid it forward by protecting my family,” Adam DeLuca told WFLA.
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Main image via GoFundMe
