Heroic puppy awarded ‘Dog of the Year’ after saving owner from rattlesnake bite

A puppy has been awarded Dog of the Year after protecting his owner from a rattlesnake bite.

Heroic golden retriever Todd showed just what a good boy he is on June 29 earlier this year by jumping in front of Paula Godwin’s leg during a hike in Anthem, Arizona.

The then six-month-old dog had unwittingly shielded his owner from a ‘resting’ rattlesnake – but sustained a nasty bite to the face in the process.

Pics From Paula Godwin/Caters News - (Pictured: Todd, six months old, after attacked by snake.Anthem,Arizona,USA) -A doting puppy who almost died after getting bitten by a rattlesnake to save his owners life has won a dog of the year prize. Paula Godwin, 44, was out for a walk with her six-month-old pooch, Todd, in June this year when he noticed something moving by her leg. The curious golden retriever quickly darted for the rattlesnake to shield his owner from its venomous bite, but it turned and bit him on the face. Paula, from Anthem, Arizona, grabbed Todd and rushed him to a veterinary hospital within 10 minutes, where he was treated with anti-venom. SEE CATERS
Todd was bit in the face by the snake as he walked alongside Paula Godwin (Picture: Paula Godwin /Caters News)

Fortunately Ms Godwin was able to quickly scoop Todd and her other dog Copper up into her arms and reach a veterinary hospital within ten minutes.

After 12 hours of care, the 44-year-old said that her ‘hero’ is now on the mend and ‘acting like a normal puppy’ after his terrifying ordeal.

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‘When we were out on our walk everything was fine, but since Todd is so curious he saw something by my leg and darted towards it,’ Ms Godwin, from Anthem, Arizona, said.

‘There was no warning and suddenly the snake bit Todd in the face.

‘I quickly pulled him away and rushed him to the hospital and thankfully got there in just under 10 minutes.

‘They gave him an anti-venom while he was there and he stayed in the hospital for 12 hours to make sure he was ok.

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‘He is now on the mend and the swelling is slowly going down – Anthem animal hospital did an amazing job.

‘He saved me from getting bit, Todd is definitely my hero!

‘Everyone has been so wonderful and supportive also, it’s amazing how supportive everyone has been of my brave pooch!’

Pics From Paula Godwin/Caters News - (Pictured: Todd, six months old, after attacked by snake.Anthem,Arizona,USA) - A doting puppy who almost died after getting bitten by a rattlesnake to save his owners life has won a dog of the year prize. Paula Godwin, 44, was out for a walk with her six-month-old pooch, Todd, in June this year when he noticed something moving by her leg. The curious golden retriever quickly darted for the rattlesnake to shield his owner from its venomous bite, but it turned and bit him on the face. Paula, from Anthem, Arizona, grabbed Todd and rushed him to a veterinary hospital within 10 minutes, where he was treated with anti-venom. SEE CATERS
The golden retriever is now recovering well after 12 hours in care (Picture: Paula Godwin /Caters News)

Biscuit brand Milk-Bone awarded Todd with the title of Dog of the Year at the Streamy Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on October 22.

The prize, the first of its kind, was described as celebrating ‘bravery, overcoming obstacles, and strong personality and loyalty traits that make all dogs truly special’.

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Ms Goodwin is now raising money for other dogs whose owners cannot afford anti-venom medication in a crises similar to Todd’s.

She also warned animal lovers to be extra careful when out with their animals in snake-inhabited areas.

‘This snake did not give any indication he was there. Usually if I hear that rattle I am alert and I am backing away – but nothing,’ Ms Goodwin said.

‘I think he was just resting in the road, he was a grey speckled white rattle snake and looked just like that road and I did not see him.

‘Just be aware. I am so aware, so vigilant, so aware of my surroundings, and I didn’t see him either.’