The Richardson family was enjoying a quiet day at their home in Sumter County, Florida. The two little sons, Oriley and Orion, were cleaning the family dog’s water bowl outside their family home in Sumter County, Florida when the family’s 9-month-old pit bull Zeus, suddenly jumped towards Oriley. The 10-year-old boy noticed the pup attacking something on the ground, but thought it was a rope. It turned out, Zeus was actually fighting a venomous snake, giving the kids time to escape.
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 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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