Rattlesnake was ready to strike the man — until his heroic dog's split-second move shielded him from disaster
The loyalty of canines is undefeated and their extreme love and protection for their owners is always at the top. A labrador retriever named Marley bravely and astutely jumped into harm’s way to save his owner, 18-year-old Alex Loredo, from a rattlesnake, per PEOPLE. In a matter of seconds, when the young man thought there was no other consequence except the dangerous bite, his canine made the most courageous move and saved his life. He is being praised for his heroic gesture, which just proves how selfless dogs are and redefines the idea of unconditional love.
Loredo was at home with his pet dog and was going about his day as usual. He heard the laundry buzz and decided to walk to the laundry room, adjoining their house. As he was walking, he heard rattling nearby. When he looked down, it all happened in a matter of seconds. The 18-year-old saw the snake coming in strong to attack him and had no time to react or move. He probably had only one consequence in mind — getting bitten by the snake. However, his canine saved him from that fate. Marley dashed out of the house and sprang into action bravely. He was between Loredo and the snake just in time.
It all happened so fast that before the man realized what was happening, it was already too late. Unfortunately, Marley couldn’t block himself and took the attack on himself. He was bitten twice by the rattlesnake — once on his tongue and the second time on his neck. "My heart just dropped. My first thought was, 'Oh no, I'm going to lose my best friend,’” Loredo said, per NBC 7 San Diego. Everything was a blur; the young man and his mom were in a panic, fearing the worst. The young man set up a GoFundMe where he shared all that went through his mind. “I was able to grab Marley and take him inside after he was bitten and there was blood everywhere and Marley just collapsed to the ground crying in pain,” Loredo recalled.
He added that with the swelling, blood, excruciating pain and whatnot, he didn't know what to expect. They made their way to the vet with the injured Marley, hoping for a miracle. "My heart was racing and I didn't know what was going to happen next. To be honest, I thought he was going to die in the car,” Loredo remarked. It must have taken a miracle but after a few shots of antivenom and a two-day stay at the hospital, the canine was back home and recovering. The dog was delighted to be back with his parent and recovered significantly over the next two weeks. "That's the longest I've ever been away from him, so it was a sad experience for me," Loredo remarked.
In an update, he shared, "I'm beyond grateful for the love and support that we have received. Marley is doing so much better; he still has his bite marks, but the vet said the tongue is regenerative. In just a matter of time, it will be completely healed. He's still on his vitamin therapy and getting lots of love." Sharing thanks to his canine companion, he wrote, “Marley means the world to me. He is not only my best friend, but he is also a brave hero who saved my life. If it wasn't for him, I don't know if I would have the opportunity to be here today.”