Expect the Unexpected
Adopting a rescue dog is a big responsibility, but it’s also a rewarding one as well. Thousands of dogs are dropped off at animal shelters each year in the United States with most being euthanized before finding a home.
And while adopting is definitely a life-changing experience, it definitely can be a risky one as well. You never know what has happened to the dog in the past. For one family in Australia, they had no idea what to expect when they adopted their first dog…
Choosing to Rescue
It was 2007 when this Australian family made the decision to adopt a dog. Instead of purchasing a puppy from a breeder or shop, the family wanted to do a good deed and help an animal in need.
Therefore, when a sweet Doberman Pinscher caught their eye, they knew they had to have him.
A Tragic Past
It was explained to the family that the Doberman, Khan, had come from a very abusive situation.
When he was found he had been starving and was beaten to the point of having cracked ribs. Thankfully, the Doberling Boarding Kennels had rescued him.
Saving A Life
Because of his abusive past, the kennel contemplated putting the poor guy down.
If the family, led by matriarch Catherine hadn’t decided to rescue him, his fate could have been quite grim.
The Long Road Ahead
Despite the obstacles ahead, the family was super excited to introduce Khan to their family.
Catherine really was interested to see how the dog would do with her 17-month-old daughter Charlotte. Would Khan be on his best behavior?
Getting Along Swell
Thankfully, the introduction went off without a hitch. Khan walked over to Charlotte, gave her a playful nudge and the two sat in the grass enjoying each other’s company for hours.
The family hoped this bond would grow and Khan would be Charlotte’s protector.
Strange Behavior
With Khan’s past being so devoid of love, Catherine hoped Charlotte could give him the tender, love, and care he had missed at the beginning of his life.
However, one day when Charlotte and Khan were playing in their garden, he began to act very strangely…
Developed Aggression
Catherine noticed that Khan began to act very aggressive towards Charlotte, his usual sweet demeanor melting away.
This was something she had feared might happen due to his previous abuse and she was more alarmed when Khan began pushing Charlotte away from where she was playing.
Death in the Grass
While keeping an eye on Khan, Catherine noticed that something had caught the dog’s attention in the grass.
She was horrified to see a King Brown snake slithering near Charlotte.
Khan to the Rescue
Khan was not showing aggression towards sweet Charlotte but was actually trying to get her away from the extremely poisonous snake.
Charlotte and her husband were horrified, realizing their daughter’s life was in grave danger.
Saving Charlotte
Khan tried to push little Charlotte away from the snake multiple times, but the snake was in full-on attack mode.
It wanted to get to Charlotte and tried to get past the dog multiple times. Would Khan be able to protect the young girl?
A Final Desperate Attempt
Desperate to save the little girl, Khan had had enough.
He grabbed her by the back of her shirt and threw her over his shoulder where she landed around three feet away, terrified and startled.
Backyard Chaos
With Charlotte screaming and Khan barking the backyard had erupted into total chaos.
Catherine realized at that moment, Khan was doing everything he could to keep Charlotte from being bit by the venomous menace. It was then Khan yelped in pain…
The Final Bite
Khan ran into the house, where he collapsed and it was then Catherine realized he had bitten.
The family rushed him to the vet where he received a dose of anti-venom. Despite being in a lot of pain, the vet believed he would pull through just fine.
Praying for Khan
Khan made it through the night fine and enjoyed a big breakfast the following morning. The family was so thankful he was okay.
The dog had risked his life for their daughter and they knew they could never repay him.
Her Hero
“It was the most heroic thing he could have ever done,” Catherine said.
"If Khan survives this ordeal, he will spend the rest of his life in luxury."
Forever Grateful
The media caught wind of Khan’s heroics while he was still in the hospital.
They couldn’t believe the story of an abused dog who has saved a toddler from a poisonous snake. It truly was inspiring.
Recovering
The family was more than thankful to Khan, who had been through so much during the ordeal.
However, it was only a couple days before he was back on his feet and ready to return home.
A Different Outcome
Even though both Khan and Charlotte walked away from the terrifying incident unscathed, Catherine doesn’t take that for granted.
She knows the outcome could have been VERY different if her daughter had been bitten.
“We Owe Him”
According to local experts, Charlotte would not have survived the bite of a King Snake.
Therefore, Khan’s selfless act will forever make him the “king of the household.”
Khan the Wonder Dog
In fact, the family has nicknamed him Khan the Wonder Dog!
Honestly, we couldn’t think of a better name. This dog is a superhero!