Doberman Pinscher Khan was rescued from a bad situation in which he’d been cruelly abused. But one family took a chance on this sweet boy, even knowing that some formerly abused dogs may become aggressive due to their traumas. And when Khan grabbed his 17-month-old sister by the diaper and slung her over his shoulder, Atherton, Australia mom Catherine Svillicic was stunned.
But it’s not what you think. Khan wasn’t attacking the girl. He was saving her life from the highly venomous snake that had slithered into their yard. Now, he’s “Khan the Wonder Dog” to his family, and they’re forever grateful for this good boy.
Broken, Beaten, and Starving
When Catherine and her husband set out to adopt a dog to be a companion for young Charlotte, they met Khan and felt the soul-to-soul connection that happens the moment you meet the dog who’s meant to be part of the family. But Khan’s past probably brought the Svillicics a moment of pause.
“When Kerry Kinder (Doberinling Boarding Kennels owner) rescued him, he was starving, had broken ribs, and had been beaten – he was an abused dog,” Catherine shared. “It was borderline on whether or not he should be put down because he was in such a bad way.”
Despite the abuse, Khan was a happy dog who loved his family. And just four days after his adoption, his quick and protective actions would save Charlotte even if it meant harm to himself.
Putting Himself In Harm’s Way
As Catherine watched, Khan and Charlotte played in the backyard. It was a peaceful day at home until Khan alerted.
RELATED: Great Dane Confronts Venomous Snake To Protect Her Mom
Catherine told The Daily Mail, “Khan was really concentrating and was acting aggressively towards Charlotte-and kept trying to nudge her but it wasn’t working.”
Khan had spotted a king brown snake beneath the house. Also called the Mulga, this aggressive snake is widely spread throughout Australia and is one of its deadliest. It could have easily killed the little girl, but Khan wouldn’t allow it.
“So he grabbed her by the back of the nappy and threw her over his shoulder more than a metre, like she was a rag doll.”
And that’s when the snake struck.
“Charlotte looked pretty shocked and Khan screamed, like he’d been stabbed,” Catherine explained. “I realised he had been trying to get in between her and the snake before he threw her.”
Khan had thrown Charlotte to safety, but he’d taken a bite to the leg. Catherine rushed him to the vet, and after receiving anti-venom, Khan made a full recovery. And ascended into superhero status in his home.
“He saved her life by risking his own,” said Catherine. “From now on, he’s Khan the Wonder Dog.”
Learn how to keep your pup safe from snakes with The DOs And DON’Ts Of Protecting Your Dog From Snake Bites.
Feature Image: celeb902/YouTube
Toledo, United States.
