Brave Pit Bull Rescues Foster Mom From Rattlesnake
Nellie had never been called brave before. Most often, people used adjectives like fearful, protective, shy, or cautious to describe the homeless pit bull until a few weeks ago.
However, everything changed during a hike in a Texas state park when 5-year-old Nellie placed herself between her foster mother, Jane Taylor, and a rattlesnake. Nellie was taken from a California shelter by rescuers from the Final Frontier Rescue Project, a small volunteer-based organization in Texas, when she was just one year old.
After spending years moving from kennel to kennel, she finally met Taylor six months ago. Taylor fondly recalls, "Nellie came to me a little bit chubby, which made her super cute. We lovingly referred to her as our tiny potato sack. But that wasn't her true form, so we started running together, and today she weighs 45 pounds."
Initially, Nellie was afraid of loud noises, strangers, and other animals when she arrived at her temporary residence. She was guarded with her toys and resisted being touched by strangers.
Thanks to the nurturing care of her foster mother, Nellie began to adjust to her new life.
Then, on a bright March day, Nellie showcased just how far she had come. Taylor recalls the incident, "We hiked up to this massive rock dome... We were traversing an area that isn't typically part of our hike back to the car."
Taylor didn't notice the snake until she heard it and started screaming. Before she could react, Nellie rushed from behind her and confronted the snake.
Taylor remembers, "When Nellie came over, it was almost like she was saying, 'I've got this one, Mom. Keep going.'"
Unfortunately, Nellie was bitten on the face during the altercation. Her hiking companion covered the snake with his jacket and removed it from the scene.
Hero Pit Bull
Carrying Nellie down the mountain, Taylor noticed she was in pain but didn't vocalize it. Understanding the severity of the situation,
Taylor rushed her to the vet for immediate care. Nellie received two vials of antivenom and antibiotics for the bite wound, and her courageous actions were met with prompt medical attention. Despite the ordeal, Nellie is recovering remarkably well.
Taylor proudly states, "She's such a tough pup. She was chasing squirrels again just two days later." Now, with Nellie on the road to recovery, she is ready to find her forever home.
To ensure Nellie's safety and well-being, she requires a more stable environment. Taylor plans to relocate to Hawaii soon to care for her aging parents. As Nellie decompresses, she realizes how enjoyable life can be.
Taylor shares, "She goes crazy whenever we have guests over at the house. She now understands it's playtime when other dogs come around. She's no longer possessive because she has so many toys to enjoy."
Grateful for Nellie's bravery, Taylor knows that she has a bright future if given the chance. People immediately assume that Nellie was defending her, and Taylor believes she very well might have been because Nellie pays close attention to anything or anyone she doesn't like during walks.
Taylor reflects, "It's really special to think that she would do that for me."
Taylor with Nellie
Nellie was bitten on the face
Two vials of antivenom were administered to Nellie along with antibiotics for the bite wound
She’s super cute
Nellie is finally prepared to move forward
Nellie's incredible journey from a scared shelter pup to a fearless defender is truly amazing. Thanks to Jane's love and patience, Nellie has blossomed into the fearless pooch we know today.
After the snake encounter, Nellie is bouncing back like a champ! Her recovery has been remarkable, and she's now on the lookout for a forever home where she can continue to be the courageous, loving pup she's become.
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