Nothing is more precious than the relationship between a child and their dog. When this dog noticed his infant companion was in grave danger, he acted fast. Much to the horror of those watching, his rescue attempt looked like a vicious attack.
The infant's mother was horrified and felt helpless as she watched from the kitchen. Of course, she thought her dog was trying to kill her baby. When she learned the truth, she could not have been more relieved. When you learn the truth, your heart with fill with all the feelings!
The Svillicics Save Khan's Life And Our Story Begins
When Catherine Svillicic gave birth to her first daughter Charlotte, she wasn't sure if she wanted more kids. To make sure Charlotte did not grow up alone, she adopted Khan, a Doberman who was rescued from an abusive home.
Despite a warning that Dobermans tend to be a violent breed, Catherine had a good feeling about Khan. It helped that the large dog was scheduled to be put down in a few days. At the time, Catherine had no idea that Khan would repay her for saving his life shortly.
The Decision To Adopt A Dog
The decision to adopt a dog turned out to be an easy one for Catherine. She grew up with a dog and knew she wanted Charlotte to have that same companionship. The loving mother also knew she wasn't planning to have another child. The tough decision came when she had to decide what kind of dog to adopt.
Catherine knew it was important to get Charlotte a companion that was good with children. Dobermans like Khan don't have reputations as family-friendly dogs. So why did Catherine throw caution to the wind and adopt him?
Dobermans Are Guilty Until Proven Innocent
When Catherine saw Khan at the animal shelter, it was love at first sight. She knew the reputation of Dobermans, but there was something about Khan she knew was different. When she talked to the shelter, they told her the dog had an abusive past and was scheduled to be put down the following week.
Against everyone's warnings, Catherine made her decision and saved Khan's life. Somehow, someway, Khan must have known he'd been saved. When he arrived at his new home, everything seemed right with the world.
Khan And Charlotte Become BFFs
Catherine was slow to introduce Khan to Charlotte. She knew the big dog needed to be introduced to her toddler slowly. Once the bond was formed, however, the pair was inseparable!
Khan followed Charlotte around the house with a loving eye. He frolicked with her in the backyard and even slept with her. He was her bodyguard, which made what happened next even more shocking. Catherine had no idea what to think, all she remembered was what the shelter had told her about Khan's past.
Khan's Painful Upbringing Brings His Character Into Doubt
When Khan arrived at the animal shelter, he was incredibly malnourished. The shelter rescued him from a life of abuse and neglect. A purebred Doberman, he was raised by a breeder and sold to the worst home possible.
Besides being malnourished, Khan's body was badly injured. He had broken ribs and clear signs of abuse. Some in the shelter felt the best life for the dog would be no life at all. They warned Catherine that Khan could lash out at any time and wouldn't be safe around a baby.
Khan Proves The Doubters Right...
The life-shaking incident occurred with Catherine watching from the kitchen, helpless to do anything. Khan and Charlotte were in the backyard when the dog began nudging the toddler. Charlotte ignored him until he knocked her over, picked her up by the diaper, and thrashed her around.
Horrified, Catherine ran outside as fast as she could, but wasn't fast enough. Khan flung Charlotte across the yard and howled. Amazingly, just when it looked like Khan proved the doubters right, he couldn't have proved them more wrong.
Khan Proves The Doubters WRONG
As it turned out, Charlotte was just fine, and Khan's horrifying howl was actually a painful yelp. After tossing Charlotte to safety, he hobbled up to Catherine and collapsed.
Confused and in shock, Catherine somehow managed to find her focus and act fast. Suddenly it wasn't her toddler's life that was in danger; it was her heroic dog's. With adrenaline rushing through her, Catherine found the strength to get Khan into her and to the vet. Once there, saving Khan's life became a race against the clock.
Khan's Attacker Revealed
Pulling into the vet, Khan received help right away. The doctor found bite marks just above his right front paw. Khan had been bitten by a venomous snake. More than that, Khan had saved Charlotte from being bitten by a venomous snake. Now he laid paralyzed and near death.
The vet pumped Khan full of anti-venom. At this point, there was nothing anyone could do but wait. The truth is, depending on when Catherine got Khan to the vet's office, it may have been too late to save his life.
The Mulga Snake Strikes!
As Khan and Charlotte played in the backyard, they had no idea a venomous mulga snake was hiding in the bushes. The mulga snake is more commonly known as the king brown snake, one of the deadliest snakes in the world.
The Svillicic's live in Australia, which is known for having an assortment of the world's deadliest animals. Still, you would never expect to find such a dangerous creature in your backyard, regardless of where you lived.
A Violent Attack Turns Into A Heroe's Tale
Charlotte and Khan were playing in the backyard when Khan saw the snake. Sensing danger, he tried to let Charlotte know to move. His first attempt was to nudge her. She didn't get the hint so, he kept nudging her until she fell down. At this point he acted fast, grabbing her by the diaper and tossing her out of the way.
From Catherine's perspective, this was one of the scariest sights of her life. From Khan's perspective, he was doing the only thing he knew how to save the family that saved him. With Charlotte safe, Khan took a vicious strike from the mulga, possibly trading his life for Charlotte's.
Khan's Odds Of Survival Aren't Great
Catherine sped through traffic and made it to the vet's office in record time to save Khan. Unfortunately, there were several factors out of her control once there. Had she gotten Khan there fast enough? How much venom had been injected into him? What kind of venom? How fast was the venom spreading?
Khan had only been with the family for four days before the incident, but they already loved him like he'd been there for years. Luckily for them, Khan was a fighter. He survived a broken home and was given a second chance at life. He wasn't about to give that up.
Our Story Has Three Possible Endings
So far we've talked about two possible endings; Khan survives to live a happy life, or he doesn't. There is a third ending, though. Before Catherine left they vet, they let her know every possible outcome. One of these outcomes was Khan surviving, but being paralyzed for the rest of his life.
Depending on how much venom went into Khan's bloodstream, it might not have been enough to kill him. Weighing well over 100 pounds, there was always a chance Khan would survive the attack regardless.
Khan's Long Night At The Vet
The Svicillics waited with Khan at the vet's until closing. They were told there was nothing more they could do. Khan was in for a long night at the vets. He had been given as much anti-venom and medicine as they could allow. Now it was up to him to produce enough antibodies in his blood to fight back.
Charlotte and Catherine returned home and anxiously waited for the morning. Catherine has admitted that she didn't sleep at all that night. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Khan.
An Even Longer Morning For Catherine And Charlotte
With no sleep the night before, Catherine drove Charlotte to the vet the next morning. They got there early and had to wait until the office open to find out if Khan survived the night. The vet let them inside and told them Khan had survived the night.
Khan, as a matter of fact, was doing so well that he was already regaining his strength. He was expected to make a full recovery. The miraculous news meant that Charlotte would continue to grow up with her best friend and protector. Of course, this isn't where our story ends.
Heroism Runs In Khan's Family
Khan may have entered the animal shelter in the worst shape of his life, but his lineage made sure he was strong enough to handle it. According to the shelter, Khan was bred from another heroic Doberman. His grandfather once saved a young child just like Charlotte!
Khan had his name expanded after the incident to "Khan the Wonder Dog." Wonder seems to run in his family. Thankfully he was able to get out of the abusive home and find the truly loving one he deserved.
Khan Becomes An International Sensation
Khan's attack turned rescue quickly became a media sensation around the world. The best part is, Khan has no idea he's a celebrity! He'll always see himself as Charlotte's best friend.
Catherine, however, knows Khan is admired worldwide. When a reporter asked her about his heroism, she said, "If Khan wants a gold bowl, Khan gets it. We owe him for the rest of his life." Khan will live a long and full life with the Svicillics.
Khan And Charlotte Are Still Going Strong Today
Khan and Charlotte are still best friends. It's hard not to believe destiny chose them to grow up together. Hopefully, this story will help ease fears around "dangerous" dogs such as Dobermans. Khan is only violent when it comes to protecting those he loves.
Khan isn't the only heroic dog out there. Another story that caught our attention about a heroic dog is Nala. She stood between her best friend and a green Mojave rattlesnake to save his life.
Nala And Cole Go For A Bike Ride
Cole Lewis and Nala had no idea what was waiting for them on a bike ride in Northern Californa one day. Out of nowhere a green Mojave rattlesnake jumped out of the brush and attacked! The first strike was a near miss; the second strike wouldn't be so forgiving.
Nala positioned herself between Cole and the attacker. The snake lunged again, biting Nala on the nose. Cole ran as fast as he could to find his stepdad, Anthony, and get help. The pair rushed Nala to the vet as quickly as possible.
Nala Is As Brave As They Come
When asked about Nala's heroic act by a reporter, Cole said, "She stood her ground. She didn’t whimper or anything when she got bit.” Cole's stepdad was able to identify the snake, and a strong anti-venom was administered. Nala was considered to be in critical condition and the next several days would determine her fate.
Nala was placed in a hyperbaric chamber for the first 24 hours while the anti-venom took effect. To be able to afford the treatment, the Cole and Anthony had to start a Go Fund Me page to raise extra funds.
Nala And Cole Are Reunited
Waiting for days to find out the fate of a pet can be excruciating. When the vet finally called the Cole to let him know Nala was okay, he was overjoyed. Nala was even more overjoyed and jumped all over her best friend.
When they took Nala back home, Anthony said, "We got her from a rescue. We rescued her, and she rescued us." Since the incident, Cole has created a Facebook page warning people to be careful on trails and always be on the lookout for possible dangers to avoid.
This Small Dog Saved Her Owner From A Disaster
This is Babu, a Shih tzu that lives in Miyako, Japan. Babu weighs in at just 10 pounds and shows us that you don’t have to be a big dog to be a hero. On the morning of March 11, 2011, Babu’s 83-year-old owner Tami Akanuma noticed that the little dog seemed more nervous than usual.
It was earlier than they usually went on their morning walk together, but Tami got Babu’s leash and opened the front door.
Babu Headed In A Different Direction Than Usual
When Tami opened the front door to let Babu out, she was surprised that the dog headed straight for a nearby hill. This was the exact opposite direction that they usually took on their walks. Tami thought this was unusual but let Babu lead the way anyway.
According to the local paper Yomiuri Shimbun, "When [Tami’s] pace slackened, Babu would look back, seemingly urging her owner to walk faster. When [Tami] caught up, Babu would bound ahead again, straining at her leash.”
Tami And Babu Climbed To The Top Of The Hill
The pair continued to walk at this brisk pace until they reached the top of the hill. It was incredibly fortunate that they were so high up, because just then a tsunami hit Miyako. The town is only 200 yards (600 feet) from the coast.
Miyako and the entire nearby district of Taro-Kawamukai were devastated. Tami’s home was destroyed in the strong floodwaters. Heroic Babu had led Tami to safety that morning, and even brought her to within a kilometer of the closest evacuation center.
This Golden Retriever Is One Man’s Super BFF
They say that dog is a man’s best friend, but this particular Golden Retriever is one man’s BEST, BEST friend. It was New Years Eve 2016 in Michigan, and Bob went out to collect wood for his fire. Unfortunately, he slipped and fell, badly hurting his neck. Bob was incapacitated and it was only 24 degrees outside.
How was he going to survive those frigid temperatures while stuck in the snow, unable to move?
Bob’s Screams Were Heard By His Dog
Photo credit: flickr/katedanger
Bob began screaming in an effort to get his neighbors’ attention. The closest home was about ¼ mile away and it was already 10:30 at night. The neighbor didn’t hear, but Bob’s Golden Retriever Kelsey did. She ran out and stayed by his side, even sitting on his arms to keep them warm.
Bob started to lose hope as he yelled and the hours ticked by. By the morning he had completely lost his voice and even went unconscious. But Kelsey took over for him, barking endlessly into the cold winter air.
Kelsey’s Barking Paid Off
The following day, a neighbor named Rick came by to borrow some eggs and heard Kelsey’s frantic barking. Bob’s daughter Jenny recounted the story to WYFF news: "The last thing he remembers saying is telling Kelsey that he was so sorry, that he tried as hard as he could to stay alive.”
She continued, “he wasn't sure by the end, he remembers losing consciousness and kind of putting his head to the side and saying ' I gave it all I could give it' and that was it. We think about one hour later is when Rick came and found him."
Bob Is Rushed To Surgery
Bob was rushed to the local hospital, where he was prepped for surgery. Dr. Chaim Colen performed a spinal decompression surgery, which was successful. After recovery and physical therapy, Bob was just fine.
Bob told CBS “I’m so thankful for my two heroes. Kelsey kept me warm, alert and never stopped barking for help. Dr. Colen saved my life and ability to move. They are truly heroes and I will be eternally grateful.” Next up, a rescue pup-turned-hero. Read on to learn what she did!
Meet Peanut, Formerly Known As Petunia
This adorable pup is named Peanut. She was saved from an atrocious and abusive situation and ended up at the Delta Animal Shelter in Escanaba, Michigan. Here’s what the shelter said about her on their Facebook page.
"Petunia arrived at the shelter last April with 2 broken legs, a belly full of carpet, broken ribs....all injuries happened at different times. Healed, her former owner recently convicted of animal abuse. Petunia has a new name ...Peanut and a new chance at life."
Peanut Went From Rescue Dog To Lifesaver
It's miraculous enough that Peanut survived the abuse she endured, but she went on to repay the favor. Her new owner, the kind woman who rescued Peanut, wrote to Delta Animal Shelter to share a story about the dog. “About 11am this morning, Peanut started going crazy at our house," she said.
“She was running up and down the stairs, barking and yelping. She then went and got my husband, who was in the garage working on some projects, and alerted him that she wanted to go outside. He said he could hear her running around upstairs but didn’t understand why.” What had Peanut so worked up?
Peanut Insists On Going Outside
Peanut's owner had only recently adopted the dog but knew her well enough to realize that something must be terribly wrong for her to be acting up like this. He took her outside to investigate.
“He let her outside where she went barreling into the field behind our house at full speed,” said the wife in her letter to Delta Animal Shelter. So what was it that had distressed Peanut so much?
Peanut's Shocking Discovery
No one expected Peanut's trip into the field to end the way it did, especially on a freezing cold Michigan morning. The letter continues. "My husband followed her."
"[T]o his surprise, he found a naked, shivering, 3 year old girl curled up in a ball. He scooped her up, wrapped her in his sweatshirt, and brought her inside. He called 911 and reported the incident.” The child was discovered in a ditch. Peanut's owners brought her inside to keep her warm while they waited for paramedics to arrive.
A New Beginning For The Little Girl
When the authorities arrived, the toddler could only say one word: "doggie." Luckily, though, she was physically OK and didn't have hypothermia or any injuries. After her parents were located the child was placed into a foster home, where she would receive the care she deserved.
Peanut saved this girl's life, the way her own had been saved. Her owner wrote a touching tribute to the rescue dog and her heroic efforts.
Powerful Words To Honor Peanut
Peanut's owner wrote, “She has been such a blessing to us, and now to others. Words cannot express how grateful we are that we have Peanut in our lives and how amazing she is."
"She is a part of our family now and thanks to wonderful people like you at the shelter, she is alive. Without her, not only would she have been gone from this world, but the life of this little girl might have been taken as well.” Read on for a dog who used his nose to save the day.
Clobberhead The Greyhound Is Another Lifesaving Rescue Dog
It sure seems like a lot of rescue dogs end up helping humans later, doesn't it? Maybe they're so grateful for their second shots at life that they're extra in-tune to respond to humans who are in need.
Whatever the reason for their lifesaving abilities, we're thankful for all the dogs who risk life and limb to help others. Here's another one, a rescued Greyhound named Clobberhead.
Erin Cramer Met A Friend In Clobberhead
Erin Cramer, a woman in Shelbyville, Indiana, adopted a dog named Clobberhead from the local chapter of Greyhound Pets of America in 2014. She told Fox 59 that she knew he was "the one" as soon as she and her daughter met the pooch.
“It was just one of those things where (we knew) this was our dog for sure,” Erin said. She affectionately calls him Clobber. Erin would certainly come to be very grateful for her new pet, and very soon.
Erin Stayed Home Sick One Day
Just a couple of months after she adopted Clobber, Erin stayed home sick from work. The dog started acting very strangely, and she struggled to figure out what was going on with him.
First, Clobber kept pressing his nose against the wall. And each time Erin let the dog out he would immediately return into the house. He kept running up the stairs to the second floor. Finally, Erin followed Clobber to see what he was up to. You won't believe what she found.
A Leak In The Laundry Room
Erin went into the laundry room, where she was met with a shocking discovery. “(A) wall of gas just came pouring out,” she told Fox59. The water heater was leaking natural gas, and it was also producing sparks -- a highly dangerous combination.
“(The plumber) said it probably would have ignited the gas fumes and taken out not only this house but several around me,” she said.
Clobber Is A Hero
Marilyn Hamilton is the president of the local Greyhound Pets of America. When Fox59 reached out to her about Clobber's heroic deeds, she said, “I’m just not surprised. They’re very intuitive. They’re very sensitive.”
Erin did not mince words when she discussed what Clobber had done. “If it wasn’t for him coming into our lives, we probably wouldn’t be here right now,” she said. This is one dog that certainly deserves the title "hero." It turns out that home gas leaks are more common than you might have known. Read on to find out about another pup who saved the day in a similar situation to Clobber's.
This Cute Dog, Hunter, Is A Hero
Hunter was a three-month-old Husky mix when he was adopted from the Michigan Humane Society (see? another rescue!). New owners Tim and Jill McLarty say that it was love at first sight.
Turns out that Hunter was about to surprise them with something a lot more important than his cuteness. Just a couple of weeks after he joined the McLarty family, he saved their lives.
A Midnight Wake-Up Call From Hunter
One night, Hunter started whining by the McLartys' bed and would not stop. Finally, Jill got up to investigate. She let the dog out but he kept returning to the kitchen. Jill put him in the bed in an attempt to calm Hunter down, but he went right back to the kitchen.
That's when Jill noticed that one of the stove's burners was still on from the dinner she had made hours earlier. Gas was pouring into the room.
This Is One Thankful Family
Jill turned off the burner. By the time she got back to the bedroom, Hunter was already in there. He was fast asleep, knowing that his work for the night was done. The McLartys expressed their gratitude for Hunter in a YouTube video.
“He saved our lives,” said Tim. "Anything could have happened that night.” Jill added, "he's the best dog ever." It sounds like Hunter's human parents found the perfect pet for themselves. And he seems pretty happy himself.
