The Richardson family from Sumter, County Florida is regretting the loss of their beloved pit bull today after the dog protected their 2 children from a coral snake.

The kids were outdoors cleaning their dog, Zeus’ water dish, when the coral snake came close to. The kids really did not see the snake but it was on the ground near their son. Zeus did see the snake and rapidly sprung right into action, attacking it to protect the children.

” All of a sudden, he began attacking the snake which was close to my son and he was bit four times,” Gary Richardson reported to Fox7 News.

After the bite, Mr. Richardson claimed, “I knew when he initially came in that something was wrong and (it) was very traumatic because I knew he was dying.”

Zeus was rushed to an emergency veterinarian in Ocala for therapy of several snakebites and the family was very hopeful he would respond to the antivenom and survive. However, despite all clinical efforts, tragically the brave Zeus died the next day.

” He’s been a member of the family,” Gina Richardson claimed. “It simply killed us. We just knew the antivenom was mosting likely to work.”

Zeus was not also a year-old, he was born last January. Despite his young age, he had a big heart and was a dearly liked member of the family.

However tragic his short life ended, he will constantly be remembered as a hero for protecting his family. We are thankful that this tale really did not have an even worse ending which the kids are safe.

Coral snakes are known to live in the Southern United States, including Florida. They are recognized for their bright red and yellow with black bands. The usually shy snakes are dangerous members of the cobra family. Their bite contains a neurotoxin that can be major, even fatal. The snakes are sometimes confused with king snakes however this easy rhyme can assist you identify whether the snake you see is friend or foe:

‘ If red touches yellow, it can eliminate a fellow’ (Coral Snake).

‘ If red touches black, it is a friend of Jack’ (Kingsnake or Scarlet Snake).

Please share the story of Zeus with your friends and family.