A loyal pet dog saved a seven-year-old girl from a rattlesnake bite after it leapt to defend her against the poisonous snake.
The two-year-old German Shepherd has been hailed a hero by Molly DeLuca’s family, after the brave canine rushed to her aid.
The youngster was playing in her back garden in Florida, when unbeknownst to the schoolgirl an eastern diamond back slithered into the yard.
Rescue dog Haus immediately jumped between the snake and Molly to protect her, and was bitten three times.
The venomous serpent repeatedly attacked Haus, who stood his ground, and sustained injuries to his kidneys from the toxic bite.
The species’ bite is hemotoxic, which destroys tissue, causes flesh to die, and disrupts blood clotting.
Molly's mother, Donya DeLuca, told Fox 13: "She saw him jump back, and go forward, and jump back and go forward.
"He was just, kind of, holding his ground. Next thing we know is there's blood and he was limping and crying."
Haus, who was adopted by the DeLuca family only two months ago, required anti-venom injections costing thousands of dollars.
They set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his medical bills, and after word of Haus’ bravery spread well-wishers have since donated $49,218 (£34,276).
Any money left over after expenses will be donated back to the Heidis Legacy Rescue, they said.
Ms DeLuca added: "I feel really grateful for the dog.
"It is frightening to think it could have been my daughter. I don't know if she would have made it.”
The family posted on the page they were “blown away” by people’s responses.
They wrote: “No doubt this sweet dog was brought to this family for a reason, and he risked his own life today defending Molly.
“This family would never ask for help, but Haus is like family and they desperately want to save him.”
