Hero Golden retriever leaps in front of owner to protect her from being bitten by a rattlesnake

A hero Golden Retriever puppy saved its owner after leaping in front of a rattlesnake to protect her – only to feel the brunt of the bite himself.

Paula Godwin’s dog, Todd, leapt to his owner’s defence while the pair were out on a hike on Friday, June 29, in Arizona.

Paula was out walking her puppy when they were confronted with a rattlesnake.

Writing on Facebook, she said: “It was a beautiful morning, but as we were walking down the hill I literally almost stepped on a rattlesnake.

“But my hero of a puppy, Todd, saved me. He jumped right in front of my leg where I surely would have got bit.

“This is what a hero looks like. Please say a prayer for my little hero.”

The heroic dog ended up suffering a serious bite himself on the snout, but was rushed to a local animal hospital where he received treatment.

Paula has said her pet is on the mend. She said: “Todd’s doing so well and he is a wonder to me how he is healing.”