Dogs are such loyal and protective animals. They’re always ready to step up to protect their families from danger, even if it means putting themselves in harm’s way.

That was the case recently, when one dog heroically stood in the way between his owner and a venomous rattlesnake.

Carissa Welch, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was on a hike recently with her pet lab-mix Rizzo, according to KRDO.

But their walk took a dramatic turn when they encountered a rattlesnake in the middle of the hiking trail. Carissa told the outlet that she “heard the rattle” and “instantly yanked” her dog back, but the snake bit Rizzo on the face.

Carissa says that Rizzo was defending her from the rattlesnake, keeping her from getting bitten instead. “I wasn’t wearing my boots. Those were my trail running shoes,” she told KRDO. “If he had not taken the bite, I feel like it would have been me.”

The venomous snake bite left Rizzo in bad shape, and he required emergency veterinary care and ongoing treatment — the expenses for which are reportedly “substantial.”

Carissa’s brother-in-law Josha Randall set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the treatments for Rizzo, who he called “our beloved four-legged hero.” Donations currently stand at about $1,800 of their $3,000 goal.

“Rizzo’s swift actions saved her from harm, but now he needs our help to recover from the venomous bite he sustained,” Randall wrote. “Rizzo has been an integral part of my sister-in-law’s life, bringing joy and companionship into her life every day. His bravery and loyalty deserve recognition, and your contribution will ensure he receives the care he needs to heal and thrive once again.”

These donations will hopefully go a long way in offsetting the veterinary expenses. But Carissa says she’s happy to do anything for her beloved pet.

“There’s no amount of money I would not pay to save his life,” she told KRDO. “I’m grateful and blessed to have him.”

Rizzo is such a hero for stepping up to protect his owner from a venomous snake bite — we are wishing him a speedy recovery! ❤️

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