While adopting a rescue dog can be very rewarding, by the same token, it can also be risky. Most rescue dogs have a terrible past, that involved neglect and abuse.
When you take on the responsibility of caring for one, you are taking on all that comes with the dog- both the good and the bad. When one family living in Australia adopted an abused rescue dog, they didn’t know what to expect…
The Decision To Rescue
In 2007, a family rescued a Doberman Pinscher from an animal shelter. They didn’t believe in buying a pet from a store or breeder, being that there are so many stray and abandoned dogs out there.
Khan’s Past
Catherine decided to rescue Khan after seeing him at the Doberling Boarding Kennels. His life was saved by a woman named Kerry Kinder and she explained to Catherine that when she found Khan, he was starving and had broken ribs from being beaten.
She Saved His Life
Khan was an abused dog and it the kennel was debating putting him down since he was in such a bad place. If Catherine didn’t come around and rescue him, that’s likely what would have happened.
A Big Responsibility
The family knew there would be a lot of work ahead of them in caring for Khan, but they were excited about the journey. They also couldn’t wait to introduce their 17-month-old daughter Charlotte to Khan. Although they heard stories about dogs and toddlers not getting along, they were hopeful…
Pleasantly Surprised
To their pleasant surprise, Khan walked right over to Charlotte when they were introduced in their Atherton, Australia home. The two sat on the grass and played together, forming a bond that the family hoped would continue for the rest of Khan’s life.
Khan Was Acting Weird
They hoped that maybe Charlotte could provide him with the love and innocence that he so desperately needed. One day, however, Charlotte was playing in the garden and Khan started acting strangely.
Getting Aggressive
Khan seemed to be slightly aggressive towards Charlotte and this was something that they had feared. He even attempted to push her away from where she played.
A Deadly Snake
The family continued to keep a close eye on Khan making sure he didn’t harm Charlotte and that’s when they noticed something that caught his attention. A King Brown snake was lurking right near Charlotte and Khan had noticed…
Horrified
He tried numerous times to push her out of the way, and the snake was determined to strike baby Charlotte. The family screamed in horror as their daughter’s life was literally in Khan’s hands.
Trying To Save Her Life
“If I had not seen it with my own eyes I would never have believed it,” Catherine said. “Khan was really concentrating and he kept trying to nudge Charlotte but it wasn’t working.”
Last Attempt
In one last attempt, Khan grabbed Charlotte by the back of her shirt and threw her over his shoulder. She landed over 3 ft away and the family ran right over to Charlotte.
Desperate
“Charlotte looked pretty shocked and Khan screamed like he’d been stabbed.” Catherine quickly realized Khan was trying to get in between Charlotte and the snake before he threw her…
Khan Was Bitten
It was clear Khan had been bitten as he ran inside and collapsed. They brought him to the vet and he was given a shot of anti-venom and spent the night in a lot of pain.
He Saved Charlotte’s Life
Khan managed to make it through the night and he ate a large breakfast that next morning. The family prayed that Khan would be ok, as he literally just risked his life to save their baby girl.
Hero
“It was the most heroic thing he could have ever done,” Catherine said. As she sat home tending to Charlotte, she told herself- “‘If Khan survives this ordeal, he will spend the rest of his life in luxury.’”
He’ll Be Rewarded
“If Khan wants a gold bowl, Khan gets it. We owe him for the rest of his life,” the family said. While Khan was still at the hospital, local news sites were covering the incident. They couldn’t believe an abused rescue dog who had only been with this family for four days would be so heroic.
Getting Better
Khan had been through so much himself, but to be this selfless was something that brought tears to the family’s eyes. Thankfully after a couple of days in the hospital, Khan was able to return home and he was doing much better.
Things Could Have Been Different
While he was still slightly out of it, the family knew he would be ok! The story would have been very different, however, if the snake bite had pierced the skin of Charlotte…
They Owe Khan Their Lives
Being just a toddler, Charlotte probably would not have survived the ordeal. Khan somehow was able to, and the family intends to repay him forever.
“Khan The Wonder Dog
To think this was a dog that no one wanted just a week before and now he’s being called “Khan the Wonder Dog.” He had saved their daughter’s life by risking his own.
