A senior shelter dog has been dubbed "a hero" after saving a human volunteer from a potentially dangerous encounter with a snake. The amazing feat was even more incredible because the savior in question is, in fact, blind.
Dan Fishbein was walking with Moogan, a senior dog who is blind as a result of a rare condition. As they strolled the sandy trails around Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Fishbein steered Moogan away from obstacles as usual.
"He's so curious, still smelling the flowers, feeling out his surroundings," Fishbein said. "I'm always on the lookout to make sure he doesn't barrel into anything."
But what Fishbein didn't notice was a rattlesnake, lying directly on the trail in his path. Suddenly, Moogan pivoted sharply, pulling Fishbein's attention down—straight to the snake he had been about to step on.
"Moogan turned to the right, so I looked down, and there it was," Fishbein said. "A rattlesnake, coiled right next to my foot. I gently pulled him away, thanking him. Who would have thought my blind companion would be the one to save me?"
Rattlesnakes are a notable part of the wildlife in Utah, with five species of rattlesnake in the state. They are often found hiding under rocks and in areas where they can hunt for prey such as rodents.
While rattlesnake bites are venomous and potentially dangerous, fatalities are relatively low, especially when medical attention is received quickly after a bite.
Previously a large, playful pup, Moogan loved wide-open spaces and running around exploring. But a year after arriving at Best Friends Animal Society, he began to lose his sight, something that has slowed him down.
Moogan was diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD), a rare and mysterious condition with no treatment or cure. Veterinary care slowed the degeneration, but Moogan eventually lost almost all his vision.
"He's pretty much fully blind, but he navigates his world with a spirit that's truly inspiring," says Ben O'Riordan-Tingley, Moogan's longtime caregiver. "He's got this instinct for fun—loves his toys, loves people. And now, it seems, he's got a bit of a nose for danger, too."
After the close snake encounter, Moogan was given plenty of well-earned treats and cuddles. While his adventures are more leisurely these days, Moogan remains a fixture on the trails, sniffing out any surprises alongside human friends.
"I take a lot of dogs out, and Moogan's always been special, but after that? He's something else entirely. I think he's my guardian angel," Fishbein said.
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