Many of us have heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners.” This suggests that dogs, like humans, behave based on their experiences and upbringing. Often, dogs that display aggression are reacting to mistreatment, and it’s vital to remember that such behavior isn’t inherently their fault.
Pit Bulls, in particular, face a lot of prejudice. This breed has sadly been labeled as fierce due to years of being used in dog fights. However, the heartwarming story about a courageous Pit Bull named Hurley might just change how we think of these loyal companions.
The tale was shared by a woman named Stacie Rae English, who recounted an incident involving her brother, Shelby, and his brave Pit Bull, Hurley.
In an account for “Love what Matters,” Stacie described how Shelby was out for an evening walk with Hurley. It was around 10 PM when Shelby decided to let Hurley roam free for a bit. Suddenly, a child’s scream pierced the night air, and without a second thought, Hurley sprinted towards the sound.
What Shelby witnessed was astonishing. Hurley had leaped into action to protect a young boy from a dangerous copperhead snake. The dog managed to catch and kill the snake before it could harm the boy. In the chaos that ensued, the boy’s family sped away, possibly in a rush to get him to the hospital, assuming he might have been bitten.
Shelby quickly sought help by contacting local animal control, who alongside the Highland Village police, arrived to assess the situation. It was then that they discovered Hurley had been injured during his heroic act.
Upon examination, they found Hurley was bleeding, his neck swollen, and signs of distress such as foaming from his mouth were evident. A closer look revealed two snake bite wounds on his lip. Shelby wasted no time in getting Hurley to the Denton Animal Emergency Hospital, where he was treated overnight.
Fortunately, Hurley is now home, recuperating well, though his face remains a bit swollen.
It was later understood that the young boy stumbled upon a nest of copperhead snakes. Hurley’s quick action likely shielded him from harm or, at the very least, minimized the risk of multiple bites. Stacie and Shelby are still hoping to identify the boy to confirm his well-being and share this inspiring story further.
This narrative shows Hurley in a light that challenges the unfair stereotype often associated with his breed. It’s a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they have fur.
We’re relieved that both Hurley and the child he may have saved emerged from the ordeal safely.
This touching story of bravery and instinct is worth sharing with everyone. If you’d like, pass it on to family and friends to help break the stigma surrounding Pit Bulls.
