TAMPA — A heroic dog that likely saved a little girl's life is now getting a little help himself.
Haus, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, jumped in between Molly DeLuca, 7, and a diamondback rattlesnake earlier this week, suffering multiple bites.
Now, more than a thousand people from all over the world have come to his rescue through a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $47,000 to pay for his vet bills.
Donya DeLuca said her daughter and her grandmother were in their backyard when their German Shepherd sprung into action. He didn’t back down even though the snake kept biting him. Doctors discovered three bites.
“There's no doubt he was protecting our family,” DeLuca said.
Haus has been hospitalized since Wednesday. Veterinarians at BluePearl Veterinary hospital in Tampa said there's so much venom in his system that he needs a steady drip of antivenin. Without it, the dog would have died within hours.
So far, Haus has received seven vials of antivenin. Each vial costs up to $650. On top of that he’s in the ICU, meaning expensive 24-hour care with three veterinarians looking after him. He also received a blood transfusion Friday.
The GoFundMe page was started to help the family with medical costs to keep Haus alive. Now, more than 1,600 people have donated three times the original goal of $15,000 as of Friday night.
“I feel like the people of Tampa are so good to me,” DeLuca said.
Doctors said Haus is slowly getting better. He was able to walk Friday. His wounds are improving and he’s drinking lots of water. They believe he will survive but will have a long road of recovery.
Molly is just thankful her best friend is getting better. “They are sweet, and kind, and nice because they're caring about Haus,” she said.
DeLuca said they’ve raised well over the amount they will need to cover Haus' care. The family plans to donate whatever is left over, with the majority of the money going to Heidi’s Legacy Dog Rescue in Lithia and possibly other dog rescues.
