Blind, elderly dog ​​saves volunteer shelter from deadly rattlesnake: ‘hero’

A senior shelter dog is being called ‘a hero’ after saving a human volunteer from a potentially dangerous encounter with a snake. The astonishing feat was even more incredible because the rescuer in question is actually blind.

Dan Fishbein was walking Moogan, an elderly dog ​​who is blind due to a rare condition. As they strolled the dirt paths around Utah’s Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Fishbein steered Moogan away from obstacles as usual.

“He’s so curious, he’s still smelling the flowers and scanning his surroundings,” Fishbein said. “I always make sure it doesn’t bump into anything.”

But what Fishbein didn’t notice was a rattlesnake lying right on the trail in his path. Suddenly Moogan turned sharply, drawing Fishbein’s attention to the snake he was about to step on.

“Moogan turned to the right, so I looked down, and there it was,” Fishbein said. “A rattlesnake, curled up right next to my foot. I gently pulled it away and thanked it. Who would have thought that my blind companion would be the one to save me?”

Rattlesnakes are a notable part of Utah’s wildlife, with five species of rattlesnakes in the state. They are often found under rocks and in areas where they can hunt prey such as rodents.

Although rattlesnake bites are venomous and potentially dangerous, the number of deaths is relatively low, especially if medical attention is provided quickly after a bite.

Moogan was previously a large, playful pup who loved wide open spaces and running around exploring. But a year after arriving at Best Friends Animal Society, he started losing his eyesight, something that has slowed him down.

Moogan was diagnosed 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 of his vision.

“He is almost completely blind, but he navigates his world with a mind that is truly inspiring,” said Ben O’Riordan-Tingley, Moogan’s long-time caregiver. ‘He has an instinct for fun: he loves his toys, loves people. And now it seems he also has a bit of a nose for danger.’

After the snake encounter, Moogan received many well-deserved treats and hugs. Although his adventures are more relaxed these days, Moogan remains a fixture on the trails, sniffing out any surprises along with human friends.

“I take a lot of dogs, and Moogan has always been special, but after that? He’s something completely different. I think he’s my guardian angel,” Fishbein said.

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