Dog saves owner from copperhead snake attack

A still from a video Rigney took in 2010 of Angel fighting a snake. A still from a video Rigney took in 2010 of Angel fighting a snake. Photo: McKenzie Rigney Photo: McKenzie Rigney Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Dog saves owner from copperhead snake attack 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

A brave rescue dog is getting spoiled after she had a heroic run-in with a venomous snake.

Angel, a rust-colored Chow Chow mix, launched into panic mode when her owner, Mississippi resident McKenzie Rigney, came across a slithering intruder in her yard Sunday. Rigney stepped on the copperhead and in the process of trying to fight the snake, Angel was bit at least three times.

After the first bite, Angel began staggering around like she was 'drunk', but she continued protecting her owner. By the end of it, Angel could hardly walk and barely made it inside the home.

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Rigney eventually killed the snake with a garden hoe.

"She was in so much pain that she yelped no matter where or how gentle I touched her," Rigney said.

Within 30 minutes of getting bit, Angel was able to get the anti venom from the veterinarian's office along with other medications. And 24-hours later, Angel was ready to go home.

Rigney rescued Angel 13 years ago when she found the dog near the woods by her home. She was thin, had tangled fur, and was a bit skittish of her new human friends. However, her loving personality and obedience made Rigney believe she wasn't a stray after all. She put an ad in the local newspaper and went door-to-door asking neighbors if they knew Angel, but no one recognized her.

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"After a month of trying to reunite her with her family, no one claimed her and we became her family. It was a great day!" Rigney said.

Living in a Mississippi country town with many forested areas, snakes are common this time of year, but Rigney says it is unusual to find a venomous snake so close to a house.

"It is one of the most comforting things in the world to know that 34 pounds of fur and fury will be there to greet anyone or anything that wishes to do my family harm."

Angel is still under strict medical orders but is doing very well.

"It was awful yet the bravest thing I've ever seen," Rigney said. "Now she is getting treated like a princess. She gets all the belly rubs, all the peanut butter, and all the blankets!"