Haus, a two-year-old German shepherd, was picked out from the animal shelter by the DeLuca family two months ago.

He has already repaid the favour, risking his own life to protect their seven-year-old daughter, suffering three bites as he fought off a deadly rattlesnake in Florida.

His story has spread across America and wellwishers have donated more than $50,000 (£35,000) to help pay veterinary bills for Haus who is being treated with anti-venom and painkillers. He is expected to recover from his encounter with the Eastern diamondback.

Molly DeLuca's grandmother was watching her play with the dog in their back garden in Tampa when she spotted the dog leaping in front of the girl.

It was only later, when they took him to the vet for his bleeding leg, they discovered what had happened. When his leg was shaved it revealed tell-tale fang marks from one of the snakes that lives in a nearby state park.