Catherine Svilicic never anticipated her own rescue pet dog would act aggressively towards her 17 month old baby. As a mother, to watch your own child being tossed in that way, it’s natural to fear for the baby’s life and her delicate face. Hopefully, a tiny baby would not need any cosmetic surgery to hide claw marks on her precious face. Yet, on that fateful day, she rushed with her baby in her arms to safety. What happened next explained a bit more about her rescue dog’s intentions.
One Very Strange Morning
When Catherine first adopted the Doberman, she only anticipated that he would be a loving pet. Hopefully, her baby girl and the dog would become fast friends and inseparable! However, things changed within seconds in her very own backyard, and she was in shock!
One Very Strange Morning
Unusual Behavior
Though Catherine Svilicic was well aware rescue animals had backgrounds of neglect and abuse that sometimes affect their behavior, she took the chance. Isn’t that the whole point of rescues though? Perhaps, that’s what it’s about…taking a chance on a less fortunate animal because maybe you can give this dog a better life.
Unusual Behavior
Dangerous Breeds
Sure, a good amount of dogs playfully nip owners while licking them when they display affection. However, there are certain dogs that naturally resort to hostile behavior because of their genetic makeup.
Dangerous Breeds
Addition To The Family
Like a large number of families, the Svilicic family reached the point where they wanted to expand by adopting a pet. It was just after Catherine gave birth to baby Charlotte, when she decided it was important to adopt a dog for her baby to bond with over time.
Addition To The Family
The Big Decision
Actually, the family decided they wanted to do a good deed, as well. With the choice of a rescue, they could save an animal. Yes, they had a healthy baby girl, but they were so fortunate they wanted to save another life!
The Big Decision
Speaking with the Shelter
With this decision, Catherine phoned a local dog shelter to ask about the adoption process. Once she heard about all the animals at the shelter, she selected a Doberman Pinscher. After signing all the adoption forms, the family chose the name Khan for their new pet.
Speaking With The Shelter
Ignoring Reservations
In Catherine’s head she pictured this adoption as gaining a protector for her family. Naturally, she felt some reservations as she signed the adoption papers for a rescue animal. However, she put enormous faith in her new dog, Khan.
Ignoring Reservations
Will He Fit The Mold?
Of course, most people associate Dobermans, Pitbulls and Rottweilers with aggression. There’s also more incidents recorded with those breeds. Yet, would Khan fall into this harsh image of Dobermans?
Will He Fit The Mold?
Pet Dogs For Teaching Kids
For the future, Catherine envisioned that having a dog would teach her daughter how to be responsible and care for pets, as well as learning to love animals and how to share. Many of the family’s friends knew they were considering adoption, but when they heard about Khan, most were shocked at the family’s breed choice.
Pet Dogs For Teaching Kids
Falling In Love
In spite of Khan’s not so great backstory, Catherine fell in love with her new dog. Eager to bring this special pet home, Catherine only felt overjoyed. Yet, she recognized there were some risks involved.
Falling In Love
Rationalizing Risks
Despite the clear risks of taking home a big and potentially dangerous dog to her newborn, Catherine tried to be rational and empathetic. If Catherine Svilicic did not take Khan home, the poor dog would have been put to sleep one week later. Now, was his chance at a new life, and her family also hoped for the best.
Rationalizing Risks
What Started As A Normal Day
Things started off pretty smooth. For a few days, they started by training Khan. Then on the fourth day, everything changed when Khan behaved totally out of character.
What Started As A Normal Day
Appeared To Be Usual Play
Like the other days, this one started with normal outdoor playtime. Although the baby Charlotte’s parents watched from a distance, they didn’t spot anything peculiar. Baby Charlotte and Khan had been starting to make this backyard playtime a routine. However, something was very different on this particular day.
Appeared To Be Usual Play
Sudden Trouble In The Yard
Well, what was going on in the backyard? Neither baby Charlotte or Khan were even making a lot of noise. The two ran through the grass with each other. Then, Khan’s temperament drastically changed!
Sudden Trouble In The Yard
Wild Behavior During Playtime
So, Catherine looked on at the two, feeling temporarily reassured in her choice to adopt the rescue. That was until everything changed within seconds.
Wild Behavior During Playtime
Out Of Character, Something Isn’t Right
Within an instant, Khan began to lash out aggressively. Something was not right. This was not how the two usually played at all. Actually stopped playing and grabbed young Charlotte!
Out Of Character, Something Isn’t Right
Khan Begins Acting Wild
With her mouth agape, Catherine looked on in complete shock. She could not understand why Khan suddenly acted out this way. She knew in her gut that Charlotte could not have provoked Khan to act like this. Yet, something made her worry if those cautious people who warned her about Dobermans be right after all? Maybe his past triggered this awful behavior?
Khan Begins Acting Wild
Unbelievable
Watching Khan toss Charlotte across the lawn, Catherine couldn’t believe her eyes! Next, what happened alarmed not just Catherine but the rest of the onlookers. Even with this, baby Charlotte seemed somehow unaffected and wandered through the grass.
Unbelievable
Only The Beginning
How could it be that Khan saw a baby as a threat? While Catherine watched on in disbelief as the dog dragged her baby, she hoped he would end this. Unfortunately, Catherine saw that she needed to intervene because it was just the start…
Only The Beginning
More Aggression
During what looked like a fit of rage, the dog attempted an even more aggressive technique. Now, things were really out of hand. Khan clenched his jaw and let his teeth sink into Charlotte’s diaper and began tossing her back and forth.
More Aggression
Complete Shock And Devastation
Of course, Catherine knew a dog from his background and of his breed was capable of this type of behavior, but she never expected Khan would act this way. Let alone, threaten her own baby! She was devastated.
Complete Shock And Devastation
Some Lurking Suspicions
Naturally, she was upset with the animal for lashing out at innocent, baby Charlotte. Yet, Catherine couldn’t shake that deep down there was more to the whole thing than meets the eye. Little did Catherine know at the time, but her suspicions turned out to be very true.
Some Lurking Suspicions
Paralyzed In Horror
At the start of it all, when things turned violent, Catherine froze. She felt paralyzed as she stood in the kitchen watching it all play out. Perhaps, the shock made the scene feel surreal instead of reality.
Paralyzed In Horror
Denial
Okay, so Catherine knew there had to be more than she was witnessing going on here, but more importantly, her 17 month old daughter was in grave danger. Yet, Catherine felt paralyzed and in some sort of denial. How could this be real? Desperately, she tried to reason that she did not bring a dangerous threat into her home.
Denial
Dog Throws Baby Like A Rag Doll
After seeing this all unfold, it was clear to Catherine that her baby was a target for the dog when he became aggressive. That striking moment when Khan dug his teeth into the baby’s diaper was when he tosses her with all his strength. Witnesses claim he threw the baby, “a rag doll.”
Dog Throws Baby Like A Rag Doll
Charlotte Is Surprisingly Calm
Certainly, this family was lucky Khan’s teeth didn’t puncture her skin, especially on her face. Poor Catherine could not fathom the guilt she would feel if her 17 month old needed cosmetic surgery because of the rescue they adopted. Luckily, Charlotte did not need cosmetic surgery and in fact, seemed quite calm. Maybe young Charlotte understood something everyone else was missing about Khan’s intentions.
Charlotte Is Surprisingly Calm
Everyone’s Reaction
Baby Charlotte did not shed any tears, but maybe she was shell-shocked like her mom. It was crucial that Catherine act quickly and grab her endangered daughter. Then something happened to the dog and everyone was completely confused.
Everyone’s Reaction
Incredible Moment
All the while, baby Charlotte did not so much as shed a single tear! However, while Charlotte was calm, everyone else basically began to panic. Actually, Catherine remarked, “Had I not seen it with my very own eyes, I’d never have believed it.” Thus, she scooped up her baby and carried her to shelter. However, while she saved Charlotte, the dog began to bark like crazy and then simply collapsed.
Incredible Moment
More Than Meets The Eye
It was time for Catherine to piece together the real situation. Maybe the rescue dog was actually protecting young Charlotte. Khan continued whimpering. What was going on here?
More Than Meets The Eye
Not Over Yet
This was all very strange. Clearly, the dog didn’t collapse out of nowhere. Also he was crying. Not one person could figure out what was really going on with him!
Not Over Yet
Emergency
After a quick scan of baby Charlotte’s body for cuts or bruises, Catherine discovered she was unharmed. Naturally, the mother was more upset than her calm baby. So, Charlotte was fine, but something was very wrong with Khan.
Emergency
Panic Mode
After crying, Khan fell to the ground lifeless. Now, Catherine was in sheer panic mode! She turned all attention to the rescue dog as she looked into his dying eyes. It was clear now, he had protected her daughter. However, there wasn’t time to reflect, he needed care urgently!
Panic Mode
Act Of Heroism
Alas, the family recognized Khan as a hero and not assailant. Apparently, Khan shielded Charlotte from some sort of poisonous creature. All would soon be revealed. Remarkably, after just four days, this dog had transformed into the protector Catherine dreamt of for her family!
Act Of Heroism
Desperate Times
While the dog’s health rapidly declined, Catherine desperately hoped she could save this heroic animal. As the real story came to light, she was deeply appreciative that Khan made such an immense sacrifice for Charlotte. Sadly, the family felt it might be too late to save poor Khan.
Desperate Times
Poison Paralyzing His System
Khan became paralyzed immediately because of a poisonous venom. Though he was young and a strong breed, the venom was far too powerful. Yet, Catherine committed to this dog’s life when she signed the adoption forms. Now, was her time to prove herself to him, and only a few people were capable of helping him in this state.
Poison Paralyzing His System
Determined To Save Her Dog
While everyone else watched in horror, Catherine grabbed Khan’s lifeless body. Another family member watched over the baby as Catherine carried off Khan. With the dog in her arms, she saw his tongue hanging from his mouth as he gasped for air. Despite one family member exclaiming it was too late, Catherine refused to give up.
Determined To Save Her Dog
Every Minute Counts
Now, we can say in hindsight, if they waited much longer, it would have been very obvious that Khan had no future. However, since he still gasped for air, Catherine believed she could save him. In fact, she used all her strength to carry the big Doberman to the car. She rested him in the front seat and sped for the vet. As she drove, his breath began to slow. Only the next few critical hours would determine if he could survive this.
Every Minute Counts
Speeding For Life
She sped ahead and looked over at her rescue dog. All Catherine wanted was to give this poor dog another chance at life. Again, she reflected on his sacrifice for her precious baby. With these racing thoughts and his life on the line, she engaged in a bit of reckless driving. Actually, she commented on this after the fact, “I never knew I was able to drive this well. I guess adrenaline does its thing.”
Speeding For Life
Urgent Medical Attention
Soon, they arrived at the vet, and Catherine jumped out of the car and rushed in carrying Khan. Of course, she couldn’t waste time signing in or sitting around so she yelled out for anti-venom and immediate help. Luckily, she was in the right place and vets rushed to her aid. They ushered Khan away, seeing he was in critical condition. Clearly, taking the toxins from the dog’s body would be their first priority.
Urgent Medical Attention
Motherly Instincts
Looking back on the event, Catherine knows she used pure adrenaline to act fast. She said, “If you asked me to carry his weight right now, I don’t think I’d be able to do it.” Maybe her motherly instincts also kicked in to help this new family member. Even after only four days, Khan had become a Svilcic and saved the baby from a poisonous bite.
Motherly Instincts
Hoping For Recovery
Looking into Khan’s eyes gave Catherine everything she needed to know. There was no debating now that he protected her child because he had unconditional love to give. This solidified his place in their home and family. Now, Catherine would have the chance to return the favor. Her baby was safe and she could pay full attention to the sick dog. Once the vets took over, she cried because of how helpless she felt and prayed he would recover.
Hoping For Recovery
The Update On Khan
Catherine tried to be patient as the vets worked on Khan. Even knowing he was in the hands of experts did not stop her from worrying. In the pit of her stomach she felt sick. She hoped they wouldn’t lose this new member of their family. Then, the vets approached her with an update. She bombarded them with questions.
The Update On Khan
Doctor’s Uncertainty
Unfortunately, the vets could only say that at the time, they could not predict if Khan would survive. One vet told Catherine, “We don’t know yet, madam. We did what we could, but now his body has to fight the poison. The anti-venom will certainly help, but we don’t know to what extent. It’s best that you come back tomorrow morning.” With this news, her heart sank because she hoped for better news. Yet, there was still some hope to cling onto.
Doctor’s Uncertainty
Suffering Insomnia
When Catherine left the vet, she only thought about Khan.Everything from the day replayed in her head while her mind continued racing. She couldn’t get any sleep. Therefore, she looked on as her baby slept. She never predicted this was how her day would have played out. All she felt was gratitude Charlotte was safe and heavy guilt. Wasn’t there more she could have done to save her poor dog?
Suffering Insomnia
Starting Bright And Early
Once the morning hit, Catherine jumped out of bed bright and early. Without any sleep, this mom threw on some clothes and got her kids off to school before heading to the vet. With her mind still racing, she rushed to the vet in the hopes she would be the first one there and immediately, get an update.
Starting Bright And Early
Hearing The News
While she waited for the news, she started to imagine all possibilities from the worst to best. Naturally, after dealing with such a traumatic event, she had continual anxiety. Her impatience got the best of her and she approached the receptionist to inquire when she would hear about Khan. Apparently, they did have results, so they were coming to speak to her.
Hearing The News
Deadly Creature Out Back
Before they got to Khan, the vets informed Catherine what had attacked him. Apparently, this deadly creature resided in Catherine’s yard without her knowing. She imagined if the worst happened and that deadly creature got a hold of one of her children. That outcome would be completely different with her sitting in an emergency room, and she couldn’t bare to picture the reality of that scenario.
Deadly Creature Out Back
Baby’s Protector
With Khan’s sharp animal instincts, he saved Charlotte from a deadly Mulga! Though most see Dobermans as vicious attack dogs, they are very loyal to their owners. The brave Khan guarded Charlotte at the expense of his own life, proving his unconditional love. Maybe it was Khan’s way to repay the favor to the family that saved him by adopting.
Baby’s Protector
Chance Of Survival
Obviously, Khan was not guaranteed to survive such powerful venom. Naturally, the family just wanted to bring him back home safe and sound, but things did not look great. They couldn’t believe that the situation could have been different with Charlotte in critical care. To honor this dog’s brave actions, they felt he deserved to survive the event. However, it wasn’t up to them.
Chance Of Survival
Waiting For The Vets
While waiting, the Svilicic family held onto hope and prayed for positive results. However, Khan’s care was in the hands of the vets, who worked tirelessly to remove the snake venom. Catherine remarked on the sacrifice, “He saved her life by risking his own. From now on, he’s Khan the Wonder Dog.” Alas, Catherine got on the phone with the vet to hear what was happening.
Waiting For The Vets
The Dog’s Fate
Finally, they would hear about their precious rescue after what felt like years of waiting. Dog lovers ruely know that nothing matches the love and devotion owners feel towards their pet dogs. Though it had been just 4 days, Khan saved their daughter’s life. Clearly, this impacted his status in the family. Anyway, the vet gave Khan the necessary anti-venom with a shot, hoping to revive him from the snake venom. Next, they needed to see what affect the anti-venom would have on Khan’s system.
The Dog’s Fate
A Better Life
By adopting this rescue, the family wanted to give him a new chance in life. Once the Svillcics came to get Khan, the workers at the animal shelter informed Catherine about where Khan came from. Sadly, his background was full of abuse. On top of that, he only got four days with the loving Svillcic family before a poisonous snake bit him during his heroic feat. This family needed to bring him home to make up for his rough past with kindness and affection.
A Better Life
Almost Put Down
Actually, if they didn’t adopt sweet Khan, then the shelter was going to put him down. It would have been a matter of time since he arrived in really rough shape to the shelter. With clear signs of abuse, Catherine noted his condition. She said, “When Kerry Kinder (Doberinling Boarding Kennels owner) rescued him, he was starving, had broken ribs and had been beaten – he was an abused dog…It was borderline on whether or not he should be put down because he was in such a bad way.”
Almost Put Down
Further Insight
In fact, considering his background of abuse, Catherine understood perfectly why Khan behaved the way he did towards her child. She noted, “He was starving for attention and wanted to be loved because he came from an abused home, so I’m not surprised about what he has done at his new home.” With the tragic abuse on her mind, Catherine felt more determined than ever to stay informed and on top of Khan’s recovery. Thus, she needed to speak with the vet immediately.
Further Insight
Calling The Vet
Calling the vet’s office, Catherine hoped for the best news. First, the vet informed her that Khan became ill overnight, which made Catherine herself feel sick at this. All she wanted was to bring that dog home safe and sound. Her family was hopeful they could return the heroic favor to Khan by saving his life.
Calling The Vet
The Big News
While Catherine patiently waited, the vet spoke with her team. She kept Catherine on the line as they were actively working with Khan. Catherine grasped the phone, just wanting to hear anything positive to cling to. Alas, the vet came back on the line with some great news!
The Big News
Sigh Of Relief
Thankfully, the vet told Catherine her dog was slowly becoming stronger. Though he was still very weak, the team saw him making slow progress. Luckily, they were able to remove the venom. Hearing this, Catherine shed a tear, but that wasn’t all.
Sigh Of Relief
What Next?
Well, Catherine was pleased but she still needed to know whether they could take Khan home and if her dog would fully recover. Just hearing he was currently okay wasn’t enough. What would she tell her family? Could she even promise them that Khan would return home?
What Next?
Expected Recovery
Finally, this call gave Catherine and the family the confirmation they needed. Alas, the heroic Khan would recover fine. At last, Catherine felt secure that she could make it up to her miraculous dog who save her baby girl.
Expected Recovery
According To Experts
Based on a reptile expert’s knowledge, we know the possible outcomes of a bite from this snake. Luckily, Khan pulled through to survive the attack. Well, this was only because the snake didn’t inject enough venom. However, if that snake gripped the dog tighter, than this tale would have had a very tragic and short end. Well, what would be next for Khan and his family?
According To Experts
Back To The Vet
Catherine stayed on top of it. Actually, she returned to the vet to hear more about the recovery process. However, she needed to remind herself to stay patient until finally receiving the answers she wanted most.
Back To The Vet
Amazing Progress
It wasn’t just more hopeful tidbits. In fact, her dog was impressing the vets with such rapid recovery. His progress would be wonderful news for her whole family who could not wait to be reunited.
Amazing Progress
Moving On
Finally, the family could take their dog home and get past this awful event. They were ecstatic to bring Khan home to a loving family where he deserved to be. At that moment, Catherine promised herself something that she really stuck by…
Moving On
Fortunate Family
So the family would be together at last, but Catherine needed to promise herself to guard and protect Khan like he was her very own child. I mean after he saved her daughter, how could she not? Naturally, she felt she couldn’t even come close to repaying him. Clearly, Khan solidified an unbreakable bond with the family. As you can tell, years after, a very grown up Charlotte is still just as close with Khan. Wait, what about the deadly creature?
Fortunate Family
The Deadly Creature
So, yes it was a snake responsible for this whole crazy event. However, this was not your usual garden snake, as you probably guessed. The culprit was the Mulga. What is that, you ask…
The Deadly Creature
Mulga
Maybe you never heard of the Mula. For one thing, they’re incredibly venomous. They are one of the deadliest snakes in all of Australia. Not one family member saw this deadly snake moving through their grass. Just Khan caught a glimpse.
Mulga
Its Powerful Attack
Since the Mulga is one of the world’s deadliest, it’s for sure a creature to be feared. With such powerful venom, the Mulga has the capability to kill an adult in a matter of minutes.
Its Powerful Attack
Easy Target
It wasn’t just a good thing that Khan caught the Mulga. No, it was seriously life saving. Since Charlotte was just a baby she made an easy target for the snake. Not just that, but at her size, she would have had a small chance of surviving the powerful venom.
Easy Target
Similar Tale
Maybe this tale sounds very familiar to you. Well, there’s a lot of amazing stories like the story of golden retriever Brutis, who was 7 years old when he made world news. This brave dog grabbed hold of a coral snake that was slithering its way towards a child. After suffering a near fatal bite, he was awarded the National Hero Dog Award in L.A. If that’s remarkable, then you should hear these other stories of dogs who saved lives.
Similar Tale
True Heroes
We all remember the awful Hurricane Katrina that destroyed New Orleans. Many heroes stepped up during that disaster. A black lab, actually named Katrina, rescued a drowning man. It was as the flood waters were rising, the dog grabbed him just in time. Then, the rescue teams followed and saved the dog who got a standing ovation at the Genesis Awards that year.
True Heroes
Saves Elderly
Half wolf dog and half German Shepherd, this is Shana. It was an intense snow storm and an elderly couple named Norman and Eve got trapped in snow. Luckily, Shana dug out a tunnel and pulled them free. Afterwards, the couple was eternally grateful to this heroic dog.
Saves Elderly
Took A Bullet For Family
During a break in at the Patel family home, Moti, their five year old German Shepherd immediately confronted the masked intruder. Moti barked at him and the intruder actually shot the dog. Thankfully, Moti recovered and even got the 2007 Dog of the Year award!
Took A Bullet For Family
Nearly Fatal Crash
Michael Bosch got trapped in his SUV when he flipped in a deep ravine. Luckily, he was able to free Honey, his five-month old dog, hoping she could help. The English Cocker Spaniel surely did not let her owner down. She barked at a man about half a mile away until he followed her to the accident. Even the rescuers on the scene said Michael would not have survived without her help, thus, Honey won the 2006 Dog of the Year.
Nearly Fatal Crash
Amazing Service Dog
When Gareth Jones, a former soldier bound to a wheelchair, got stuck in the mud, his service dog knew just how to help. Jones threw his dog a rope. Then, is Golden Retriever, who was four at the time, pulled his wheelchair free. Jones said, “He didn’t let go until I was clear. He knew exactly what he was doing.”
Amazing Service Dog
Stillman Award Winner
Like something out of a movie, Eve, a Rottweiler, dragged her paraplegic owner to safety from a burning truck. Actually, we need to give Eve full credit. She also pulled her owner all the way to a ditch so that the truck’s explosion wouldn’t harm her. For her bravery, Eve was awarded the Stillman Award.
Stillman Award Winner
9/11 Rescue
When the tragic terrorist attacks took place on 9/11, many dogs stepped up as heroes. Dogs saved many people who were trapped in the building debris. Officer Jame Symington’s dog named Trakr dug down 30 feet of debris! In fact, Trackr located the last survivor at ground zero. After such brave and amazing work, it was decided that the dog would be cloned for more police rescue missions. How cool is that?
9/11 Rescue
Alligator Rescue
Just like the Mulga, you never know what type of dangerous creatures are in your own yard! Ruth Gay was 85 years old when she came across an alligator in her backyard. Poor Ruth had taken a fall while walking her Australian Blue Heeler, Blue, so the alligator was approaching a very vulnerable older woman. Luckily, Blue scared the alligator off and saved Ruth. Thus, Blue earned Dog Hero of the Year in 2001.
Alligator Rescue