The bond that can be forged between owners and their pets is undeniable.

Almost instantly, we have the ability to swiftly connect with the animals that come into our lives. Dogs, in particular, will traverse any length to ensure the health and happiness of their owners. While a portion of this behavior may be instinctual, a much greater part displays fierce love and commitment. Their unconditional love is what gives them such a sacred place in our hearts.

Such is the story for the Svilicic family, and their newly rescued dog, Khan.

Hailing from Atherton, Australia, Catherine Svilicic felt her heart leap when she was first introduced to the dog. She had been actively seeking a new life to bring into her family, intended to be a companion for her young daughter, Charlotte.

Kahn was a lean and beautiful contender, albeit one with a troubled past. In fact, he had been rescued from an abusive home.

According to an interview Svilicic did with Adelaide now:

“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.”

This did not deter her from bringing the dog home. Khan’s abusive past had the ability to affect his behavior negatively, but Svilicic knew she wanted to give him the chance he deserved.

She remembered the important aspects of the Doberman breed, having faith that they would shine through in spite of his past circumstances. Qualities like vigilance, unwavering protection, loyalty, and fearlessness all played into her decision to take him home.

And the decision proved itself rather quickly. In less than one week after being brought home, Khan stepped right into his role, becoming the dog Svilicic knew he could be.

With regard to his troubled past, the mother kept a cautioned eye on the interactions between the dog and her seventeen-month-old daughter.

One day, while the two were playing in the backyard, she quickly realized something was amiss. Khan began to display erratic behavior, quickly concerning the mother.

According to the Daily Mail:

“Khan was really concentrating and was acting aggressively towards Charlotte-and kept trying to nudge her but it wasn’t working,” Svilicic said. “So he grabbed her by the back of the nappy and threw her over his shoulder more than a meter like she was a rag doll.”

It’s easy to imagine the terror that filled the mother upon witnessing such a grisly display. However, she quickly realized the reality of the situation when she saw what was causing the commotion.

It was a snake. And not just any old snake – it was a king brown snake – one of the world’s most venomous.

“Charlotte looked pretty shocked and then Khan screamed. I realized quickly it was a snake and Khan had been trying to get in between her and the snake before he threw her,” Adelaide Now reported.

Khan acted boldly in the moment, throwing the child out of harm’s way. But left with this choice, he took the hit from the snake instead.

The family rushed the dog to the vet, who was able to stabilize the dog with an anti-venom shot.

All in all, Khan turned out to be the hero of the day – and crowned king by his family for the next century. Following the incident, the family vowed to make the remainder of his life a beautiful one.

“If Khan wants a gold bowl, Khan gets it. We owe him for the rest of his life.”

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Sources: Animal Channel, Adelaide Now