Dogs may be the most selfless beings on Earth, and this story proves that they’d take a bullet for the ones that they love – or in this case, a snake bite.

Pups Slayer and Paco, who belong to Melissa Butt, were in their Florida backyard with Butt’s two grandkids, ages four and one.

The dogs suddenly became fixated on something in the grass, and refused to come when called, which is uncharacteristic, according to Butt.

Image Source: Screen Shot via Fox 13

As it turned out, they had found a poisonous snake, possibly a copperhead, and were keeping the deadly serpent away from the children. Paco was bitten in the leg, which luckily, only resulted in minor injuries.

Image Source: Screen Shot via Fox 13

But Slayer suffered life-threatening trauma after getting struck in the face, receiving the brunt of the venom and resulting in severe swelling.

Image Source: Screen Shot via Fox 13

The 3-year-old Pit Bull’s fate was uncertain for a few days, but after emergency treatment and hefty doses of antivenin, Slayer pulled through, to the relief of his humans! Understandably, their family is thrilled and relieved that both pooches and precious grandkids are safe and sound.

After visiting with their recovering pooch at the vet, Butt said in a story by Fox 13:

“We get to see him and let him know we didn’t abandon him. He is still ours. We are going to bring him home as soon as we can…Everything will be OK… He is going to look back on this and say, ‘I was just able to make more friends.’”

Image Source: Screen Shot via Fox 13

Slayer has certainly lived up to his name… as a snake slayer, that is! His family can’t wait to take him back home, where he’ll undoubtedly get rewarded for his bravery.

Melissa Butt updated iHeartDogs with even more good news about the four-legged hero:

“We were able to bring Slayer home yesterday and he is so happy, as of course are we. He is resting in his favorite spot getting lots of love and cuddles. A good portion of the swelling has gone down and he is able to eat, even seems to have a little bit an appetite.”

Slayer // Image Source: Melissa Butt

Paco // Image Source: Melissa Butt

We’re so glad that this story has a happy ending for everyone, and that these two pooches will continue getting the love and care that they deserve!

(h/t: Fox 13)