posted October 12, 2010 03:34 PM         

Seventeen-month-old Charlotte Svilicic was playing in the garden of the family’s Atherton home on Monday when Khan the doberman grabbed her by the back of the nappy and threw her clear of the approaching snake.

The heroic pooch was bitten by the snake after saving the toddler but is recovering after a dose of anti-venom.

In an amazing twist, Khan’s breeder revealed his grandfather had saved a child in similar circumstances.

Charlotte’s mother Catherine Svilicic yesterday told The Cairns Post Khan had saved the child’s life and the family would be forever indebted.

"If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed it," Ms Svilicic said.

"Khan was really concentrating and was acting aggressive towards Charlotte and kept trying to nudge her but it wasn’t working, so he grabbed her by the back of the nappy and threw her more than a metre.

"Charlotte looked pretty shocked and then Khan screamed.

"I realised quickly it was a snake and Khan had been trying to get in between her and the snake before he threw her."

After being bitten, Khan ran inside and collapsed. He was given a shot of anti-venom by a vet and had a tough night on Monday but managed to survive and eat a large breakfast yesterday, despite the ordeal.

Mrs Svilicic said the family had only had Khan for four days, and they were moved by Khan’s selfless and protective act.

"When Kerry Kinder (Doberinling Boarding Kennels owner) rescued him, he was starving, had broken ribs and had been beaten – he was an abused dog," she said.

"It was borderline on whether or not he should be put down because he was in such a bad way."

Mrs Svilicic said Khan would spend the rest of his life in luxury.

"If Khan wants a gold bowl, Khan gets it. We owe him for the rest of his life,’’ she said.

Mrs Kinder bred Khan and rescued him after discovering he was being mistreated.

"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."

An Atherton snake expert believes Khan escape death because the snake was not able to inject a large amount of venom.

posted October 14, 2010 09:26 AM         

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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies with in us."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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