A senior shelter dog has been dubbed “a hero” after saving a human volunteer from a potentially dangerous encounter with a snake. The astonishing feat was even more incredible because the savior in question is, in fact, blind.

Dan Fishbein was walking Moogan, an older dog who is blind as a result of a rare condition. As they strolled the sandy trails around Utah’s Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Fishbein steered Moogan away from obstacles as usual.

“He’s very curious, he still smells the flowers and feels his surroundings,” Fishbein said. “I’m always watching to make sure it doesn’t hit anything.”

But what Fishbein didn’t notice was a rattlesnake lying directly in the road in his path. Suddenly, Moogan turned sharply, drawing Fishbein’s attention to the snake he had been about to step on.

“Moogan turned right, so I looked down and there he was,” Fishbein said. “A rattlesnake, coiled right next to my foot. I gently pushed it away and thanked him. Who would have thought?” my blind companion Would he be the one to save me?”

Rattlesnakes are a notable part of wildlife in Utah, with five species of rattlesnakes in the state. They are often found hiding under rocks and in areas where they can hunt prey such as rodents.

While rattlesnake bites are venomous and potentially dangerous, fatalities are relatively low, especially when medical attention is received quickly after a bite.

Once a big, playful pup, Moogan loved open spaces and running and exploring. But a year after arriving at Best Friends Animal Society he began to lose his sight, something that has slowed him down.

Moogan was diagnosed Acquired sudden retinal degeneration (ARDS)a rare and mysterious condition that has no treatment or cure. Veterinary care slowed the degeneration, but Moogan eventually lost almost all of his vision.

“He’s practically completely blind, but he navigates the world with a truly inspiring spirit,” says Ben O’Riordan-Tingley, Moogan’s longtime caretaker. “He has an instinct for fun: he loves his toys, he loves people. And now, apparently, he has a bit of a nose for danger, too.”

After the close encounter with the snake, Moogan received many well-deserved hugs and treats. While his adventures are quieter these days, Moogan is still a regular on the trails, sniffing out any surprises alongside his human friends.

“I walk a lot of dogs and Moogan has always been special, but after that? It’s something completely different. I think he’s my guardian angel,” Fishbein said.

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