Nellie, a previously timid and shy pit bull, has shown remarkable courage. Until recently, this five-year-old dog was often described as fearful and cautious, particularly due to her history as a homeless pet.
However, her image transformed dramatically when she heroically protected her foster mother, Jane Taylor, from a rattlesnake during a hike in a Texas state park.
Nellie’s journey started when she was a one-year-old living in a California shelter. The Final Frontier Rescue Project, a volunteer group based in Texas, rescued her.
She spent several years moving from place to place before finding a temporary home with Taylor six months ago.
Taylor affectionately described Nellie to The Dodo, saying, “She came to me a bit pudgy, which made her irresistible. We jokingly called her ‘our little potato bag.’
With some care and attention, she has slimmed down to a healthy 45 pounds and is now a ‘pocket pit bull.’”
Initially, Nellie was terrified of loud sounds, unfamiliar people, and strange animals. She was wary of being touched and fiercely guarded her toys. But with Taylor’s patient guidance, Nellie began to adjust to her new environment.
Her transformation was evident one sunny March day. Recalling a memorable moment while hiking, Taylor said, “We were cutting through an area not often traveled. I heard the snake before I saw it and screamed in a panic.”
In a flash, Nellie leaped into action, shielding Taylor from the snake. “It was as if she was saying, ‘I’ve got this, Mom, go on,’” Taylor shared.
Despite Nellie’s bravery, she suffered a bite to her face. A fellow hiker quickly intervened, covering the snake with his jacket to prevent further harm.
After the incident, Nellie was unable to walk, prompting Taylor and her companion to carry her to safety.
“When we reached the car, she was clearly distressed, though she didn’t cry out in pain,” Taylor remembered, knowing immediate veterinary care was crucial.
Thanks to swift treatment with two vials of antivenom and bite wound care, Nellie is on the road to recovery. “She’s a tough dog,” Taylor noted, adding that just two days after the ordeal, Nellie was back to chasing squirrels.
As Nellie recuperates, she is also preparing for the next chapter in her life—a permanent home. Taylor, who plans to move to Hawaii to care for her aging parents, believes that Nellie will thrive in a stable environment.
“Nellie has begun to embrace joy and play,” Taylor said. “She’s thrilled when guests visit, and she loves to play when other dogs are around. She’s no longer possessive because she has plenty of toys.”
“Nellie’s sweetness and desire to make people happy are undeniable,” Taylor added, highlighting Nellie’s affectionate nature.
Reflecting on Nellie’s bravery, Taylor is filled with gratitude and optimism for the dog’s future. Her friends often remark, “Nellie was protecting you,” which resonates deeply with Taylor.
The bond between Taylor and Nellie is special, and Nellie’s willingness to protect her foster mom is a testament to their strong connection. Taylor shared, “The fact that she would do something so selfless for me is truly remarkable.”
