Ruger saved me from a hospital trip—maybe even my life. He’s never bitten me outside of play, but today, while walking by the lake like we always do, he suddenly got aggressive, nipping at me. He wrapped around my leg, his dew claws digging in. When I turned to scold him, he darted around me, almost like he was trying to avoid me.
Then I saw why—he was confronting a copperhead, backed against a log, fighting to protect me until I grabbed a stick to help. Tears welled up as I realized he’d risked his life to save mine. I sat down and held him tight. Without a doubt, he’s my guardian. The title of best dog ever unquestionably belongs to him. I’d take this cut over a copperhead bite any day.
Thankful for my best friend.
— Zackary Pate