Steve Irwin, a two-year-old German Shepherd, is recovering at the Arizona Humane Society after being bitten by a rattlesnake. (Screenshot from AZ Humane Society)
PHOENIX – A German Shepherd recovers from a rattlesnake bite and is looking for a permanent home.
He’s a gentle giant with a strong name. The German Shepherd is named Steve Irwin and is recovering at the Arizona Human Society’s South Mountain location.
“Steve Irwin is a two-year-old German Shepherd who came to our trauma hospital after being bitten by a snake,” said Jennifer Armbruster of the Arizona Humane Society.
AHS wants pet owners to be aware of this.
“A snake avoidance course can be really helpful for owners”
However, there are ways to train your pet to avoid the danger of rattlesnakes in the desert.
“We do see snake bites. We’ve seen two this year and we’ll continue to see more in our trauma hospital. That’s why a snake handling course can be very helpful for owners,” Armbruster said.
AHS offers snake avoidance training classes that use positive reinforcement techniques that owners can use both at home and outdoors.
“We don’t use electric shock collars. We don’t use prong collars or choke collars. It’s really based on the fundamentals of heeling. Come when called and leave it,” Armbruster explained.
Steve was given antibiotics and is now recovering, but AHS hopes his story will raise awareness among pet owners.
“Make sure the dogs call and leave it at that and do not interfere further. If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, immediate medical attention is required, so get him to an emergency room for treatment as soon as possible,” Armbruster said.
The snake avoidance training courses last three weeks and are 30% off until September.
This weekend, all fees for adoptions through the Arizona Humane Society are waived.
