The North Florida owners of a pit bull say the dog died while protecting their children from a venomous coral snake.
The eight-month-old dog named Zeus was outside with members of the Richardson family as they cleaned his water bowl.
They didn't notice that a venomous coral snake was lurking nearby.
As the snake approached, Zeus leaped into action and attacked the snake.
Zeus was bitten four times.
Vets tried to save Zeus, but he died a day after last week's attack.
Read more about Zeus and the Richardsons here.
Image courtesy Fox 35 Orlando