Proud parents Bryan and Alicia Holloway were enjoying a beautiful day at their Sevierville, Tennessee home recently as they watched their 18 month-old son Bryson play outside. With Bryson playing in the dirt and the family dog Shiloh looking on, it seemed like the perfect day. The family had no idea that danger was lurking nearby…

Suddenly, Shiloh jumped up and sprinted towards Bryson. The dog was moving so fast that Bryan initially thought the pet was going to attack his baby son.

“For just a moment, I had the brief flash of oh my gosh, he’s going after the baby, because of the way he dashed toward him,” Bryan recounted.

Shiloh lunged at the toddler’s feet angrily before jumping up into the air and yelling.

As the dog continued to scream, Bryan finally realized what was happening, and he went to pick up his son. It turns out that a copperhead snake had been slithering around Bryson’s feet, and Shiloh had jumped in to save the baby just in time! Sadly, Shiloh ended up being hurt by the snake himself, and his collar had to be removed because of the extreme swelling that resulted from the snake’s bite. Thankfully, Shiloh is expected to make a full recovery!

Bryan and Alicia don’t even want to think about what would have happened to Bryson if Shiloh had not stepped in to save him. This family sure has a lot to be thankful for right now! Find out more about this harrowing rescue in the video below!