Woman unaware of cobra bite alerted, saved by pet dog

Ambalappuzha: A woman identified the snake bite on her hand with the help of her pet dog. When Ambalappuzha native Viswakumari, alias Rani, noticed a mark on her hand, she thought it would be a mere scratch. However, Rani’s pet dog Julie recognised the real villain and timely help was sought.

The incident happened on Thursday evening at Rani’s residence. A cobra bit Rani’s hand when she was busy arranging stones in a lotus aquarium on the courtyard. But she did not realise it. When she found a mark on her hand later, she thought it might be a cat scratch. She washed the injury well with soap and water.

Meanwhile, her pet dog Julie sensed the presence of cobra on the premises. The dog bit and shook the cobra with all its might. Rani, who witnessed this understood that she was bitten by the snake and called for help. Her daughter studying in a PSC coaching centre opposite their house rushed with her friends and took Rani to Alappuzha Medical College. Rani is currently in ICU and is out of danger. 

Rani is a teacher at Government Higher Secondary School in Ayaparambu. Her husband VC Madhu is a CPI leader and former president of Purakkad grama panchayat.