A golden retriever mix named Nalu is alive today thanks to her brave owner, who sprang into action when a large alligator attacked in late August. As reported by the Palm Beach Post, 74-year-old Suzan Marciano had ventured off to Burt Aaronson Park, outside of Boca Raton, to enjoy the evening with Nalu, when the unthinkable happened.
Her dog was standing chest deep in the clear lake water when Marciano noticed a dark shadow. As her heart dropped, the alligator struck – grabbing the retriever in its jaws. Marciano didn’t take time to plan what to do – she simply reacted.
Nalu’s owner told the news agency:
“I did the only thing I could do. I came down on the alligator with all my weight.”
The gator released Nalu, but turned its attention to Marciano, who was bitten on the hand. Against all odds, she managed to break free and run from the lake – trailing blood as she escaped to her car. At the hospital, Marciano received stitches in the palm of her hand, and her dog underwent surgery for bite wounds at an emergency veterinary clinic.
But they both survived. Fish and Wildlife officials searched the area for the alligator, but their efforts were fruitless.
(screenshot via Palm Beach Post)
