When an 80-year-old Lennox Head, Australia, woman saved her puppy from a carpet python, she went viral. She hurried to see the python wrapped around her dog when she heard her making upset noises. She got her puppy free even though the snake bit her three times.

Daughter of the courageous woman posted the account online, describing her mother as “amazing.” She uploaded a picture of her mother examining her bitten arm after holding the snake by its tail during the rescue. Calling her a “legend” and a “trooper,” Australians lauded her bravery and resilience.

Her hospital visit was recommended by concerned locals in order to avoid infection from the snake bites. Love for her puppy drove the woman to act in spite of the dangers.

Because carpet pythons bite hard, handling wild snakes calls for a license. Guidelines for wildlife protection state that tampering with wild snakes is not advised. But professionals recognized how urgent the matter was and applauded the woman’s bravery.

Though in theory she may have broken wildlife regulations, her actions were motivated by her affection for her animal. One snake expert commended her for her tenacity and acknowledged her difficult choice. The mother was more concerned in keeping her cherished pet safe than in taking any chances.