A Florida man tackled an alligator Friday to save his 8-month old puppy from the reptile's grasp.

Mike McCoy said his puppy, Jake, was near a pond by their home in Holiday, Fla. when the gator came out and attacked him.

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McCoy didn't hesitate and jumped straight into action.

Mike and Jake both got stiches after the encounter -- but they are on the mend.

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McCoy said if he had to do it again, he wouldn't think twice.

"It's a parent instinct," he said.

But I'm glad I have it, because if I didn't I wouldn't have him."