Snake!

If you have visited us at Goat Hill Farm, you probably know it is prime rattlesnake habitat.  We are usually happy to share our place with the other wild creatures that live here, but we make an exception for rattlesnakes.  At least we have since 2013 when our first border collie, our sweet Nickie, was bitten by one and died as a result.  And we especially do not want to see them anywhere near our house or Allan’s, or the barns.

Unfortunately, several days ago, a small rattler failed to see the “No Rattlesnakes Allowed” sign. As many of you know, Rue loves to splash in the small stock trough we call the doggie swimming pool.  She likes to stand beside the pool and bark until one of us tells her to “Go swim!”  Then, she dives in barking, splashing and biting the water.  It is one of the highlights of her day.  However, when there isn’t enough water in the pool to suit her, Rue just continues to stand and bark until someone rectifies the situation.  

On Monday, Rue barked and barked but refused to jump in and “swim” when given the command.  John went over to empty the pool and put in more water.  As he picked up the trough, he yelled “Snake!” and I came running to help.  There was a small diamondback curled up under the trough, keeping cool in the Texas heat.  While I watched to make sure the snake didn’t escape, John ran for the hoe we keep nearby for just such occasions.  He quickly dispatched it and we have increased our vigilance level appropriately.  This snake wasn't nearly as large as some we have seen, but it could be deadly for one of the dogs or a child.

Sorry, Snake.  Wrong place; wrong time.