6-11-12

Martin: Transferring a pile of soil to the back garden to construct a flower bed outside the back door.

Me: Our pet rattlesnake...NOT!

Saturday Night: Bob lets Harley out in the yard around 9:00pm. She immediately goes towards our front gate when Bob hears something that sounds a LOT like a rattle. He yells, "Harley, COME HERE!" She actually listens and comes right back in. Bob grabs a flashlight, goes back outside and sees a rattlesnake coiled by the sidewalk next to the water hose. I'm freaked out, Bob grabs a shovel (to kill it) and Harley sits worried inside. Our better judgement wins and I call the Snake Whisperer. Nice guy shows up in 20 minutes and catches the snake. Phew! Afterwards we get a brief education on the Mojave Rattlesnake - the kind of snake captured. Different from the Diamondback, the Mojave's poison attacks the nervous system and shuts down your organs. A Diamondback's poison attacks the flesh. The Mojave is one of the most toxic and if Harley had been bit she would not have survived. Oh man, we are so thankful Harley is ok. We took precautions today to help keep the yard free from snakes and we are giving Harley extra lov'n for being a good girl!