A Walk in the Park

Rainie in the park
Earlier this spring

Yesterday, I came across a snake during Rainie’s and my late morning walk,.  It was a docile, 4-foot long gopher snake* stretched out along the path, basking in the sunshine.  I jumped and gave out a yelp — I do not like snakes (especially big ones, lying in wait to do whatever it is to me that my imagination imagines them to do)!  As it slithered away, Rainie quickly stretched up, gently put her paws on my shoulders, and looked me in the eye as if to console me (as well as, possibly, checking my blood sugar, which was fine).

Later in the afternoon, we went out again.  I was admiring the birds and noticing how dry the grasses have become.  Summer, despite the cool breeze and ocean fog that was beginning to come in, was finally arriving.  As I was walking along, paying attention, yet not paying attention, Rainie suddenly placed her body in front of me so I had to stop then and there.  I looked at her, expecting to see her staring up at me in one of her ‘blood sugar alert’ modes; but instead, she was staring at the ground directly ahead of us.   And there was a very skinny, very long snake.  It was hardly thicker than a pencil.  Rainie would not let me go further (so I decided to take a picture).  As she carefully led me around the skinny creature, the snake slowly moved away.

I can’t help but be amazed!  From our one previous encounter, Rainie somehow surmised that I am to be protected from snakes.  How little we know about dogs and their abilities.

The little snake

* There have been no rattle snakes seen in this area for more than 20 years.  If your dog is ever bitten by a snake, please see your veterinarian immediately!

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