Look Who Is Back?

Mom isn't thrilled. The snake was enjoying a rock sun bath and wasn't about to move. We also failed to notice it was there adding to her anxiety. Honestly we can't be on duty all the time. Even we need breaks. OK so we did literally walk right by it without noticing, but the world isn't perfect.

Thankful Thursday: Garter Snakes are Afraid of Dogs

Mom is terrified of snakes. Don't try telling her garter snakes are harmless, good for the environment, it doesn't help. She will tell you breathing is healthy and she finds it hard to do when she she's a snake. She can manage her fears when they are behind glass or caged in some way but when they are free or someone is holding one all bets are off.

Thankfully, for Mom garter snakes don't like being herded and will generally flee when a Sheltie starts to investigate. This one dived for cover when I, Katy, went to rescue Mom. Of course now Mom is once again paranoid about snakes living under the porch, but at least it isn't sun bathing by the bottom of the stairs. I can only do so much. Not that this makes the Mom feel better, but this is one of the bigger snakes we've seen in the last few years.

Bailey 5 Garter Snakes 1

The totals are in, after this weekend with two additional captures, five garter snakes relocated, one escaped. The niece was back after Dad located another snake in the bulkhead. Turns out there were two and one actually made his way into the house. While hunting the first one the second one slid into the house. Thankfully, the basement is cold and it did not like its sanctuary. When the first one was relocated, Dad and the niece closed the bulkhead and figured if left alone it might return to the heat of the bulkhead. Sure enough, after an hour, they checked and while stubborn, he was captured and relocated. During his capture, he also gave away the location of the snake entrance and exit. Dad has since boarded this up, so he has high hopes this will reduce or eliminate snakes in the bulkhead.

Dad said I was instrumental in locating and flushing out the snakes. However, I was also responsible for the snake that got in the house as I got between the snake and the niece in an attempt to protect her from the snake. As a result, it was able to make its escape. I was very glad when it was caught later. I am also hoping that Dad's patch works.

Katy is getting tired of me working all the time. Yesterday, we had our first good yard zoomie in ages. While Mom was doing her yard walking exercises, I chased Katy through the hosta and lily plants. She was so happy. Katy also reminded me that we need to practice for the Blogville Olympics. We are hosting Squirrel Hurdles and while I have been hunting snakes, my training for clearance of hosta and other floras have been limited. Katy while shorter has a much better clearance range than I do right now. Yesterday she showed me some amazing moves. I have some work to catch up.