Snake 05

Post by **RRO** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:19 pm

Well its that time of year again. Snakes are out in full force. Just ask our lil pup River. He was bit by a rattlesnake today, at least thats what Dr. Hume thinks. Amy had a group climbing and I was running river shuttle.I took a break to run up and help her out for a couple hours.I was setting the ropes up on a well traveled route and heard River going crazy in the woods, thought little of it at the time. Got down from the climb and went to check on him. The cries he was letting loose had become ear piercing. He was holding his paw up and it looked limp and possibly broke. So we carried the lil guy out, before we got to the house his paw was the size of my arm. Knew then it had to be a snake bite. Amy just called from the vet and they are keeping him overnight. He is tough one and should be fine.

Start watching your step on the trail and ledges on the climb !

Post by **jcwhite** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:24 pm

sorry about your pup, hope he's okay. and thanks for the heads-up.

Post by **meetVA** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:26 pm

Oh! Poor River! He'll get extra treats next time we are in for coffee!!

Post by **Don McGlone** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:29 pm

Damn Tackett, that sucks. I hope he will be OK.

Post by **squeezindlemmon** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:30 pm

Poor pup!

Thanks for the reminder, RRO. In addition, pls be reminded that there is a *snake pit* at the Tantroft Hollow in Muir Valley between the Sanctuary and the Indy Wall. The trail goes around it so nobody should have any problems. Just don't wander too much away from the trails.

We didn't see any snakes yet last weekend when we were there, but I'm sure they're out by now.

Post by **J-Rock** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:49 pm

I thought for sure that I would see some snakes last weekend, but we didn't see them yet. Usually we see 3 or 4 different species each weekend. It's interesting too because I've gotten to know some of them. Different species seem to inhabit different areas. For example the Indy Wall has several copperheads, the Great Wall has many garter snakes, the Solarium has rat snakes, etc. etc. I've noticed that the snakes are very prevalent when there is sunshine after a period of rain. Last weekend we saw 3 different kinds of lizards and some newts so I knew the snakes would probably be out too, but I must have missed them. Time to pay attention to where I step. Last year I accidentally stepped on a couple of them and I quickly apologized. Usually I try move them away from the trails so that they don't get stepped on or bite somebody's dog.

Anyway, I hope that your dog heals well and feels better soon.

Post by JB » Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:27 am

I saw some eggs up at muir valley... i think the easter snake laid them!

Post by **dipsi** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 3:34 am

Aw, poor River. Hug him for me!

Post by KD » Wed Apr 06, 2005 4:59 am

sorry about the pooch. he was feeling so frisky the other night. hope he gets better soon!

Post by **RRO** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:10 pm

The vet kept ole River another night. He should be just fine. Anyone have this happen to your dog ? How long was full recovery and did they seem to learn from the attack ?