We've had an unusually hot past few days here in SoCal. So this morning I'm taking Wolfie and Bella for their daily walk before it gets too hot. As we're walking along the dirt trail we usually take before heading home, I spot what looks like a thin branch lying across the path. As I look closer and rein up the dogs, I realize it's a snake. I hate snakes! One of the few phobias I have.

This snake isn't in any hurry, so I can get a close look. Whew, definitely not a rattler. It's a gopher snake. I judge about 4 feet long. Beautiful markings. What really bothered me is that the dogs barely even noticed the snake till I pointed it out when it finally and very slowly slithered into some under-brush. They've never seen a snake before. They weren't afraid or even inquisitive.

This is rattlesnake country. I've seen plenty, but never where we live in this semi-rural suburban area. Our homeowners association sends out newsletters every month. Every Spring and Summer there is something about dogs, and even little kids, being bit by rattlers. Most dogs get bit in the face because they have to "sniff" these creatures. This is the time of year snakes come out of hibernation, so beware and watch your pets. We also get reports of small dogs and cats being dragged away by coyotes. I thought we were safe here because our yard has a 5 1/2 foot wood fence until I read where coyotes can easily jump over this height. I've seen plenty of coyotes walking around with immunity. I'm always on the look-out when I'm walking the dogs. Even if the dogs are in the yard alone for awhile, we'll check up on them.