The Snake Kit Pays Off!

Laev (and her brain) in prey mode

Longtime readers may remember that Laev is a weeeee bit predatory, and I have an annual springtime mission to keep her from killing my snakes as they come out of hibernation. I even wrote about one year’s “Snake Kit” and how I was handling her.

Well, a few minutes ago I was at the computer when I heard the telltale bark from outside. Laev had found and cornered a snake, the first of the year (our spring has been rather inhospitable thus far). I jumped from my chair, snatched the french fries left over from my Elevation Burger lunch — I knew I’d moderated myself for a reason — and ran out the front door.

I gave the recall cue. And Laev immediately turned from the snake and ran to me. From a distance of maybe forty feet or more. No hesitation, no debate, just came directly.

Okay, okay, I’ll be the first to admit, this might not sound impressive to those of you who don’t have a dog who goes to 11. It’s kind of hard to understand if your dog hasn’t ever gone after her own freakin’ tail because she was hopped up hunting snake. (And that’s a good thing, if she hasn’t.)

Just trust me, this is huge — and it was the very first snake recall of the year. No practice for months and months. And no hesitation. Just, perfect recall.

Boo-yah.

Laev got a bunch of french fries, torn and scattered to both settle her mentally and provide the maximum quantity of treating experience. She approved. We’ll get it again. Good girl.