Busy day

Wow! What a day Friday, April 15, was. Fortunately, it turned out well.

First, we had arranged to have several huge oak trees cut from the backyard. The two guys I hired to do this took care of that.

Then, a couple more guys came to mow and weed the out-of-control weeds and grass that had overwhelmed our yard. It looks so much better now, except for a small patch on the south side of the house.

My dog Daisy and her adoring companion Wally found something on the ground in the grass there and started barking excitedly.

My dog BJ rushed to see what they were barking at. He saw that it was a large copperhead snake, which he particularly loathes, so he grabbed it and started shaking it violently. He shook it and flung it until he popped it in half.

We praised all the dogs for discovering and killing the snake. A few minutes later I noticed that BJ was limping on one of his back legs and his jaw was swelling, drooling, and trembling. He had been bitten twice, I discovered.

I got him to the veterinary clinic where they gave him a couple of injections and some pills to be taken. By the time we got home, BJ was barely able to move and his lower jaw had swollen more.

I kept him on the back inside porch and was fearful he wouldn't make it through the night. Later, at 3:15 this morning I was awakened by a single small bark. I got up to check on him, and he was standing on all four legs. He greeted me with a wagging tail and wanted to go outside, not even limping. I could hardly believe it. He was his old self. Thank goodness!

I am so pleased that my grandson Zach is studying to be a veterinarian. He will be able to bring happiness to many pet owners, I guarantee.

Thanks, Dr. Thomas, for helping save one of my best friends!

-- Louis Houston is a resident of Siloam Springs. His book "The Grape-Toned Studebaker" is available locally and from Amazon.com. Send any questions or comments to [email protected] or call 524-6926. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Community on 04/27/2016