SNAKE!
/No, the cat did not drag a snake into the house--yet. But I fear it's coming. Here's why.
Two days ago, my neighbor and I stepped outside our condo doors at the same time. She screamed. I jumped. The long black snake that caused her scream slithered away into the grass.
I posted to Facebook. Snake in the area! Cat will probably find it! Oh no! Ha ha, very funny. People laughed.
The next day I go home from lunch. Sunny. Beautiful. Back door wide open. Cat sunning himself on patio. I take large bite of tuna salad, look outside and almost choke. Freaking huge black snake slithering under my fence, up my patio walkway, toward my cat and my (cough-choke-gasp-gag) open door.
It is a testament to how much I love my cat that I did not slam my backdoor shut. Instead, I ran to the edge of the door. The cat had noticed the snake and was on alert, moving toward it. Every maternal instict I posses kicked in.
"SNOWBALL! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
[One of the many helpful videos sent by a friend.]
I took a deep inhale, exhaled it in one prolonged scream and ran outside. I grabbed the cat, hauled ass back into the house and slammed the door shut.
The snake paused in mid-slither, apparently decided the fun was over and withdrew back under the fence.
I call it a draw. He's still out there. Since Snowball brought the mouse in recently, I've suspected I have mice somewhere in my backyard. This is what's attracting the snake.
I'm trying to keep an open mind. If he wants the mice, have at them. I just want some sort of signed and notarized legal document that states he will never enter my premises. A Slytherin restraining order, if you will.
I ran five miles on the Greenway tonight. I jumped a mile at every stick and branch I passed. I have snakes on the mind. No thanks to my many friends who are now posting, messaging and emailing me snake videos at the rate of one an hour. NOT HELPFUL, GUYS.
What really freaks me out is the day after my neighbor saw the snake but the day before I saw him, I left my back door open while I was at work. Snowball was outside at lunch and didn't want to come in, so I left the door half-open and asked my mom to come over and close it after a couple of hours.
DO YOU KNOW HOW EASY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FOR THE SNAKE TO CRAWL INSIDE AND HIDE INSIDE MY HOUSE??
Let's just hope this is the end. Live long and prosper, Mr. Snake.
Just don't do it around me.
Cheers,
