A local couple has warned residents to be vigilant when walking their dogs in the region after the heartbreaking loss of their 2-year-old Kelpie-X pup, Nala to a snake bite.
Lisa Hodson and John Fairhead's cherished pet passed away last week after inadvertently stepping on a baby dugite near the Gas Bay carpark during a routine walk.
"We were two women running with three dogs - my Kelpie, a Red Heeler and a Border Collie," explained Ms Hodson.
"The stretch of path on which the incident occurred was wide and sandy with no concealing vegetation, but we saw nothing."
The women were at the end of the run approximately one kilometre from the car park when Nala suddenly dropped onto her left shoulder.
"The dogs were trotting ahead of us and we had seen and heard nothing," said Ms Hodson.
"After a couple of drops to rub the shoulder we stopped to check her paws - nothing.
"She continued walking and suddenly swayed and fell. She got up and did it again."
Realising something was seriously wrong, the group carried the 22 kilogram Nala to the carpark.
"She began to froth at the mouth and fit. It was extremely distressing and took us 25 minutes to get back.
"We had called my husband who had tried to find us and ended up getting back to car park when we did.
The race against time from Gas Bay to the Margaret River Vet Hospital on Station Road included the couple administering CPR and heart massage to the animal.
"Despite their heroic efforts, Michel and the team at Margaret River Vet Hospital were unable to save our baby.
When shaving Nala's foreleg to find a vein for intubation, the veterinary staff found a puncture mark on her vein and realised what had happened.
"Venom straight into the vein, and our baby didn't stand a chance," said Ms Hodson.
"Everyone has said it was a freak accident and it is not yet snake season and this is true. But we have had a series of hot days and no matter how random this was, it happened."
The grieving pet owner said she wanted residents to be aware of the risk and to be on alert for the unexpected when walking their dogs.
"You do not want to go through the heart-rending grief my husband and I are currently dealing with," she said.
Animal Ark provides regular snake avoidance training workshops for dogs and will be in Margaret River again in November. For dates visit snakeavoidance.com.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
