York from Diamond Creek

Update: Wednesday 14th March

It is with sadness that I write of York's death.

Three weeks after being found and enjoying being home with his family, York was guarding the children's play area and chased away a 4ft Tiger Snake (one of Australia's most venomous snakes). He managed to frighten it away through the fence where it was killed by our Staghound, York's best friend.

When my wife went outside and un-nowingly walked over to where the snake was, Shug pounced on it and shredded it. Apparently he was fast and aggressive - the snake was being thrashed around so violently it was like a whip cracking. Somewhere in the attack, the snake must have clipped his shoulder and Shug started vomiting. He was rushed to the vet where he is currently fighting for his life.

In all the madness we didn't realise that York had also been bitten and while we were at the vets, he sadly passed away next to his kennel and toys on the back deck.

As you can imagine, the whole family are deeply affected by this incident and it's hard comforting children who are dealing with the loss of their best friend and the potential death of another. It's also rocked their confidence in going outside.

Whatever Shug's outcome, both dogs are heros in our eyes - the children are preparing a couple of medals with "Hero" printed on them and I suppose they'll both enter family folklore as brave family protectors. York for defending the children's play area and Shug for protecting my wife.

I'll update this when we know how Shug is but York is now resting in a corner of the garden where he can look over us - "come on, go to bed York"...and may you rest in peace.

And finally, here's York filmed a couple of years ago under his stage name "Archie" helping me at work. He was so much fun but we went through a lot of Scoobie Snacks! It's best to end his happy but brief life with a positive reflection, I'm sure you'll agree.

Hi,

I'm a Jack Russell Terrier and "I was lost but now I'm found".

I ran away during a thunderstorm on the 10th Feb 2012 from my home in Diamond Creek and ended up 10kms away, 10 days later.

A really kind lady picked me and a travelling companion up (a little toothless Pom - they