Jay Smith of Community Dog Training working with SBR resident Dale Barringer and his dog, Shasta
Rebecca Williams
So you have now moved in and are settling into a new environment. Many of us are new to Arizona and really enjoy the fine weather and the beauty of the mountains. But when it comes to understanding and dealing with the other inhabitants of our environment, particularly rattlesnakes, it can bring up a lot of questions. Are the rattlesnakes here in SaddleBrooke Ranch, or has all the construction chased them away? If they are here, where might you find them? If you meet up with one of these more fearsome residents of the area, what should you do? And how do you protect your pets?
Thursday, March 17, at 4:00 p.m. “Tips to keep you and your pets safe when outdoors”
Jay Smith, dog trainer and owner of “Dogs at the River” dog training and Colin Ryan of CDO Pest Management will be at the La Mesa Room at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, to discuss both the myths and realities of living with rattlesnakes for both you and your pets. Jay and Colin are both experts in working with rattlesnakes and other poisonous animals that live with us here in the desert. They will provide a wealth of information on what to do if you encounter a rattlesnake or other pests in your home, yard or while hiking. Colin will have a brief slide presentation on the various snakes found in our area so you will know what to look for. He will discuss their habits, their needs and why they are important to our environment. Jay will discuss what you need to do to protect yourself and your pets from encounters with rattlesnakes.
After their remarks Jay will also take us outside to the north parking area for an “up close and personal” encounter with some of his defanged rattlers so you can familiarize yourself with both the look and the sound of a live rattlesnake. Jay also welcomes pet owners to also take the opportunity to re-check their dogs for the correct response to a rattlesnake.
This talk has become an annual event here at SaddleBrooke Ranch and yet people comment that they always learn something new about living in our desert environment. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Thursday, April 21, at 4:00 p.m. “Great Summer Road Trips in Southern Arizona”
Our April Thursday Talk will feature another popular speaker. Jim Gressinger from the Southern Arizona Guide will be back to talk about great places to visit in Southern Arizona. Jim is a wealth of information about great places to see and things to do right here in Southern Arizona. Be sure to mark your calendar for this talk at 4:00 p.m. on April 21.