I have always liked snakes

I don’t know why I’m so enamored with snakes, but they’ve had a hold on me since I was a kid.

They still do.

Last week at the cabin I saw our 10-month-old springer Dot cautiously approach something in the yard. About the time I thought “snake,” it struck at her, missing by a foot, but putting her in retreat.

It was a big, beautiful bull snake, vividly marked in gold and black and green. I was thrilled to have such a magnificent creature in my yard.

Growing up, the only snakes in my yard were those that escaped their cages. Although my parents didn’t share my passion for reptiles, they tolerate...