HUNTING DOGS -- Dog owner participant reports from recent snake aversion clinics in the region have been positive.

Eric Wesselman took his Brittany and noted it was "a really a good experience."

"Thanks for putting the heads-up in the paper," he said. "Our little guy is now *positive* that snakes are not playmates."

The photo shows his dog, Bailey, taking his final exam on a rattlesnake.  

"By the way, the trainer asked me to make sure that any photos were published with a note that the snakes were humanely muzzled and are not harmed," Wesselman said. "The bands are somewhat visible in the photos.  Apparently de-fanging a snake is fatal as they can no longer eat."