Sarah: Oh my God! Lily! Is she hurt?! Is she bitten?!
Officer Miller: Quietly now, ma'am. Don't make sudden movements. Duke has her pinned safe beneath him, but we need to move carefully.
Mark: That's a rattlesnake... That's a massive timber rattlesnake!
Officer Miller: Easy, boy. Hold steady, Duke. Good boy.
The police dog remained completely motionless on top of the child, his heavy body protecting her small limbs while his intense brown eyes stayed locked on the bush. Lily lay under the dog, whimpering softly in shock.
Lily: Mommy... the doggie is heavy...
Sarah: Stay still, sweetheart! Don't move a single muscle, baby! Mommy is right here!
Mark: Officer, how do we get her out of there? That snake is ready to strike!
Officer Miller: Duke spotted it before any of us did. If she had reached down to grab that frisbee, she would have been struck right in the face or chest.
Mark: I... I didn't see it at all. I was yelling at you...
Officer Miller: It's alright, sir. Any father would react the same way. But right now we need to clear the strike zone.
Officer Miller slowly unclipped a long catch-pole from his tactical belt. He kept his eyes fixed on the thick brown coils hiding in the leaves.
Officer Miller: When I give the command, Duke is going to pull back. Mark, you grab your daughter by her arms and lift her backward instantly. Do you understand me?
Mark: Yes! I'm ready! Just tell me when!
Sarah: Please be careful! Please don't let it bite her!
Officer Miller: On three. One... two... THREE! Duke, OUT!
The giant Shepherd instantly backed off, barking fiercely to draw the reptile's attention away. Mark lunged forward, grabbed Lily under her arms, and pulled her back ten feet onto the safe concrete walkway.
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