The Deadly Threat

Officer Davis: Snake control dispatched. ETA three minutes.

Officer Miller: Duke, easy boy. Slowly back off.

Lily: He's licking my cheek, Mommy!

Sarah: Sweetheart, stay completely still until the officer tells you to move.

Mark: Officer, is the snake moving?

Officer Miller: It's rattled and defensive, about two feet from where her elbow was resting.

Sarah: I was only looking away for five seconds... just five seconds to grab water from the bag.

Officer Miller: Venomous snakes in this park nest in dry oak leaves during late autumn. It happens fast.

Mark: I yelled at you... I threatened your job... I am so sorry, Officer.

Officer Miller: You're a father protecting his daughter. I'd have reacted the exact same way.

Officer Davis: Duke’s vest took a scrape, Miller. Check his flank.

Officer Miller: Let me see... Duke, stand down.

Sarah: Did the snake bite the dog?!

Officer Miller: Hold on... checking his coat now.

Mark: Please tell me he wasn't hit.

Officer Miller: There's a wet mark on his tactical vest harness right near his shoulder.

Officer Davis: Is that venom or water?

Officer Miller: It's clear fluid... the strike hit the heavy Kevlar patch on his vest.

Sarah: The snake actually struck at him?!

Officer Miller: As Duke pushed Lily down, the snake snapped at her head level. Duke blocked it with his collar.

Mark: That dog took a bullet... no, a bite for my little girl.

Lily: Is the doggie a hero, Daddy?

Mark: Yes, baby. He's the biggest hero in Texas today.

Sarah: Can I hold her now? Please?

Officer Miller: Gently crawl back toward your dad, Lily. Don't touch the leaves behind you.

Lily: Okay, mister police officer.

Sarah: Come here, sweetie! Come to Mommy!

Mark: I've got you, baby girl. I've got you.