UPDATE: Surviving snake shock horror

AFTER her traumatic ordeal fighting a massive African Rock python to save her dog from its deadly constriction on Saturday, Arboretum resident Denny Branford is happy to be alive and well and back home with her cheerful foxy.

Both dog and owner were admitted for medical care after being struck by the python, believed to be ‘an alpha’ measuring up to four metres long.

Denny was bitten in her fingers and right leg while the foxy has teeth incisions in his head and a bruised soficus from being wrapped up and squeezed by the massive snake.

‘I look into Kaptein’s bright and sparkly brown eyes and I just thank God that they’re still full of life,’ said Denny.

However, now the pair has to face their demons in the house’s back yard where they were confronted by their ‘worst nightmare’.

‘My hair just stands up every time I have to go out there to hang up my washing.

‘To see Kaptein’s reaction, Zephian Alberts (snake wrangler) and I let him out into the yard, but he also would not go anywhere near the tree where the snake caught him.

‘The shock of the experience is only setting in now and I’m having all the plants near the green belt removed by garden services.

‘I’ve also barricaded any openings from the front yard to the back to keep my dogs safe in the front of the house.’

Meanwhile, the python is still on the loose with Zephian on permanent standby for Denny’s call should the snake return.

‘On the other side of the boundary wall is a very large green belt with a swamp – this is the python’s habitat,’ said Zephian.

‘Another snake wrangler and I would have to go out there to find the python and successfully catch it by hand as this guy is too large for a one-man job or the equipment we have.

‘African rock pythons are also a protected species so people must note that they are not allowed to kill them.

‘Please rather phone your local snake catcher.’