Snakes

This is told in hopes of preventing others from having the same experience. We live out in the country now. We moved 40 miles out of town a couple years ago, seeking the quiet life , nature and gorgeous views.
All 5 dogs love having the space to run around and have a fenced yard as well as fields when outside of the fence. Last fall one of the dachshunds encountered a snake. They had all had a few run ins with garden variety snakes now and then, would flip the snake around and eventually leave it alone.
This time it was a rattler. The smallest of our dogs was bitten in the face. His face swelled, he was driven as fast as possible to the vet, about 15 miles away, and was given antihistamines, anti-venom and antibiotics. He lived about 24 hours. We were heart broken. The snake was found and destroyed . It was 4-5 feet long and had taken up in a drain pipe near the house.
It had been very dry and this may have brought the snake closer to water. Has anyone else had snake problems with their dogs and how did it come out. We've had dogs all our lives and never had a problem with snakes before. Now we're very cautious , checking all around as we walk. Take care. Love to hear your tales. We've decided to share some of our experience at http://www.behaviordogtraining.net , come visit us.