BRISBANE, Australia — A 16-foot python stalked a family dog for days before swallowing the pet whole in front of horrified children in the Australian tropics, animal experts said Wednesday.

The boy and girl, ages 5 and 7, watched as the scrub python devoured their silky terrier-Chihuahua crossbreed Monday at their home near Kuranda in Queensland state.

Stuart Douglas, owner of the Australian Venom Zoo in Kuranda, said scrub pythons typically eat wild animals such as wallabies, a smaller relative of the kangaroo, but sometimes turn to pets in urban areas.

"It actively stalked the dog for a number of days," Douglas said.

"The family that owned the dog had actually seen it in the dog's bed, which was a sign it was out to get it," he added.

"They should have called me then, but (the snake) got away and three or four days later, I was called and went around and removed it" after the dog had been killed, Douglas said.

By the time Douglas arrived, all that could be seen of the dog was its hind legs and tail.

The zoo manager, Todd Rose, said pythons squeeze their prey to death before swallowing it whole. The 5-year-old dog would have been suffocated within minutes.

"The lady who was there threw some plastic chairs at the snake, but you've got to remember that this is about 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of aggressive muscle," Rose said.

Removing the half-swallowed dog could have harmed or even killed the python, Rose said, because dogs have sharp teeth and claws that could do the snake internal damage if it were wrenched out.

The snake was still digesting the dog at the zoo Wednesday. It will soon be relocated to the bush, Douglas said.

Its one thing to ask for help or information... its another to expect it or demand it...

Its a matter of being polite... you know, manners?

Its also a matter of understanding that life isnt handed out on a silver platter. Well, for some of us anyway.

Maybe Im just suffering from the, "Im sick of the snow blues."

But, when I woke up tonight for work I checked the weather myself. I didnt ask or expect anyone to do it for me. I also managed to get together breakfast and lunch on my own. And then I managed to make arrangements to get to work... again on my own.

Can my guests do anything remotely similar? NO! One guy hounded me for close to 5 minutes about the EXACT weather conditions! EXACT?!!? Ok, ask me what the weather will be like. Ask me what the road conditions are or will be but do NOT expect me to know the EXACT details and DEMAND them from me! Last time I checked I am only mortal and I have never claimed full psychic capabliities!

I could go on and on. But for God's sake if your reading this post please take away this little bit of information- do not expect anyone, no matter who they are or what their job may be to hold your hand and walk you through life. Show some personal responsibility and when your in doubt ASK for help do NOT DEMAND it!

I love this one!

True Friendship is None of that sissy crap

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card- Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad
like a spider monkey.

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much Worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well. Again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsiness.

9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask;
'because you are my friend'.

Friendship is like peeing your pants,
everyone can see it,
But only you can feel the true warmth.

Send this to 10 of your closest friends,
Then get depressed because you can only think of 4

7 - 11 inches snow due overnight Tuesday...

What the hell...

Did someone curse Maine?

St Patricks green that is! Join me in signing the petition... Make St Patrick's Day an Official Holiday!!