And there on the dining room floor of their home lay the terrier, Kasey, who had struggled inside to die after her last fight.

Kasey’s owner, Ken Mitchell, told the story to the Mercury of the brave terrier’s battle to prevent the snake from entering her owners’ home, to alert people with pets and families about the dangers of snakes with the onset of summer.

“We want people to know that dangerous snakes are out there now, coming onto properties near homes in the Thornton-Somerset Park area,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Our worry is that snakes could kill other dogs – or even children,” he said.

“A lot of snakes are out there now and we have seen them around a wetlands pond here where children have been playing.

“These snakes have the potential to kill anyone.”

Four-year-old Kasey came into the Mitchell family’s life from Hunter Animal Rescue three years ago.

“She was a tough dog and she had the best out of life here,” Mr Mitchell said.

“If we went away, Kasey stayed at pet resorts.

“When we came home on Wednesday, it was a great shock to see this 1.5m red belly black snake lying in the yard.

“And inside we found Kasey; she had come into the house through the pet door, looking for us to help her.

“But we were at work. This has been a heartbreaking event for us – devastating.

“Kasey was a much-loved dog and nothing can replace her.

“We have buried her alongside our 20-year-old Russian blue [cat], who died recently.”