Impromptu education session

I took my baby Houdini outside with me when I took my dog out today because the weather was finally nice. Well there is a little girl, maybe 5, who lives in my apartment complex who came out with her dad and their dog. Being a little kid she noticed the snake right away. At first she was a little nervous, but then I offered to let her touch him while I held is head if it was okay with her dad. She said she was afraid of snakes, but that didn't last very long. Soon she was asking me how many pets I have, so I listed them all. After petting Houdini for a little while she really wanted to see my boa. So I went back in to get Candy, she really liked her. She couldn't believe she was a baby. :P Eventually I went back in and got Lily, my largest snake. It was so much fun to tell her all about them and to see someone who told me they were scared of snakes do a 180.

Sorry that was so long winded, I'm just really happy and had to share. I've been reluctant to take my snakes outside and I'm glad today went well. :)

I like stories like that. You probably taught her dad a little also.

Nice! :gj:

I know someone who is afraid of snakes. She comes over for scheduled appointments to 'face her fears.' She's doing well. After seven visits she can now pet one while I hold it. I think educating people really help. Congrats on converting a new herper:)

Good Job, it is so wonderful to see someones amazement (hey they aren't slimy!!!) and wonder over snakes and reptiles in general. Thank you for your efforts it benefits every reptile keeper out there.

I'm not only glad she had fun, I'm amazed dad allowed it.

Good Job!

Gale

This happens to me quite often in this apartment complex. I'll be walking around and I'll hear people whispering to each other "Is that a snake?", "Look! A snake!" then they'll come up, ask questions, sometimes they'll want to touch the snake. Last night, I had multiple people stop me, including someone that wanted to know where to get ball pythons around here, because she used to keep them before her kids were born. I try to leave everyone with at least one tidbit of knowledge that they didn't have before as well.

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Originally Posted by Cendalla

I know someone who is afraid of snakes. She comes over for scheduled appointments to 'face her fears.' She's doing well. After seven visits she can now pet one while I hold it. I think educating people really help. Congrats on converting a new herper:)

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THat is awesome to the OP about sharing to your neighbors!!

On the other hand, this comment makes me even happier to an extent. It's so nice to hear about people out there that are actually trying to do something about their fears. Soooo many people out there that are afraid of something live their entire lives in fear and never decide to do anything about it. One of my buddies was deathly afraid of heights and one morning asked me before we went to class if I'd go skydiving with him to "bury the hatchet" (I'd been twice before). I didn't hesitate a moment. Go figure, we went, landed.. first thing out of his mouth was, "I WANNA GO AGAIN!!!"

Cheers to people who act on their fears. And cheers to people who help people get over those fears.