Stupid people shouldn't have snakes ...

I completely spoil my snakes and I honestly see it as the standard of care. For terrarium keepers anyway.

Unfortunately, the "cooler" a pet is, the more often you're going to see it in the wrong hands. Pit Bulls can be amazing family dogs, I've seen it. But there is a perception about them that makes them a desirable prop for hoodlems, for lack of a better word. Large parrots are gorgeous and incredibly intelligent. But they're unique and expensive, so they have become a status symbol for some, who have no business owning a bird that can be as intelligent AND EMOTIONAL as a toddler. Snakes are unique AND "dangerous", plus you only have to feed them once a month, so everybody with $50 and something to prove can have one.

It's sad that so many people think of such beautiful and fascinating animals as an extension of themselves, an indication of how awesome the owner must be. It's not good for the animals and it's detrimental to the reputation of certain breeds, and in some cases the entire species.

But that's just the way it is. Be proud that you have something you really care about and know that most of the time people like you've described don't have a life-long passion. He'll come across something even cooler and he'll get rid of the snake. And the cycle will continue.

I agree that they are more expensive than people think. I got mine without being fully aware of what all was involved. With that said, I'm totally commited to my little guy now and will get whatever he requires for as long as he needs it. I do keep him in a tank and I realize that is more expensive and labor intensive but I want to be able to admire him !!
It is an addictive hobby... I can see that clearly now !!

^{That is upsetting... I spoil my snakes. My fiance and I built our terrarium ourselves to make sure it would be perfect for our animals. It breaks my heart when people cant be bothered to stick in a 15$ half log for the poor creature to hangout in, especially in a glass tank..
I got my Pastel from a snake rescuse actually. he was found in a dumpster with the start of scale rot and clearly hadnt had a good meal in a while. He is a gorgeous animal and such a snuggle bug he waits at the front of his tank to be taken out and loves exploring. It breaks my heart that someone coouldnt even be bothered to bring him to a shelter or something, and just tossed him. Its a shame, and some people should not be allowed to have animals.}