Not allowed to foster Pugs because they are afraid my ball python will kill the pug?

Has anyone ever been turned down for something this ridiculous?

Do you have any suggestions on literature to prove that my ball python is harmless to a pug? I mean, yes, they have teeth and could bite, but really???

Sorry to hear that. But oh man Ignorance at it's best. Hope you can work something out.

My wife and I nearly lost our foster liscense because we got our addopted son a Ball Python

I just showed them how the snakes were housed and fed and how docile they were. As for anything in writing to prove this to another agency or animal foster I have no help sorry

I OWN A PUG! I also own 5 yes FIVE ball pythons. There is your proof.

That's ridiculous! I own a chihuahua/ maltese mix and let my bp's crawl around on the bed while she's up there and neither of them bother one another.

hm RestlessRobie I think you are on my facebook :D


Yes, we have sent them information, as well as posted this on Iherp, so that maybe the next person to try and open their home for their rescue wont be turned away because of blind ignorance. They obviously know NOTHING about snakes, as I also listed my red tailed boa.....(even though he is severely stunted (4 feet never any bigger) etc)

They obviously just latched onto the word "python" and the "b" and must have thought "oh no, that must be the ones invading the everglades and eating buses!" SMH

I am going to see what happens with them, to see if I even want to be associated with people like these, but I still want to foster, so if they dont come around I have messaged a couple others in the state.

I already some times foster for my local herp society (when the bf is a tolerant mood of cages in random rooms), so I already know I'm good at it!

The worst part (ok there is 2 worse parts) is that I couldnt have NOT listed them in the application since they do a home inspection and they SPECIFICALLY state if you have reptiles!, and also that my home situation is IDEAL for fostering dogs!!
I would have passed with flying colors if they didnt know I had snakes...but I cant really hide them, they are all set up in my reptile room, and I have no where I could stash them anyways (not that i would).

Yeah thats crazy...
I own a boston terrier/ pug mix and I gotta say he would never be in any danger from a ball python.
Just a shame that people are THAT ignorant...

The only thing I wouldnt adopt to you is a rat :P Now that could get ugly.

I could almost understand not allowing a snake person to adopt a rat but we have 2 pet rats for my foster/adopted daughters that were well just way to cute to make snake food :)
Oh and DSHS had no problem with pet rats or my dogs just the snakes :rage:

I would think the home inspection would be a great opportunity for you to spread some knowledge and dispel false notions. Your best bet is to get them to interact with the snakes or at least see you doing it responsibly. Also show them how the enclosures are secure and 100% escape proof to help put their minds at ease.

lol the funny thing is I LOVE Rats!!! They are super cute! I just cant have a pet rodent because I'm positive i'd forget to wash my hands and then get bit ;P

Thank you all for your support...they chose to get nasty with some of the people who helped me find literature and came out with these responses to these people:
------------------------------------------------------

You are entitled to your opinion. Our organzation operates on only ONE precept: what is best for the pugs. We have determined, with reason, to not place pugs in homes with large reptiles, birds of prey, or wolf-hybrid dogs. This determination was made after research and consultaton with veterinarians. Your criticism will not change our determination.

Please note that at the bottom of the application is the statement "we reserve the right to refuse any applicant".

Sherry
------------------------------------

Really?

I've chosen to go to a different rescue because this Sherry snob wont see reason at any cost. I really hope no pugs get turned away because of lack of foster homes, because that would be on your head Sherry!

I own a 2 lbs Chihuahua and well over 60 snakes including a 24lbs blood python, my dog has never been in any danger.

Apparently those people are clueless about Ball Pythons and clueless about responsible pet ownership period.

Did they think you were going to keep the puppies in the BP cage or something? :confusd:

Some people :rolleyes:

I have now been turned down by the only other pug rescue even remotely near me (in OR not even in WA for ****s sake)
Got an even more ignorant answer (and the bad spelling is ALL them)

-----------
I realize there are many snake lovers in this world but I just don't feel comfortable having them share their home with a pug. Don't care that your snake is harmless, it's still a 4 foot python...don't care that it only eats frozen thawed rodents, and stays in a secure uv in a "SEPARATE ROOM that is ALWAYS closed" It is still an invironment that is not best shared with a pug
-----------

I still want to foster some other small breeds but I'm not going to try for a while...pretty damned discouraged right now.

Its really really sad that these dogs are living in cages instead of being fostered/adopted in actual homes that they would get love, attention, treats, walks, kisses, and hugs all day because of ignorance like this. I really don't know how I would have reacted if it were me getting those emails.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

Ps I've had dogs, cats, and ferrets all living in the same home as my snakes for almost 10 years now. I've never ever had an issue. People are STUPID plain and simple.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

I worry more for my snake when my cat is around... The cat will swat at my snakes so I have to make sure she's not around when I'm holding my snakes... While she's trying to swat the snakes away, my snake is just cruisin and sniffin around.. Completely oblivious..


Sorry tigress. Snobs suck :(

Wow, that sucks. :mad: I agree, the pug could probably defend itself PRETTY well if the snake attacked it. heh, and I have a rat too, and she's albiet fiesty!