furthest thing form disgusting

So I took my ball python to the mall with me the other day to shop with my sister a little bit because she seems to love car rides. She literally tries to stick her whole head out the window when I'm driving. Anyways as I was walking through the mall all I could hear over was whispers about how gross and disgusting my baby girl was. All she was doing was sitting around my neck resting her head on my arm. It just really pissed me off that people talking that way about her when they hadn't even met her. She is the sweetest most handleable snake ever and is the furthest thing from disgusting. We even had a couple people run and scream, and one worker at a store kicked us out because the manager ran screaming. Now I know there are probably rules about pets that aren't enforced but it still just ticked me off. I have never had a snake before so I haven't experienced anything like this before. Have any of you experienced this before?

No, because I don't take my snakes to public outings where I know there's going to be people who don't like them or fear them. Just not a good idea IMO and sounds too stressful on the snake.

How does a BP "like" car rides anyway...?

1.) The majority of people do not like snakes (I know, I know, it makes no sense to me either, but that is just how it is).
2.) I wouldn't recommend walking around in public with your snake. I know its a cool new pet and you wanna show it off, but this isn't a puppy. Not only do people fear them as has been mentioned, but your snake does not get any pleasure from it either. They are NOT social animals and bringing them out in public is very stressful for them.

From now on I highly recommend you keep your snake at home, in its cage. If you wanna show it off, have your buddies come over and show them in the privacy and security of your own home.

Well don't I feel stupid now.

I would NEVER take my snakes out in public. It is very stressful to the animal and causes more then enough calamity for our hobby. People are people, and some just do not like snakes at all. We have to accept that whether we like it or not. Taking your snake to the mall was not a wise choice. I do not take my snakes outside let alone to a public place. To many peole where I live are afraid of snakes and I will not put my animals through the undue stress.

This is the type of thing that gives the rest of us a bad wrap. I get so irritated when I see people in public with their snakes.

First of all, and most importantly, this is terribly stressful for the snake.
Second, all you are going to do is get a lot of bad attention. Which to be perfectly honest, it seems that is exactly what you wanted.
Third, coming here for sympathy probably wasn't the best idea. Most of us understand how bad this is for the snake and for the reputation of us keepers.

Maybe you didn't know that this is stressful for the snake? I don't know. But now that you do I really hope you care about them enough to not do it again. Show your snakes off here. We all LOVE to see photos of snakes!

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Originally Posted by tesslyn

Well don't I feel stupid now.

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Don't feel stupid! Sometimes I'd really like to take my snakes out in public, but I know it isn't really catering to my snakes needs as much as it is to my WANTS.

I instead settle for bringing mine outside on my porch for 10-15 minutes.

Also, I hate hearing the exact comments you complain of :( It makes me sad when people are so judgmental, so I just leave the snakes at home and avoid the conversation all together. If it ever comes up in conversation though, I am more than willing to talk to people about my snakes and help educate them. I have even turned a few fearful individuals into snake lovers!

The part that caught my attention is that the snake is around your neck while you drive. That is really irresponsible and scary. 1. What if the snake moves suddenly and startles you, causing an accident? 2. The snake could easy slip off you shoulder and out the window. This would cause severe injury to the snake. This is not a good idea.

In reply to Kaorte's post: Thank you for not being so quick to be blatantly rude to me. I was not aware of the implications, and no I didn't do it for the negative attention. I am totally new to this so I was unaware.

It's best to just keep them at home. I LOVE to show off my snakes and will take every opportunity to take them out, but I only do that when people have said they'd like to see them. I remember there was a party at my house, and I had gone up to my room with a few people to show them my Ball Python, and a girl happened to walk by the door while I had her out. She was a good 5 feet away but she still screamed, and tried to run away. Her "friends" kept pushing her towards Loki and thought it was hilarious, and she actually began to cry. I felt so bad even though I tried to explain to her that she's harmless. And snakes get very, very upset when they can't use their only two options, "fight" or "flight", and can stress to the point where you'll have them become traumatized. This could cause a myriad of problems such as fasting or abnormal behavior.

I will talk forever about snakes (I used to be a server and one time this couple kept asking me questions so I ended up talking to them practically the whole time they were there, luckily it was a slow day and they were the only ones in my section) and I love to educate people, but I would leave the whole "meeting the snakes" to within your own home. That way, you don't induce mass panic. What we know to be "a harmless little Ball Python" is "a man-eating terror" to others. :P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chet1028

The part that caught my attention is that the snake is around your neck while you drive. That is really irresponsible and scary. 1. What if the snake moves suddenly and startles you, causing an accident? 2. The snake could easy slip off you shoulder and out the window. This would cause severe injury to the snake. This is not a good idea.

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I didn't say she was around my neck while driving? I said she was around my neck once we got out. My sister was holding her while I drove.

Thanks

I'm sorry if I was snippy. I get it. I love to show of my snakes to anyone and everyone! If the snakes liked it and the world was a different place I'd take one or two with me everywhere I went!

I'm glad you are so enthusiastic about your snakes! And I'm also really glad you take the constructive criticism well.

Good Luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tesslyn

In reply to Kaorte's post: Thank you for not being so quick to be blatantly rude to me. I was not aware of the implications, and no I didn't do it for the negative attention. I am totally new to this so I was unaware.

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You are welcome. I don't think anyone is trying to be rude, they are just passionate about their viewpoints and don't like to see their reputation lowered by s

Not everyone is a snake lover! It is best to limit your snakes contact with people who may not like them, unless they specifically give you their permission to have the snake out.

Even when I have guests in my house, I don't take the snakes out unless requested. If there is someone who is frightened by them, I make sure to leave the snakes in their enclosures to make that person more comfortable.

It is up to us as snake keepers to give the world a good impression of what people who own snakes are like. Since fear of snakes is a VERY common fear, it is best to educate people with our words first, then introduce the snakes. In a public environment, this is nearly impossible.

The majority of people are going to think to themselves "why would anyone bring a snake to the mall?" Not "Look at that cute little snake!". The former gives people a negative image of snake keepers.

I understand the desire to bring the snake to public places, but the wiser choice would be to leave the snake at home where people can't attack it with their judgements. Instead, use your words to persuade them to the snake side :)

:mad:Ok, sorry, but the whole "it's so stressful for the snake" thing is just plain incorrect. I mean it could be, but it depends on the individual snake. I REGULARLY (as in EVERY SATURDAY) take a few out of my collection to the local Exotic pet store for a little public education on reptiles. There are a couple that I don't take because they did seem stressed the first time, but there are a few that go with me almost every time. My pied female is very social and inquisitive, but is not stressed. "How do I know she's not stressed"? Well, if you believe everything you read about ball python care :rolleyes: (like how they are antisocial, or that you have to get them on a feeding schedule, or that you can't feed them in the same tub they live in) then you know that a stressed bp won't eat. My pied eats every time we get back from the store, and we spend about 4 hours there. There are so many incorrect, broad generalized statements about ball pythons that even most of the people in the hobby believe them, instead of taking the time to learn about each snake. They DO have individual personalities.

To the op:
If you feel like you know your bp well enough to know when it is sressed and when it is not, and it is not stressed when you take it out, then feel free my friend; we need MORE people like you to educate the public, instead of hiding them away like we know they are evil...:gj:

(Oh, and by the way...NO I don't feed on "every tuesday at 7 pm" schedule....when they look hungry (again, I've learned and can tell whether or not they will eat) I feed them. And I feed them in their own tub. And NO, I don't have ANY that are "cage aggressive" or confuse my hand for a rat.):O

And before I get a bunch of hate mail....I have been doing this for about 4 years....No, I've never brought home any mites or respiratory infections, No, no one has been bitten, Yes, I have people sanitize before and after handling my snakes, and YES I have helped several people over their fear of snakes (one lady now owns a ball python because of our visit)

Around 10 years ago or so when I had a JCP and worked in the mall I would bring him in on some Saturdays. He traveled in a sack to and from, and all I did was sit on a bench in front of my store (pet store) and let people approach me. I had many people come close to talk, some wanted to touch, but I never had anyone scream and run. This might be because I was sitting in full view, and if people wanted to steer clear they easily could. I wasn't walking towards them, or moving at all. I turned many people's minds around about snakes in general, and I believe that to be a good thing. Sometimes parents would let their kids come and they would stay 20ft back, then I would joking say oh come on, your little one isn't scared, be brave and come see what he feels like. My JCP would let me know when the show was over by crawling back into his bag next to me. I was always aware of his breathing patterns, etc. Everyone had to sanitize before and after, and stand in line to pet (never let anyone hold anything but his tail end, with his head and upper body being around my neck / head being away from strangers).

Now..would I do that today? Probably not. Seems to me a lot has changed in the past 10 years, and more and more people seem to have preconceived issues with snakes than ever before. I live in Florida, and the general consensus that we are being over-run with pythons (you know, because all pythons are the same :rolleyes:) is inescapable. The fear mongering media takes non-issue stories (like a bp being found in someones grass) and turns it into a horror story about how they are lurking around every corner eyeing up our kids and furry pets. I don't know if my JCP "liked" the experience, but do any of us know what our snakes like really? I know he never missed a meal, never tried flight or fight, and was never cage aggressive. I probably wouldn't recommend taking your baby out to public places any more. If you are interested in expanding people knowledge about snakes, you might talk to some local pet shops about doing a meet and greet style. Where people know what's coming, rather than shopping for clothes and looking up to see their biggest fear about to viciously attack their face *perception, obviously*.

You're not stupid, we all want to show off our awesome babies, and just because you made a mistake doesn't mean you should be lynched for it. Learn from it, move on, and try not to repeat mistakes made in the past :)

I say watch how the snake reacts. If you know your snake then you know how it will take being anywhere. It seems to me that the generalized statements are taking over. Will a python mistake your hand for a rat if you feed it in its home? Maybe. But is this true for every snake? Probably not. I took cuddles to the pet store and she was just fine. I bagged her up in a pillow case and took her there. She was handled by 3 people other then myself that she had never seen before. I bagged her and took her home. All was good.

Absolutely nothing wrong with taking your pet snake out in public. It would though be more appropriate to take it someplace where it would be more acceptable, like a pet friendly store or a park.

13 total posts, 4 of which in this thread...

TROLL ALERT!!!

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/...31/351/eb6.jpg

Well she just ate for me about 20 minutes ago. So it seems our little outing didn't stress her out at all. It took her about 5 minutes to kill the mouse too.

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Originally Posted by tcutting

13 total posts, 4 of which in this thread...

TROLL ALERT!!!

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/...31/351/eb6.jpg

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Or maybe just new.. I'm not picking up troll.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tesslyn

Well she just ate for me about 20 minutes ago. So it seems our little outing didn't stress her out at all. It took her about 5 minutes to kill the mouse too.

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Have you tried offering a frozen/thawed rat to her yet?

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Originally Posted by johnmauser

Have you tried offering a frozen/thawed rat to her yet?

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Nope not yet. This is the first time I have fed her. The man I got her from strictly fed her live mice and he said he tried to switch her to f/t before but she didn't take to them. I plan on switching her to rats next feeding because mice are way too small for her. Then maybe after I get her on rats I'll try switching to f/t.

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Originally Posted by tcutting

13 total posts, 4 of which in this thread...

TROLL ALERT!!!

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/...31/351/eb6.jpg

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Well, that would be a very dedicated troll indeed. Seeing how she has posted an intro thread, pic thread, other animal thread, and feeding questions...since joining on the 26th...all just to post this one topic that you believe is stupid.
*slow clap*
I guess you started out in life knowing everything and never made any mistakes...man I wish I was more like you :rolleyes:
I feel like your meme could be used to describe your post more accurately than the OPs, but I don't like calling people names :colbert:

To tess: Glad she ate for you! Hope the switch to rats / f/t goes well :) For future reference (if you ever get another snake, which you probably will hehe) it is often advised to let your new arrival settle in for a week or so before handling or until they eat 2-3 times for you. Not all of the bps out there are good eaters! (sometimes it's just best to be cautious, but I'm a worry wart so...:oops: )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mikeandsheleen

:mad:Ok, sorry, but the whole "it's so stressful for the snake" thing is just plain incorrect. I mean it could be, but it depends on the individual snake. I REGULARLY (as in EVERY SATURDAY) take a few out of my collection to the local Exotic pet store for a little public education on reptiles. There are a couple that I don't take because they did seem stressed the first time, but there are a few that go with me almost every time. My pied female is very social and inquisitive, but is not stressed. "How do I know she's not stressed"? Well, if you believe everything you read about ball python care :rolleyes: (like how they are antisocial, or that you have to get them on a feeding schedule, or that you can't feed them in the same tub they live in) then you know that a stressed bp won't eat. My pied eats every time we get back from the store, and we spend about 4 hours there. There are so many incorrect, broad generalized statements about ball pythons that even most of the people in the hobby believe them, instead of taking the time to learn about each snake. They DO have individual personalities.

To the op:
If you feel like you know your bp well enough to know when it is sressed and when it is not, and it is not stressed when you take it out, then feel free my friend; we need MORE people like you to educate the public, instead of hiding them away like we know they are evil...:gj:

(Oh, and by the way...NO I don't feed on "every tuesday at 7 pm" schedule....when they look hungry (again, I've learned and can tell whether or not they will eat) I feed them. And I feed them in their own tub. And NO, I don't have ANY that are "cage aggressive" or confuse my hand for a rat.):O

And before I get a bunch of hate mail....I have been doing this for about 4 years....No, I've never brought home any mites or respiratory infections, No, no one has been bitten, Yes, I have people sanitize before and after handling my snakes, and YES I have helped several people over their fear of snakes (one lady now owns a ball python because of our visit)

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I totally agree that it depends on the individual snake. I have been keeping for 25+ years and have worked with thousands of animals. I also worked with a group of snake keepers and zoo keepers that took animals around to schools and events to help educate and quell fears. What I have learned through my experience is that its not if a snake will get stressed out in a public setting it is when. Some snakes, as you have said, are different. They just have a greater tolerance for that type of activity and will seem calm much longer. These were the animals we showed. Usually the snake will give you "warnings" to tell you he's done. Ignoring these warnings is unacceptable. If you aren't sure of the warnings then do NOT take them. (This is not directed at you, just a generalization)

I do, however, disagree with you that it is our responsibility to educate the public. Most people who fear snakes are perfectly happy fearing them. They don't hate them they just don't want anyone shoving them in their faces. They don't want to be out somewhere and turn around to see one. That is a great way to get people to hate them. Taking them to a pet store, fine. Taking them to a show, fine. Taking them to the mall, not fine.

"Force educating" people who do not want it is ridiculous. You might as well force your religion and politics on someone.


Oh, and by the way, I don't keep a strict schedule on my animals either. I try to stay somewhat consistent but, again like you said, knowing your animals is more important than trying to stick with a regimented schedule.

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Definitely not a troll.

She is listening and interacting and learning. That is to be respected.

For any of us to say we know all the answers and have always done everything exactly right is insane. We all find a way to make the best out of our own individual situations. What works for you might not work for me. The fact that she is here to learn and share is fantastic! I wish everyone who owned herps would come to this forum or one like it to learn. Care sheets are vague and pet store employees are not always the most educated or experienced keepers.

Tesslyn,
Welcome and take what you read on this forum with a grain of salt. Do not take everything written here as gospel. Take the information and do what is best for YOU and YOUR snakes. And by all means post pics!!! :D We all love to see snakes and other herps and I personally love to see peoples setups and snake rooms!

Good Luck!

Quote:

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I do, however, disagree with you that it is our responsibility to educate the public. Most people who fear snakes are perfectly happy fearing them. They don't hate them they just don't want anyone shoving them in their faces. They don't want to be out somewhere and turn around to see one. That is a great way to get people to hate them. Taking them to a pet store, fine. Taking them to a show, fine. Taking them to the mall, not fine.

"Force educating" people who do not want it is ridiculous. You might as well force your religion and politics on someone.

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Could not agree more :gj:

For those who think it is a great idea to take your snake out in public (mall, park , etc) think again, this industry is under tremendous scrutiny, over the last couple of years legislation have been threatening our rights to keep reptiles (some were successful).

Forcing people to be subjected to YOUR pet snake does nothing but give ammunition to those trying to take our right away from us, so use common sense because YOUR actions reflect on our entire community.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

Well, that would be a very dedicated troll indeed. Seeing how she has posted an intro thread, pic thread, other animal thread, and feeding questions...since joining on the 26th...all just to post this one topic that you believe is stupid.
*slow clap*
I guess you started out in life knowing everything and never made any mistakes...man I wish I was more like you :rolleyes:
I feel like your meme could be used to describe your post more accurately than the OPs, but I don't like calling people names :colbert:

To tess: Glad she ate for you! Hope the switch to rats / f/t goes well :) For future reference (if you ever get another snake, which you probably will hehe) it is often advised to let your new arrival settle in for a week or so before handling or until they eat 2-3 times for you. Not all of the bps out there are good eaters! (sometimes it's just best to be cautious, but I'm a worry wart so...:oops: )

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based on your response, just an FYI, but it exhibits the same mind set and behavior you are flaming me for. Hi pot im kettle.

But when someone is new to a forum and posts something that will most certainly stir the pot and cause a bit of ruckus, you are darn right it smells of trolling. and trolls by nature are very dedicated. Now call me crazy for thinking so, but if i am wrong then great I welcome any and all new comers. but you cant tell me it doesnt have a scent of troll.

to the OP: everyone seems to have covered it pretty well thus far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tcutting

based on your response, just an FYI, but it exhibits the same mind set and behavior you are flaming me for. Hi pot im kettle.

But when someone is new to a forum and posts something that will most certainly stir the pot and cause a bit of ruckus, you are darn right it smells of trolling. and trolls by nature are very dedicated. Now call me crazy for thinking so, but if i am wrong then great I welcome any and all new comers. but you cant tell me it doesnt have a scent of troll.

to the OP: everyone seems to have covered it pretty well thus far.

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Here's the funny thing about calling me a "troll", I honestly don't even know what that means. So how could I be a said "troll" if I dont even know what it means? I apologize that my thread has caused a stir amoung your community, however, as I have stated before, I was unaware of the implications of my actions. All I am trying to do is learn here, and for people to point fingers and call me a "troll" is undoubtedly not a welcoming community. How do you think this looks for newcomers like me to see that a harmless post can turn into something as big as this, where people are calling me names that I don't even understand. I thought this was supposed to be a welcomig community where I could learn how to better care for my animal, but that is not what it has turned into for me. This environment has turned into a hostile one at best. I appreciate and thank those who have seen me as someone simply trying to learn, and yes I have learned from my experience, which is what my goal was in the beginning. I made a mistake, I learned from it, and I grew from it. If anyone should be learning here it should be the people calling me troll, learn about someone and ask questions before you flat out decide to judge someone based off of one mistake.

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Originally Posted by tcutting

13 total posts, 4 of which in this thread...

TROLL ALERT!!!

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/...31/351/eb6.jpg

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Here's the funny thing about calling me a "troll", I honestly don't even know what that means. So how could I be a said "troll" if I dont even know what it means? I apologize that my thread has caused a stir amoung your community, however, as I have stated before, I was unaware of the implications of my actions. All I am trying to do is learn here, and for people to point fingers and call me a "troll" is undoubtedly not a welcoming community. How do you think this looks for newcomers like me to see that a harmless post can turn into something as big as this, where people are calling me names that I don't even understand. I thought this was supposed to be a welcomig community where I could learn how to better care for my animal, but that is not what it has turned into for me. This environment has turned into a hostile one at best. I appreciate and thank those who have seen me as someone simply trying to learn, and yes I have learned from my experience, which is what my goal was in the beginning. I made a mistake, I learned from it, and I grew from it. If anyone should be learning here it should be the people calling me troll, learn about someone and ask questions before you flat out decide to judge someone based off of one mistake.

Don't worry about those that accuse you of being a troll. You made a mistake, and you have learned from it, that is all that really matters now. I apologize if I came across as being rude. I am just very passionate about my hobby and the animals that I love so much.

This is a good forum, don't let it get to you. Everybody is just here to help, and everybody here is very passionate about their snakes. However, there is one thing you can't do, and that's join this site without posting pictures of your snake! ;). So let's see em! :)

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

This is a good forum, don't let it get to you. Everybody is just here to help, and everybody here is very passionate about their snakes. However, there is one thing you can't do, and that's join this site without posting pictures of your snake! ;). So let's see em! :)

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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This is lola on our way home from picking her up

http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...n/eed2ce9a.jpg

http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...n/060973be.jpg

And this is my three toed box turtle Jasper

http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...n/329849fc.jpg

And this is my savannah cat Nala

http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...n/e82eecd6.jpg

And this is my calico Bella

http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...n/935c6abe.jpg

I also have a leopard gecko named dash but he didn't want to come out for a picture.

Just thought you should meet the whole family.

A little about me btw. I graduated on 2011 and moved out at 18. I work full time and go to school, I have one more quarter before I will graduate with my degree. I absolutely love reptiles, obviously :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Could not agree more :gj:

For those who think it is a great idea to take your snake out in public (mall, park , etc) think again, this industry is under tremendous scrutiny, over the last couple of years legislation have been threatening our rights to keep reptiles (some were successful).

Forcing people to be subjected to YOUR pet snake does nothing but give ammunition to those trying to take our right away from us, so use common sense because YOUR actions reflect on our entire community.

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Actually, of course this is MY opinion, taking your pet to the park or other pet friendly environment is a great thing to do. It does not "force" people to be subjected to anything. It is actually one of the best ways to get people to see them and to learn about them..... and this alone sometimes gets them over the natural fear of them. It’s a great feeling when you introduce a gentle snake to someone who fears them and to see that person actually touch or hold the snake before they leave. It's about educating people. Keeping your pet caged up and in doors all the time is not going to bring less scrutiny to our hobby. The ammunition that the loony’s need they get from the irresponsible keepers who do not provide secure enclosures or properly care for them...or the ones who release their monstrous beasts into the wild.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TessadasExotics

Actually, of course this is MY opinion, taking your pet to the park or other pet friendly environment is a great thing to do. It does not "force" people to be subjected to anything. It is actually one of the best ways to get people to see them and to learn about them..... and this alone sometimes gets them over the natural fear of them. It’s a great feeling when you introduce a gentle snake to someone who fears them and to see that person actually touch or hold the snake before they leave. It's about educating people. Keeping your pet caged up and in doors all the time is not going to bring less scrutiny to our hobby. The ammunition that the loony’s need they get from the irresponsible keepers who do not provide secure enclosures or properly care for them...or the ones who release their monstrous beasts into the wild.

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I brought a friend along to pick my BP up and she refused to hold her even touch her because she feared snakes, she just came along to make sure I was safe, as I was getting lola from a craigslist seller. I did not shove lola (my BP) in her face, but by the end of the car ride my friend had lola around her neck and my friend was talking to her like she would talk to any other pet. That was just amazig for me.

Sometimes that's all it takes, is just actually holding them. Then you fall for them.:D

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Sometimes that's all it takes, is just actually holding them. Then you fall for them.:D

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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I actually never held a ball before I fell for them. Just looking at them mesmerized me. I held a few retics and a few boas before and loved them. Balls are just a little misunderstood...just like me lol. I have always had a fascination with reptiles and it has only been the last few years that snakes have taken a hold of me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TessadasExotics

Actually, of course this is MY opinion, taking your pet to the park or other pet friendly environment is a great thing to do. It does not "force" people to be subjected to anything. It is actually one of the best ways to get people to see them and to learn about them..... and this alone sometimes gets them over the natural fear of them. It’s a great feeling when you introduce a gentle snake to someone who fears them and to see that person actually touch or hold the snake before they leave. It's about educating people. Keeping your pet caged up and in doors all the time is not going to bring less scrutiny to our hobby. The ammunition that the loony’s need they get from the irresponsible keepers who do not provide secure enclosures or properly care for them...or the ones who release their monstrous beasts into the wild.

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What you do is not educating it is subjecting people to YOUR animal and views that's a BIG difference, if you see it as educating and it makes you feel better about it great for you but again it's wrong and irresponsible and reflecting on the rest of us, you want to educate get involved and do it in the proper settings.

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Originally Posted by tesslyn

http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...n/eed2ce9a.jpg


http://i1073.photobucket.com/albums/...n/e82eecd6.jpg

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This thread needs more like this.


/creep

Hi, welcome to the site!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

What you do is not educating it is subjecting people to YOUR animal and views that's a BIG difference, if you see it as educating and it makes you feel better about it great for you but again it's wrong and irresponsible and reflecting on the rest of us, you want to educate get involved and do it in the proper settings.

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How is it not educating? Yes when I talk to people about my pets it is my views and my knowledge, which I might add is quite a bit and helps some people get over their fears. It gives them a better understanding of the animal that they might not like. Or it may also teach them better husbandry of the ones they may already own. I am not an irresponsible reptile owner. If you think what I do is wrong or that what I do reflects negatively on you.... that is YOUR opinion. Tell me what is the proper way to get involved? What is the proper setting? I think I am pretty well involved and I use the proper settings. I have never had any complaints. I have never forced anything on anyone. I have changed other people’s minds though. I have gotten people to like or at a minimum to understand and to become less afraid of snakes. To me that does a lot for "our" community and our passion.

I'm not going to speak for Deborah but I don't think that her point was that you are a bad keeper or even a non caring one.

The issue is setting. Time and place.

If you are taking animals to a school or someplace that has been planned so people know what they are in for then that is a great place to do what you do. If you randomly stop by a park or a public place unannounced with your animals there is a pretty good chance that someone there will not like or appreciate that. That is where the problem lies. If that is what you are doing, and I'm not saying you are, then I have a problem with that. I have a problem with anyone who does do that and I'm not afraid to tell them. That will only bring negative attention to us all. And that IS being a bad keeper.

What's funny is she has absolutely no idea of "what I do". Yet she can say with conviction "What you do is not educating it is subjecting people to YOUR animal and views" and that I am "wrong and irresponsible". Trying to make out that what I do is "reflecting on the rest of us", what in a negative manner?
Yeah ok.

just as an FYI let me put it into perspective.

its like if this were a democratic pro choice forum, and you posted about going into a republican or religious groups meeting with a sign that said you are pro abortion. and when you get flack for that in said place, you jump onto the first pro choice forum you find and post about it....

Kinda sets a bad tone... Now if indeed these are legit questions and post sorry, not trying to be a jerk, just understand perspective of your audience.

Now to the point of this thread, i havent read everything everyone said but going forward just understand the general public has very strong feelings and opinions about the pets we choose to keep. and as a result it tends to be far easier to just keep them to ourselves to avoid things like you experienced. Further never feel obligated or that you need to teach people about snakes. if they ask sure go right ahead, but dont force it on people because it tends to go very poorly. i think its great to have any and all new comers join our ranks and i wish you the best with your pets and your BP. Just always keep in mind, people have very strong fears and opinions of the animals we keep and good luck.

I would never bring my dog into a mall, and neither would I bring my snake.

I'd bring my dog to a park, and would potentially bring one of my snakes for a nice outdoors photoshoot, but I'd keep my distance from people.

Feel free to bring your ball python into a pet store. The PetSmart near my apartment had santa clause pictures for pets (lol).. saw someone bring in a decent sized juvie retic, and santa was more than happy to oblige!