That feeling when you're tempted to rescue...

Moseying around Craigslist to pass the time. There's usually snakes there I look at just for curiosity's sake, but tonight I happened upon this very sad-looking supposedly female (the owner isn't sure) lemonblast BP. Bone-dry enclosure, terrible shedding issues, and who knows what else. I know it's a bad idea to willingly take in a troubled animal but, in a rare instance my heart is breaking for this one...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7953f1c30e.jpg

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I hear ya...been there, done that. I wouldn't spend a lot- it's pretty risky, but your "heart's in the right place". It's your call because it might well be your "headache" too. ;)
I have to admit though, few things feel better than turning an animal's life around if you can.

The other issues would be my parents (I just spend a good chunk of money on fish so they wouldn't be pleased to hear about me asking about a second snake), the fact that there's family visiting this upcoming weekend, and the fact that she(?) would have to be set up elsewhere in the house away from Zebes for safety's sake. My bedroom probably. They're only asking $150 for the snake + enclosure but still.

But even with all that, I've genuinely been wanting to give an animal who's been dealt a bad lot in life a better chance. I've done it before in a different time, with a cockatiel also from Craigslist (she was in really bad shape but I nursed her back to health and she got to live out the remainder of her years in loving peace). And I've been longing to have that chance again.

"Only $150" for the snake & tank? :O How much will it cost to upgrade the tank to what she needs, PLUS vet care that could very well be expensive? You cannot assume she's healthy, because she sure doesn't look it, sorry to say. And personally, I'd hate to give that much money to someone who has so poorly cared for this animal.

IF you still want to go forward, I'd only do so by making a MUCH lower offer, "take it or leave it" & don't be too shy to point out what might be wrong health-wise. How long have they had this snake? Maybe she has mites? That causes bad sheds & dehydration...& ultimately death. But it could be other things too, things that "TLC" won't easily fix. Think carefully before you leap into this.

Yeah you're right... Never mind...

I'm not in the best financial position anyway so I shouldn't even be considering an animal that would likely require vet trips let alone all the other potential amenities to nurse her back to health, and that's all without including the potential risk of getting the perfectly healthy snake I already have sick just from the proximity of a sickly one.

My head was in the clouds admittedly, in fact I posted about it here to lowkey be talked out of making a foolish move out of my delusions of grandeur of being some hero who swoops in to save an animal in need, when it'd probably just end in disaster...

Like I said, your heart's in the right place, but rescues can be complicated & expensive. It's heart-breaking to see an animal that needs help, I know how you feel. Maybe another time though.

I suppose it'd be best, in the future, to go to a rescue, that way I can theoretically give an unwanted animal a home, without having to deal with the potential flood of issues with dealing with a sickly pet right off the bat. I've come across some reptile rescues semi-locally to keep in mind for a later time for example.

Snagrio,

I've been there. I have rescued snakes, and it's been tough at times, but rewarding at times as well. I've had success overall, but not without heartache.

However, it's always expensive. Same with adopting dogs. I've never adopted a dog that didn't need something a vet had to provide as well as some extra love. All my rescue dogs have been worth it, but also I knew what I was getting into (for the most part) and they became family. I also had the money.

I had a college professor who had a son that wasn't caring for his corn snake. She literally dropped him at my door (with my permission of course) and said thank you and left. Luckily, he was a corn snake and ONLY had internal parasites. Got him eating and treated and ultimately, because of my circumstances, found him a good home once he was healthy and established. Did I save his life? Probably. However, there was a cost - both dollars and emotional.

As with dogs, you cannot save them all. We cannot save all the sick and starving children in the world either. It's heartbreaking, but we help who we can and when we can.

Having said the latter, we aren't all saints or prophets, and have to be selective about making sure when we help, we are doing so when it's okay for us. It's important in life sometimes to put on our "oxygen mask," and then the masks of others. In other words, take care of numero uno first or you won't be able to take care of others.

If taking in a potentially sick animal nows means spending time and/or money you don't have and upsetting your family, it's not meant to be and probably not worth the reward. Many things in life come down to that - risk vs. reward.

Finally, keep in mind that taking a reptile that is potentially ill means you absolutely have to proper quarantine. We do that for 90 days with animals from known breeders. You just don't know. In a situation like this, you would need a long and proper quarantine and might still be putting your other BP at risk. Would trying to safe this guy be worth the risk to your other BP?

Anyway, my two cents, given your situation, as you said, wait for a safer opportunity and a better time for you and your family.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Snagrio,

I've been there. I have rescued snakes, and it's been tough at times, but rewarding at times as well. I've had success overall, but not without heartache.

However, it's always expensive. Same with adopting dogs. I've never adopted a dog that didn't need something a vet had to provide as well as some extra love. All my rescue dogs have been worth it, but also I knew what I was getting into (for the most part) and they became family. I also had the money.

I had a college professor who had a son that wasn't caring for his corn snake. She literally dropped him at my door (with my permission of course) and said thank you and left. Luckily, he was a corn snake and ONLY had internal parasites. Got him eating and treated and ultimately, because of my circumstances, found him a good home once he was healthy and established. Did I save his life? Probably. However, there was a cost - both dollars and emotional.

As with dogs, you cannot save them all. We cannot save all the sick and starving children in the world either. It's heartbreaking, but we help who we can and when we can.

Having said the latter, we aren't all saints or prophets, and have to be selective about making sure when we help, we are doing so when it's okay for us. It's important in life sometimes to put on our "oxygen mask," and then the masks of others. In other words, take care of numero uno first or you won't be able to take care of others.

If taking in a potentially sick animal nows means spending time and/or money you don't have and upsetting your family, it's not meant to be and probably not worth the reward. Many things in life come down to that - risk vs. reward.

Finally, keep in mind that taking a reptile that is potentially ill means you absolutely have to proper quarantine. We do that for 90 days with animals from known breeders. You just don't know. In a situation like this, you would need a long and proper quarantine and might still be putting your other BP at risk. Would trying to safe this guy be worth the risk to your other BP?

Anyway, my two cents, given your situation, as you said, wait for a safer opportunity and a better time for you and your family.

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It's a harsh truth... One I've surprisingly not had that much of an issue with most times (I'm not a bleeding heart that feels the need to save everything in sight). But something about this one instance got to me, and I don't know why. Maybe it's that visceral, very real feeling of seeing an animal in distress that I could easily physically go pick up and take home to nurture, namely a type of animal that I've been in deep thought over giving a home to in an adoptive/rescue context for some time now.

But, that harsh truth feels that much more real to me now and, it sucks... It really sucks...


There's nothing for it however but to get myself to a point where my own life is in check. That way I'll be more prepared from all angles for the challenges that taking in an adoptee will bring. If anything perhaps, it's further motivation not just to better my own future, but the future of those living with me by extension.

You can’t save them all. Me, I’d offer $25 an come up to $50 tops. This coming from the guy that’s picking up two more Sour Mugs today.


Good Luck!

If it were me I'd offer $25 for just the critter, and the owner could sell the tank and other stuff separately because I don't need any of it. That said, I already have another separate empty QT setup, a good herp vet, and plenty of credit on the AmEx should it be needed. So, I'm in a different place in life than you are.

Once you get to a place in life where you have more room and resources, and you become known as "that person who will take in unwanted snakes", trust me, you will have plenty of opportunities. I haven't bought a snake in years but somehow I keep ending up with more...

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Originally Posted by bcr229

If it were me I'd offer $25 for just the critter, and the owner could sell the tank and other stuff separately because I don't need any of it. That said, I already have another separate empty QT setup, a good herp vet, and plenty of credit on the AmEx should it be needed. So, I'm in a different place in life than you are.

Once you get to a place in life where you have more room and resources, and you become known as "that person who will take in unwanted snakes", trust me, you will have plenty of opportunities. I haven't bought a snake in years but somehow I keep ending up with more...

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If I'm not mistaken, there's another user on here that mentioned she doesn't purchase snakes anymore either and just takes in rescues. I believe she posted about it on the "dream reptile" thread that's been going for awhile and had quite the collection of just rescues. Point is, bcr is right, there's always unwanted snakes and other reptiles, and plenty of time for you to give them a second chance.

Giving this guy $150 to take the 'problem' off his hands... You may have potentially caused more suffering because 1. He learned no lesson or regret from this 2. He learned people like you will fly in and do it again should he no longer want the next pet 3. You are now responsible for his stupidity.

I had done dog and cat rescues as well as foster. It's no fun knowing you put your money, heart and time into taking care of a sick animal while the person responsible for this gets away with it to do it to another animal. Good thing is that the rescues won't pay a dime for the surrenders to dissuade idiots from repeating the neglect again. If that person really care where that snake is going, he or she wouldn't be asking for that much money.

Remember that you was not the one who did this to the snake. Sometimes walking away is what is needed to be done and take care of yourself. Think about what you can do with that $150, including adding enrichment for your current snake or donate it to USARK or a charity of your choice. Or like me, buy some yummy delicious meal for you and your family to enjoy (I'm sure they will thank you for it). Anything but giving this punk money so that he can do it all over again.

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Originally Posted by 303_enfield

You can’t save them all. Me, I’d offer $25 an come up to $50 tops. This coming from the guy that’s picking up two more Sour Mugs today.


Good Luck!

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We think alike...:rofl: And as bcr229 said also, I'd offer for the snake only because jerk-owners like this only think about "all the money they've invested", it's rarely about what's good for the snake they've neglected.

Lots of sage advice. As expected of a forum with this many quality people (seriously, I've learned so much from this place alone). Also forgot to mention that the ad says the snake can go by itself for $75, which is still way too much but just throwing that out there.

I think, what I might do, is wait a couple weeks. Not only will I be in a better position by then (no immediate events, I'll have more funds, and as the fish I bought are the final batch for my setup, that will also be a more distant memory in my folks' minds), but the ball will also be in my court negotiation-wise should she still be listed. By then the owner will likely be desperate and possibly give her to me for free. I'm fully aware that potential vet bills and such will more than quadruple that "free" tag but, we'll see.

Keep in mind I'm not dead-set on this whole thing, I'm still thinking very carefully. It's more of a "Let's give this a good amount of time and see what conditions are like later" kind of scenario.

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Originally Posted by Snagrio

Lots of sage advice. As expected of a forum with this many quality people (seriously, I've learned so much from this place alone). Also forgot to mention that the ad says the snake can go by itself for $75, which is still way too much but just throwing that out there.

I think, what I might do, is wait a couple weeks. Not only will I be in a better position by then (no immediate events, I'll have more funds, and as the fish I bought are the final batch for my setup, that will also be a more distant memory in my folks' minds), but the ball will also be in my court negotiation-wise should she still be listed. By then the owner will likely be desperate and possibly give her to me for free. I'm fully aware that potential vet bills and such will more than quadruple that "free" tag but, we'll see.

Keep in mind I'm not dead-set on this whole thing, I'm still thinking very carefully. It's more of a "Let's give this a good amount of time and see what conditions are like later" kind of scenario.

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Well, offer the $25 for everything. Yes, they may say no. But you've shown interest an they will think about it. They don't want to spend more money to feed it. People looking for a pet won't want that train wreck. Flippers won't pay that much. I've had CL list posters e-mail me a month after I made my offer just to get the snake, iguana or rats for free. As they are tired of it.

Horses are the fun ones.:O

If you want to rescue anything look at your local pound. They have snakes, rat, dogs, cats an even horses.

BUT, talk to your parents first!!!!!

Good luck!

Well, fate decided things for me; the posting is already deleted. It wouldn't surprise me if it reappears however, we all know how these things fall through and listings get reposted after the fact.

This is so sad. My heart broke when I saw that poor little snake curled up out in the open with stuck shed pieces everywhere. You made the right decision not to immediately take on an animal that you weren't ready to handle but I do hope there was someone who was able to help this BP. I cannot believe the seller was asking for $150!

Do you have any reptile rescues in your area? I wonder if it's possible to call the SPCA or something for animals like this that are obviously neglected.

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Originally Posted by Luvyna

This is so sad. My heart broke when I saw that poor little snake curled up out in the open with stuck shed pieces everywhere. You made the right decision not to immediately take on an animal that you weren't ready to handle but I do hope there was someone who was able to help this BP. I cannot believe the seller was asking for $150!

Do you have any reptile rescues in your area? I wonder if it's possible to call the SPCA or something for animals like this that are obviously neglected.

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There aren't any within a close enough proximity I'm afraid, be it the SPCA or general reptile rescues. Everything of that nature is at least a couple hours' drive if not more. All the shelters around here are dog/cat places only, maybe other small mammals at best.

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Originally Posted by Snagrio

There aren't any within a close enough proximity I'm afraid, be it the SPCA or general reptile rescues. Everything of that nature is at least a couple hours' drive if not more. All the shelters around here are dog/cat places only, maybe other small mammals at best.

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Even though you already talked yourself logically OUT of doing a rescue at this time in your life, I'll just add (for you or anyone that's reading) that you can also give your name & contact information TO those dog/cat shelters just to have on hand, because sometimes they hear from people wanting to surrender a reptile & this way, they can give out your #. Not saying that's a good idea in your case right now, but they may appreciate having you as a contact in case. You may have to remind them now & then though, because such shelters often depend on part-time volunteers rather than full-time workers, & they don't always get "the word". Anyway, it costs nothing to make the connection to them.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Even though you already talked yourself logically OUT of doing a rescue at this time in your life, I'll just add (for you or anyone that's reading) that you can also give your name & contact information TO those dog/cat shelters just to have on hand, because sometimes they hear from people wanting to surrender a reptile & this way, they can give out your #. Not saying that's a good idea in your case right now, but they may appreciate having you as a contact in case. You may have to remind them now & then though, because such shelters often depend on part-time volunteers rather than full-time workers, & they don't always get "the word". Anyway, it costs nothing to make the connection to them.

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Not a bad idea for a later time. I really do mean later time though, it's very evident that I'm not in a position to take in more animals for the time being as I was talking with my mom about an enclosure I came across on Craigslist yesterday (an actually good one this time that I've scouted and asked questions about, I promise), and she not only kept saying how much money I've been spending lately (my aquarium project has been slaughtering my wallet but it's thankfully all but completed now except for a few fish in quarantine), but kept pressing me about selling the 55 gallon tank I have sitting around. Which I was secretly hoping to keep around for potential future snakes but, yeah...

Needless to say even if that snake wasn't already snapped up, it was never going to fly with my mother nor my wallet at this time. Like I said before, had my head in the clouds for a bit.

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Originally Posted by Snagrio

Not a bad idea for a later time. I really do mean later time though, it's very evident that I'm not in a position to take in more animals for the time being as I was talking with my mom about an enclosure I came across on Craigslist yesterday (an actually good one this time that I've scouted and asked questions about, I promise), and she not only kept saying how much money I've been spending lately (my aquarium project has been slaughtering my wallet but it's thankfully all but completed now except for a few fish in quarantine), but kept pressing me about selling the 55 gallon tank I have sitting around. Which I was secretly hoping to keep around for potential future snakes but, yeah...

Needless to say even if that snake wasn't already snapped up, it was never going to fly with my mother nor my wallet at this time. Like I said before, had my head in the clouds for a bit.

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Sounds like your mom "knows you too well"! :D That empty tanks don't stay that way for long-:rofl:

I could never have many pets when I was growing up either...but as an adult, I've more than made up for lost time, lol. You'll get there, but focus on all you need to do to be in that adult place first- focus on your education & job skills that bring financial independence & stability first, so you don't end up getting pets you cannot keep, because that's just heart-breaking. Okay? I know it's hard to wait & plan & do all the "sensible" things, but that's by far the best way. Nothing wrong with dreams, especially when you can make them happen at the right time. ;)

Yeah you could just rehome the animal? I think about all the cases that are out there like these you know? It's almost as hopeless a feeling as homeless dogs.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Sounds like your mom "knows you too well"! :D That empty tanks don't stay that way for long-:rofl:

I could never have many pets when I was growing up either...but as an adult, I've more than made up for lost time, lol. You'll get there, but focus on all you need to do to be in that adult place first- focus on your education & job skills that bring financial independence & stability first, so you don't end up getting pets you cannot keep, because that's just heart-breaking. Okay? I know it's hard to wait & plan & do all the "sensible" things, but that's by far the best way. Nothing wrong with dreams, especially when you can make them happen at the right time. ;)

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I've been more proactive about my life lately at least. The last couple years I've done little else but sit on my butt doing nothing all day. But now I've been trying new things, searching for opportunities, taking risks, acting more like an adult as I should be. It's hard sometimes and I've had plenty of pitfalls and mess ups which I've always had issues in dealing with (as in I've always had difficulty in handling failures), but I'm doing what I can.

I mean heck, you could argue I've already accomplished some dreams. This time a year ago I didn't think I was capable of trying reptiles again, and my huge beautiful aquarium with a thriving community was but a pipe dream I've had for what seemed like eons. Yet here I am. :)

I really should stop browsing on Craigslist... A """healthy""" ball python as the ad says, complete with stuck shed all over and a possibly bleeding head/neck from live feedings and pine shaving bedding plus a duct tape-covered hide just for that extra bit of hazard. At least there's no secret as to why they're giving it away for free...

What gets me is that this is the second abused BP in a row I've seen that's a notable morph (I think it's an enchi?). One would think a more expensive snake would warrant better quality care (not that I'm saying wild-type animals should get second rate husbandry but you get my point) but I guess abuse is universal regardless of genetics. Good to know.
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As you said, browsing Craigslist is risky, even dangerous- tends to promote impulsive choices or depression + feelings of frustration and sadness. Probably not the best use of your time, eh? ;)

This is why I don't look unless I'm serious about wanting another pet. It's too sad. I know your heart is in the right place. Maybe someone else will feel sorry and buy it.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

As you said, browsing Craigslist is risky, even dangerous- tends to promote impulsive choices or depression + feelings of frustration and sadness. Probably not the best use of your time, eh? ;)

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Problem is I kind of have to as that's where I'm trying to sell some stuff.

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Originally Posted by FollowTheSun

This is why I don't look unless I'm serious about wanting another pet. It's too sad. I know your heart is in the right place. Maybe someone else will feel sorry and buy it.

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The ad's 30 days old so possibly not unless the owner was just too lazy to delete it (given the poor state of the animal that's more than likely).

In any case they're in a town a two hour's drive away so it's not like I'd be easily tempted to go that far, and there's no way I'd be able to talk one of my folks into going with me since they always accompany me for any Craigslist-related business for safety's sake.

It's the same reason I don't dare "visit" the dogs at the shelter...:tears: It's heart-breaking & just way more than I can deal with. I've always adopted dogs, but I have my limits- we all do. ;)

I have worked with various rescues over the years and currently volunteer fostering rabbits. Just knowing what has happened to my fosters over the past 3-4 years (which I have not had to pay for myself, but the rescue does), there are all kinds of expenses that happen with them, both expected and unexpected. Also, the rescue owner--I have no idea how she has not lost her mind. She gets the worst calls, texts, voicemails, Facebook messages, and whatnot from the absolute most terrible people on the planet. Like, every day. And this is a smaller foster-based rescue with no brick-and-mortar facility. AND, these are the people who went out of their way to contact a rescue; think of the people who don't even do this!

Basically, for your own sanity, stop looking at listings. You sell things on Craigslist, okay, but just... Don't click on the "for sale" section? Just don't do that. Some discipline will help you devote your mental energy into something constructive.

People are cruel garbage and there are a lot of them. It's depressing that animals end up in this situation, but all I can think of is, if I adopt a few animals over my lifetime, and devote some more space and time to fostering animals in need, then I can make the most impact possible. Looking at depressing listings is not constructive.

Here is a good way to devote your energy: Why don't you foster? Even if you do not have a local reptile-specific rescue, many regular animal shelters also take fosters. Especially people with exotics/reptile experience, since most shelters are only really knowledgeable for dogs and cats. Also, fostering is free! It's free! Your mom can't argue with that.

If it's any consolation, I have another "safeguard" to help prevent any impulses for a good while. We're going on a beach vacation out of town around the end of June for a week. So that's yet further rational to not take on something new, healthy or otherwise, since there's already a lot for somebody (we're still looking for a sitter) to look after as it is.

Hey, whatever "works". ;)

Just be glad I don't have a savoir complex for fish. That's where the REAL horror show is. Easily the most misunderstood, mistreated and outright abused sector of the pet hobby by 100 country miles. And I say this as someone who's done it just as wrong as everyone else for years.

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Originally Posted by Snagrio

Just be glad I don't have a savoir complex for fish. That's where the REAL horror show is. Easily the most misunderstood, mistreated and outright abused sector of the pet hobby by 100 country miles. And I say this as someone who's done it just as wrong as everyone else for years.

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I think you mean a "savior" complex? ;) or, parlez-vous francais? (savoir means "to know" in French)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I think you mean a "savior" complex? ;) or, parlez-vous francais? (savoir means "to know" in French)

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Thanks spellcheck. :fim:

Or rather, this is why one shouldn't be overly reliant on it due to mishaps such as this.

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Originally Posted by Snagrio

Thanks spellcheck. :fim:

Or rather, this is why one shouldn't be overly reliant on it due to mishaps such as this.

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:rofl: My French is pretty rusty, but you threw me for a minute on that "complex".