Katie: Reptile Convert and Love of My Life - Post about converts you know!

[dakski]

Katie had a couple of friends over the other night. Neither one were particularly fond of reptiles, especially snakes. Having said that, they were both curious. Long story short, they are converts! Susan (not pictured) touched a bunch of the snakes and Frank the BTS, and even held half of Jeff (male BI). I held his top half and she held his mid body to tail.

Katie (my Katie's friend - not my wife) even got brave enough to hold Jeff and then Behira! See pictures below. She was a little nervous at first, but ended up really enjoying the interaction.

Always happy when I (and my reptile buddies) can get people off the fence and into appreciating reptiles.

[Bogertophis]

That's so awesome! Making "converts" is one of my favorite things too.

[dakski]

Ally is back for the holidays. Here she is with the entire crew!

[dakski]

Another one bites the dust. A new friend from in town came over yesterday. He said his two fears were snakes and spiders. Well, he met his snake fear. See below pics and also of him holding Frank (BTS) who he wasn't afraid of.

[Bogertophis]

I love it! The hater they are, the harder they fall! I think many people just need to meet some friendly herps- they've just gone thru life, never experiencing herps for themselves & feeding off the fears of others- in social circles & in movies. Even many vets can't seem to warm up to them- I was shocked to hear "Dr. Jeff" [Young- aka Rocky Mtn Vet tv series] say something one time like "oh, I thought it might be a snake" -clearly indicating that they're animals he'd rather not see.

As a member of the human race, I realize we're come this far by sharing our knowledge & culture, solving challenges together & all that, but I really wish more people would learn to think for themselves when it comes to understanding animals they're unfamiliar with.

[dakski]

Katie's brother came to visit recently (and from far away). He brought his 3 boys ages 3, 7, and 10. The 7 and 3 year old really wanted to meet the snakes. The 10 year old said, "only lizards. I don't like snakes."

Well, first of all, Frank (BTS) and Carra (LG) were a big hit. They watched Carra eat a Dubia and they were all enamored by Frank. Frank was less thrilled. He's not used to all the attention. They were excellent and calm with him, but he got stressed quick. I put him back, but he couldn't have been too stressed as 5 minutes later he was begging for food. He got his meal and happily ate it.

I took all the snakes out (1 at a time). We went small to big, starting with the corns and working up to Yafe (CP) and Behira, the big BI girl. The 10 year old wasn't sure when Figment (corn) came out, but he watched. He was interested in Solana (scaleless corn) and even touched her. Yafe and Shayna (BP) got a quick tap as well. By the time we got to the boas, he was a full convert. He pet Feliz (dwarf BC), held Jeff (male BI), and Behira too! They all did great - snakes and kids. Behira and Feliz are amazing. So calm and docile. Jeff seemed to get a little stressed, but he is young and growing still.

I put everyone away and we moved on video games. Ten minutes later, the 10 year old was asking if the snakes could come out again! I told him, "next time."

They are here for 2 weeks, and were back today. Two minutes in..."Uncle Dave, can we take the snakes out?" All 3 helped Katie with Behira while I cleaned up a ton of boa urine and urate. No one was a fan of the smell, but all were happy when Behira came out and after I cleaned the mess.

Interestingly enough, I think the kids were almost as interested in the IR temp gun. The 3 year old wanted to check everyones temps - snakes and humans alike.

I have some pics, but I am not sure about posting them as I haven't asked Katie's bro (the kids dad). If I can, I will.

Either way, new convert and some very happy kiddos who had a good experience with the reptiles. I should add that the 10 year old was asking a lot about temps and cold-blooded vs. warm-blooded animals, etc.

Behira is really turning into a reptile ambassador in a big way. Very proud of her.

[Homebody]

Sounds familiar. I can attest from experience that it's a great show. You really outta take it on the road. Hook up with Phil Goss on his next trip to Washington. Together you could put all the anti-reptile legislation to bed permanently.

[dakski]

More converts!

My friend came over with her son and they met all the reptiles. She was a little hesitant, but not afraid at all. She wanted to set an example for her son so she held the bigger snakes before him and with him.

She told me at the end that she never thought reptiles could be this much fun!

[Bogertophis]

Seeing (& holding) is believing. You did good, opening more minds about reptiles.

[dakski]

I should probably start a new thread just for pics of my sister Ally and her "Neph-Snakes" and "Niece-Snakes!" Regardless, she loves spending time with them and fed both Solana and Figment (corn snakes) this visit.