Guy at work pissed me off today......

[4theSNAKElady]

So, I work in a warehouse, and today I came in for overtime to help out in the other building with people i never work with. My guide was introducing me to the few folks that work there, and with the one guy, being my usual congenial self, said hi and shook his hand. My buddy, who was standing there, said "they call her the snake lady"....the guy gave me a wierd look, to which i replied(expecting the usual).." you don't like snakes, huh?..." He then proceeded to tell me that snakes don't belong in cages in captivity and that they belong in the wild. I was trying to explain to him that all my snakes have been born in captivity, as well as their parents, grandparents, etc,. He was not trying to hear it. (by this time I was really heated!!) He then said that the snakes don't want to be captive and the only animals that belong in captivity are the ones that want to be there, such as dogs and cats... ...I couldn't believe the nerve of this guy!!! I so much wanted to argue my points and debate his opinions, as i coulda been there all day ranting on such topics as as keeping/breeding rattlesnakes in captivity has helped provide research for better and more effective anti-venoms; that some species of animals would be extinct by now if it weren't for captive breeding efforts to help propagate the species...etc.,etc,. but, instead I just kinda smirked at him, bit my tongue, and walked away.......


Have you any idea how hard that was for me???!!! ugh......

[JLC]

You know what might help in a situation like that, especially if it is not the time or place to get into a long heated discussion (that probably wouldn't convince him of anything useful anyhow) is to just get a look on your face....kind of a mix of shock and deep pity that anyone would be so ignorant. Shake your head sadly and turn away......


Maybe....? LOL

[Shelby]

Ooh that kind makes me SO angry. How on earth does he know a snake doesn't 'want' to be captive anyway?

[Melicious]

I'd have argued for hours. O_o

[iceman25]

I have learned that there is no convincing other people to see things from your perspective sometimes. The best you can do is treat your animals the way you see fit and not get into arguments with someone over it. It does no one any good and in the worst case scenario elevates your blood pressure and reduces moments from your precious lifespan! One cannot convince a fool of the facts and walking away will defenitely make you feel better (just my take on life)

[Colin Vestrand]

ha, when it comes to people like that i usually just look at them like they're crazy/stupid and give a little head shake.... then again i work as a debt collections agent so i've learned to let a lot roll off my back

[wolfy-hound]

I do the same thing that I do with people who are futzy at me about my keeping seahorses. I tell them that mine are captive bred and are third generation captive bred. If they object to that, I inform them that we breed them in captivity so that one day we will no longer have to gather them from the wild at all. Even if that is unlikely(as in BPs) it is still a reputable goal, and one day might actually happen.
Of course I also have the fact that seahorses are endangered and on CITIES special listing too. But the same principle applies. Captive bred animals are not going to be able to do out in the wild and survive very well, especially not albinos and someo f the other morphs. They are bred to be kept as pets.
Foolish people exist everywhere, and unfortunately are not even close to becoming extinct. Ignorance can be cured, but only if it is honest ignorance, and not stubborn stupidity.
Glad you keep your temper, and one day who knows, you might eventually come to explain it to him in a manner that he will understand. Hopefully one day he willhave a "Ah-HA!" moment and come to his senses too.
W.

[Shelby]

Ooh totally off topic, but I love seahorses! What species do you keep, and do you have pics? If so maybe you should start a seahorse thread. H. reidi is one of my faves.. H. zosterae is super cute too.

OK thread hijacking done!

[The Cannibal Monkey]

Bravo on keeping your temper (or at least making a valient effort!) I have to do the same thing when my dad goes off about big snakes needing to be in the wild and that it's the same as keeping tigers...most people don't even think about the conservation issues because, really, unless you're IN the hobby, how often will you hear about the good sides of it? All "outsiders" hear about is how some moron let his Burm go because it "got too big" and the animal control people hunt it down, or some "evil" snake biting its obviously neglectful owner; just like so many things, it all comes down to improvment of our image. Anyway, sorry to rant, hopefully you two will be able to build a more amicable relationship.

[Danielle(THM)]

I applaud your ability to control your temper. I'm one of those people that will argue my point out until I pass out from sleep deprivation, or until thoughts of violence pop into my head.