Thoughts on Re-Homing a Bad Fit

[dakski]

I just posted the following on Toref's thread:

"Well, Toref is getting a new home. Or, should I say, Torefet! Turns out Toref/Torefet was a girl. That may have been part the problem as the females are known for being more skittish.

Old enough to sex now anyway.

I had bought Torefet from the my friend who owns a killer reptile store. The breeder, his buddy, came in and spoke to me for a while, and specializes in dwarf monitors. I thought I had it covered.

I gave Torefet back to the shop owner last night. He offered me credit or money. I said I don't want anything except a promise that you either give her back to the breeder, or find the best home possible and do not just sell her to anyone. He agreed. The shop owner is a standup guy who's been doing this for 20 years.

Of course when he took Torefet out of her carrying container, she peed on him, repeatedly! Multiple times! He was surprised, but amused.

For the record, I know I did the best for Torefet, but also recognize that this wasn't the best fit. Katie cemented it for me and gave me an out while still keeping my chin up, so did many on this forum.

Every animal I have is interesting, but all are handleable and not a threat to me. Torefet was pushing it to begin with, but turned out much more interesting than handleable, interactive, or even a display animal. I need to stick to my philosophy that if my niece (8) can't handle it, I shouldn't keep it."


Part of Katie's thought process with Torefet was that she didn't want my final reptile (at least for a while) to be something I was disappointed with. For now anyway, 13 reptiles is the limit (which I both respect and agreed to, so no hating). So, I'm down to 12. I have been bugging Katie for a Boa morph I've always wanted and Jeff Ronne, the Boaphile, has a few that I can pick from. Also, Bogertophis, I did hold an incredibly calm Trans-Pecos rat snake juvenile (6 months old or so) at the reptile store. Awesome animal, but not sure yet what direction I want to go.

Toref's old cage has a climbing stick and is a 4X2X1.5' Boaphile tank. I can either put something there, or move Shayna (BP) into there and have a free 6X2X1' (overkill for her by far).

I could also get a lizard that needs UV because the 4X2X1.5' has bulbs, if I want them.

Honestly, I am leaning more towards another snake. Snakes have always been my first reptile love and if I have to flip the balance (6 and 6 right now, Snakes and Lizards), probably would be a snake. Also, in general, snakes are much less work. They do not need daily cleaning and interaction or feeding like most lizards. Getting another animal would hopefully simplify things a little at this point (well as much as adding an animal can).

Thank you again to everyone here for their thoughtful responses and for helping me move on without guilt or feeling like a quitter.

I'll keep everyone up to speed on what direction I go. Stay tuned.