<RANT>

Pet stores allowing impulse buy pets, and consumers who make the impulse buys are the worst. It makes me so mad that both sides can be so greedy (stores) and irresponsible (consumers and stores). Unfortunately we live in a society that, in general, wants instant gratification while putting forth little to no thinking or effort.

I think I'll buy this cute itty bitty Burmese. Oh, it gets how big, and eats what? Meh, I can just ditch it in the woods after the first time it tries to choke me out.

What's that you say little whining offspring? You won't stop that incessant screeching until I buy you the cute little lizard. You promise you'll take care of it you say? Well thats good enough for me! While we're at it better buy all the wrong husbandry supplies and inadequate enclosure too at the advice of the salesperson! What's that now? It's only a week later and don't remember what a lizard even is? Don't worry, I'll do just enough to keep it alive until I finally get sick of that and flush it down the toilet. Problem solved

Uugghhh makes me sick, I've seen it at every reptile show I've ever been to. This young couple is picking out a little baby tortoise and when the breeder informed them the tortoise would be alive long after they were worm food they replied "Well we don't want him that long anyway, we'll give him to the zoo or let him go or something, we only want him while he's little and cute." and the breeder still made the sale. I know you gotta pay the bills, but have a little dignity. I can almost guarantee that tortoise is dead or close to it.

I decided I wanted a snake in November 07. I decided I wanted a BP in February 08. I bought my setup in June 08. I bought my BP in July 08. Not saying this is how long it takes to make a good decision. Just saying it really gave me time to think, learn, and make sure it was what I wanted.

So if you're reading this, and are all pumped up to go out and get a BP, or any pet, listen up. Take your time. Hang around the site. Learn as much as you can. Make sure you really want it. You will have a much better experience and a healthier, happier pet.

</RANT>