Sorry, I had to laugh. Like most good humor I laughed because I can relate to your story. I went through the same thing.
You've got some great advice here. Just "pretend" you are not afraid. I found it helpful to wear only one glove. Reach right in, remove the hide, and grab him about a third of the way down from his head with your gloved hand. Don't hesitate. Leave enough neck free so that he could bite you if he wanted to. Make your hand work like a snake hook so even though you have him grasped you are only touching him with your finger tips and the tip of your thumb on his belly. Then come in from behind with your ungloved hand to support the body. Once he relaxes slip the glove off. Of course if he's in the ball position just scoop him up.
It gets a little easier every time.
Happy Halloween!!!!
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