It's not that they have misconceptions about snakes, they just are more "fuzzy animal" type people (which there's nothing wrong with, I love fuzzy animals as much as the next person) and they just can't understand why someone would become attached to a "wild" animal. I just love snakes, and the fact that they aren't a domesticated animal. You will never be their "master" and working with them requires a level of respect for what they can do. Granted, my boa isn't the largest snake out there, but if she was around my neck, she could definitely suffocate me. But I respect that she can do that, and I don't put myself in a position to let that happen.

Basically, they can't understand there being a bond between a person and a snake because it's really one-way. A snake will never "love" you like a dog or a cat. But to me, that's what makes working with them even cooler. I've always loved all animals, covered with fur or scales makes no difference to me.