Proper response when asked....

[decensored]

Mike is pretty awesome.

I always tell people that snakes make awesome pets. There is a huge community associated with them, and there are so many side projects to explore with owning them. It's a great learning opportunity, and it's something that isn't overly mainstream. They don't require the same attention domestic animals do, however they come with a responsibility that changes you in a very positive way IMHO. It can be an investment if you want it to be, and a chance to network either professionally and/or personally within the community.

I love this community, not just here on BP.net, but in the reptile world all together. Snakes specifically attract people of all ages, from all different walks of life. One of my closer contacts I've met through this site is a 50 something family man that I may have never had the chance of meeting and befriending him if it wasn't for our commitment to ball-pythons. As cheesy as that sounds, I am grateful for the chance to know him, and am proud to consider him a friend of mine.

I can honestly say that having snakes has been one of the most rewarding hobbies I have ever had. And no matter what life throws at me I will never completely walk away from it.

I've gone from being afraid of snakes. I was pissed off when the gf brought home our first ball python, to owning over a dozen reptiles, operating dozens of rodent colonies, and breeding for the first time this year. I learn new things all the time, and I'm no where near an expert. Again, sounding cheesy here but I find reptiles kind of take over, and become a life style choice. At least that's how its been for me.