My first shock I guess about peoples' fear

[Marrissa]

I took Allure out into public for the first time. I know from posting pictures on FB and in my photo class that some people are pretty freak about snakes. Well I took him into Lowe's where I work at to show him to certain coworkers and to buy seeds. I wasn't too sure what kind of seeds I wanted so I was browsing. Mainly I wanted to show my garden buddies Allure and all the cashiers, loaders, and garden associates touched him and asked questions. I had several customers approach me with questions and it was fun to answer them. Several people were a little scared to come near him but asked questions and showed interest. And several people came up and touched and held him.

Well inside when I was looking as seeds there were several people (mostly my coworkers) that jumped away when they realized he was on my arm. My coworkers inside the store were the most reactive. But that's ok because us garden people are cooler (I'm a garden cashier usually) and like snakes. One of my head cashiers told me that someone complained about me having him in the store. Seriously? I'm just freaking holding him while I shop. I'm not shoving him in people's faces or trying to make his presence known. He just happened to be gripping my arm and chilling while I looked at the seed racks. People bring dogs, cats, and even parrots in all the time. They make noise, messes, get in the way, run up to people, cause allergies, etc. I'm holding a snake that is very friendly, quiet, and sitting on my arm not bothering anyone or doing anything to draw attention. I'd better not hear from work about the complaint either because I'm not working today and they do not approach other customers about their pets. Dogs have always been allowed in the store.

It's just so disappointing the reaction some people give. At least come up and ask questions, or hold one for a minute before you freak out. Once people hold or touch one they realize it's no big deal. It just irritates me when people don't give them a chance. So after this I think I will bring him out in public more. I think the big thing is people don't really have the opportunity to be around them and experience them for themselves, so they go off of media and their own fears and assumptions.

[Mike41793]

Are there any animals you don't like? Picture walking into Lowes and seeing someone walking around with that. How would you react?

[Marrissa]

Tarantulas. But I wouldn't complain. I'd ask questions from a distance and then carry on with my day.

[TheSnakeGuy]

If someone brought a strange animal into my store I would walk right up and get inquisitive. Not start judging them or complaining. NO ONE wants to hear that crap anyway. I'm not an ignorant person who lives inside a bubble. I WANT to learn about the world outside of what I see everyday.

[Artemille]

Most people on this board are generally respectful of animals, regardless of whether or not a particular kind irks them a bit.

The world is full of people raised to ignorantly fear certain animals so much, they can't even handle it's likeness. My mother wouldn't watch tv shows with snakes or bats on them, and would freak out if a stuffed animal snake touched her. On another message board I frequent, an arachnid owner was bullied into posting her images of tarantulas and scorpions as links in the pet thread instead of posting the image.

If there's no policy against it, do what you want. Just be a good advocate for the species and be willing to answer questions and don't respond rudely when met with ignorance. Let people see that you have a gentle and discreet animal worthy of respect.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

They are not dogs or cats keep your snake at home and don't subject people to an animal that many fear, this hobby is under tremendous scrutiny already and things like this only give ammunition to those that wish to see exotic animals banned.

You want to show of your snake do so in contained environment for educational purposes, in an event that is planned and where people are present because they want to learn.

[Mike41793]

Its just disrespectful imo. If I'm in a store i don't wanna feel pressured to leave because somethings making me uncomfortable.

[I-KandyReptiles]

They are not dogs or cats keep your snake at home and don't subject people to an animal that many fear, this hobby is under tremendous scrutiny already and things like this only give ammunition to those that wish to see exotic animals banned.

You want to show of your snake do so in contained environment for educational purposes, in an event that is planned and where people are present because they want to learn.

x2.

I was waiting for someone to point this out.

And chances are its pretty stressful to the snake.

I'll admit I've taken my snakes into stores, but it's usually say, on the way home from an expo or coming from the vet. But they're in a pillowcase, sitting in my bag. And I don't let people know that I have a snake in my bag. I'm not leaving them in the car.

[Mike41793]

I'll admit I've taken my snakes into stores, but it's usually say, on the way home from an expo or coming from the vet. But they're in a pillowcase, sitting in my bag. And I don't let people know that I have a snake in my bag. I'm not leaving them in the car.

X2 I may be bending the rules but i dont wanna risk leaving my snake in the car with high or low temps. And what people don't know won't hurt them.

[Marissa@MKmorphs]

They are not dogs or cats keep your snake at home and don't subject people to an animal that many fear, this hobby is under tremendous scrutiny already and things like this only give ammunition to those that wish to see exotic animals banned.

You want to show of your snake do so in contained environment for educational purposes, in an event that is planned and where people are present because they want to learn.

X3

98 percent of people that I know are terrified of snakes. My animals do not go in adventures. If they do, they are in proper transport containers as everyone that will be in the vicinity when they come out are warned and have the chance to leave.


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