Quote Originally Posted by Marrissa View Post
I remember when I first got those phobic and mean reactions from people about my snakes and hobby, it really bothered me. It took me a bit to realize the best way to be an advocate from day to day, is to just lead by example. My jobs know me as the snake lady and the horse lady, but mainly snake lady. I have people I've never told about my snakes at work come up and ask me questions all the time. Pretty much everyone at both jobs that knows I have snakes has eventually asked questions about them and answering them is a good opportunity to give them real information and open up their minds a little. I've gotten people from being afraid of snakes to holding them this way. I never force or pressure anyone though.
I think that's what it was. It was the first real "OMG NO EVIL!!!!" reaction that we got, and it bothered me bad. Now I just ignore it. I certainly don't force or pressure, because I know how *I* would be in that situation, and a good way to get bitten is to be unsure around the animal. None of mine have bitten (yet), but I don't want it to be on someone who is already skittish. Certain people want me to bring one of the boys around, certain people ask about them, and certain people are becoming more open. Others, well, I just leave it alone. No sense in getting more worked up.
Thank you