The same sad comments about my snakes... (vent)

[wolfy-hound]

What Marrissa said.

Also, you should think more about why you care what other people are saying/thinking. Me, I don't care what others think of me owning snakes.

Some good responses I've used..
"Ewww, I hate snakes!"
"Oh, I love ALL animals!"

"Why would anyone own a snake?"
"Lots of people don't have time or space for a dog or cat. And kids who are allergic to furry pets can still have a snake or lizard!"

"Won't it bite you?" "Has it ever bitten you?"
"Oh, the worst it can do is like a papercut. I've been mauled by a pomeranian once, that was scary! And kicked by horses, boy does that hurt. The snakes are harmless."

"I'd NEVER own a snake!"
"That's fine, I love them enough to more than make up for you not owning any. I'll take your share of the snakes and you can have my share of the budgies! Those little birds bite so hard!"

And of course, when someone does say deliberately asinine things like "I'd kill that snake if I saw it" I look them dead in the eye and tell them quite calmly "That snake is my pet and if you touch it, it's the same as if I went to your home and said I'd kill your dog because I don't like *insert breed of dog*".

I've had hundreds of people over decades that begin with "I hate snakes!" and "I'm terrified of snakes" end up as people who become fascinated enough to touch and hold a snake... often within minutes of talking with me around a ball python. I've had little girls that the parent states are completely terrified of all snakes come up within five minutes and stare fascinated at a ball python I'm holding and then want to touch it. I let them touch it on the tail usually while I hold the head end well away or on the other sided of my body. They learn that snakes are not slimy and feel "neat" and look really cool.

I completely loathe when someone proudly runs around saying how they scare the public with their snake or thrust a python at someone when they hear the person is scared of snakes. Because really, we are the only ambassadors for snakes and the whole herp culture that many of these people will EVER see or hear from. If WE don't show them that snakes are just another pet, then they will continue to have a poor opinion of snakes.