Esmeralda - Bayonnaise Leachie

[dakski]

Okay, so it's time for my version of the story and how SunshineWalker/Katie ended up as a happy Leachie Momma.

I had been wanting to go to this reptile show for a while and had plans to go with Katie and a few other people. The other people had to cancel (a few days before) and Katie was 20/80 she wanted to go.

I got up early Sunday morning (very unlike me - late sleeper and with the health issues happens about once every 2-3 weeks) and decided I wanted to go regardless. I called my friend Matt and asked if my "niece" Meghan wanted to go to the show. She said, yes.

I asked Katie if she would come with us and she said yes as well, because she new it was important to me and I had been looking forward to it for weeks.

We get to the show and do our quick walk around to see what's there. We saw one guy with a few Leachies and I could see that Katie's interest was peaked. We walked around some more and ended up at the Leapin Leachies table, with Steve the breeder (http://leapinleachies.com). He was super nice and answered a few questions I had and Katie was pointing out different animals she liked. He let her hold a few and then Katie said, "we better get out of here before we get something."

Now, to be clear, I am on reptile cut off. I am happy with my 7 tanks and 8 reptiles. I love my collection and it's still fun without being too much work and I can spend time with each animal bonding.

So, when I saw a few amazing snakes, I was in look, but don't touch or buy mode. Katie does not have the same restrictions, although I wasn't really thinking about that before I saw her eyes light up with those Leachies.

We walked around some more, looked at some more animals, and then, Katie found herself back at the Leapin Leachies table. I said, "huh, we are back with the Leachies." Now, I was leader of the pack and purposely walked Meghan and Katie back to that table to re-gauge Katie's interest.

She asked to hold a few more and ended up falling in love with Esmeralda. She was (and still is) super calm, 4 years old, so not old, but not a baby. In other words, sturdy. She's the first Leachie for our household.

Steve walked us around the show and helped us with the proper tank, food, substrate, etc. He has also been super helpful since the show and is very responsive by phone. He really seems to know his stuff. Not many Leachie breeders out there.

As Katie said, she is super happy she finally picked out a pet for her! Who would have thought it would be a reptile though? Not me!

I was thinking of getting her a Betta Fish for her office; something to keep her company. However, Katie took it to the next level. Esmeralda is set up next to Katie's desk and they keep each other company.

For what's worth, I couldn't be happier. I am thrilled Katie has embraced my reptiles, and clearly reptiles in general. I am also very happy for both Katie and Esmeralda. They are going to be buddies for a long time (Leachies can live 30-40 years).