Snake reactions from your family and friends

[Pengil]

Overall the reactions I've experienced have been pretty positive- some people are not thrilled, but no one has threatened to burn my apartment down or run over my snake. Actually, I've run into quite a few people who either own or have owned snakes or other reptiles, some in quite unexpected places (apparently both of my bosses at both of my jobs had reptiles at one point in time!).

I've gotten the most positive reception at the library I work at, even though quite a few people there are not what I would categorize as being super fond of unconventional pets. However, they were still curious when they found out, and still ask questions about Horatio and my experiences keeping him. Maybe it helps that he is a bright yellow fellow, and not a traditional snakey-color? There is one lady who is absolutely terrified of snakes, and so I just respectfully refrain from discussing him or whipping out a picture when she's around.

Surprisingly, my dad has been the family member who's been the most receptive my foray into snake ownership, although he's had to overcome a few shocking revelations- the fact that I was getting a snake to begin with, that he was coming all the way from Florida ("You couldn't find a local snake?!" ), and that I know exactly what day is birthday is. My sister has been the most negative by far- normally a very intelligent human, she first stated that she would never come over if I got one, and has insisted since then that Horatio is plotting to eat me, and one day he will decide it is time to make me dinner and thus will grow sufficiently larger by sheer force of will. I did make her meet him, and she is perhaps not so negative now, although she still insists that he's plotting... Something.

As far as Facebook goes, I'm pretty sure that if other people my age can post pictures of their child's poop on their carpet, I should be able to post pictures of my perfectly clean, poop-free snake without complaint.