How do people do it...?

[Cheesenugget]

I don't really understand your thread title. Are you asking how do they do it as in how does one neglect an animal (allegedly), or how someone could be so dumb (allegedly) to take it outside in the cold weather? Or how does one purchase an animal that may or may not need the help?

Anyone familiar with rescue work of any species can you tell this: seen it, been there, done that. How does one light a young pitbull terrier on fire just because it wants to get rid of it? Or how does the rescuer handle and cope with trying to save something that may or may not work?

And for the one who neglects the animal (it usually is neglect, most minor and fixable and looks worse than what it really is, what you see on tv is extreme and not that common in modern countries)... They usually win by dumping the problem on people like you, people who still have a heart to care. And by you giving that person any money at all, sadly that person learns very little and may pick up another animal in the future, repeating the same problem. No amount of lengthy lectures or 'please be responsible' works unless that owner choose to listen, which most don't care to or want to hear it, especially for reptiles. The best way to address these 'sales', like the pet chain stores, is to refuse to pay or pay at the whole sale cost. Meaning, if the owner intends to give it a good home, then he or she should relinquish it for free or for the cost of the caging supplies only (which should be a lot less than the cost of the snake). If they truly want to rehome it but insist on payment, then refer them to a local reptile rescue. You can ask any local rescue out there, including for reptiles: no one pays for surrendered pets, for a reason.

In light of the above, you did good, it is hard to turn away when you can help (Who am I kidding? I adopted 3 cats, 2 dogs and a bunny who were all on death row at the time). That extra cash you had could have gone into anything else, but I do hope you have extra for vet bills should you need it.