Kashmire, my very first ball python, is the one that keeps me from getting too sure of myself in my husbandry and care.

He's set up in an identical enclosure to four others in the 1986 tub set up with three hides and a water bowl. Temps are identical etc. All of my ball pythons, with the exception of Kashmire have been very reliable eaters with an occasional refusal, for whatever reason, but pick right back up the following week.

Kashmire has had me wringing my hands with worry for months now - a seemingly endless fast and refusing anything except the occasional hopper. The last few weeks he's taken a hopper each week, but won't take another. Today is feeding day here, so I decided since we've had a few weeks of successful feeds with hoppers, I'd up the ante and offer him a small/medium mouse.

Karl was talking to me and I'm watching Kashmire come out of his hide in a perfect S and strike and SCORE! I almost dropped the Kritter Keeper that had a rat in it for one of the big girls as I cheered - You GO Kashmire!!! YES!!!!

But for all the frustration and worry, I'm grateful to have Kashmire in my collection - he will always have a forever home with me, because he's the one that will keep me humble!