Welcome to this wonderful site, an addiction in its own right....

If it weren't for our son turning 6 ys old in August and wanting a pet, we wouldn't have been introduced to the most docile, snuggly, and curious pet we have ever had - our BP. (Aside - I threaten the dog that he'll be replaced by another snake if he doesn't stop peeing in the house!)

I can totally relate to your mom - and I'm sorry about that horrible experience. I guess you understood at an early age what I have come to know as "snake therapy." My son wanted a pet he could handle, that "did" something; and my requirements were small and w/out fur or feathers (allergies, too!).

We thought and thought for weeks about possibilites - lizards, frogs, hermit crabs, etc. And landed on snake - the pet store employee steered us toward a BP; and, boy, are we happy! Our son is not the only one that loves that BP!

I have never been afraid of snakes. But I never knew I could love one like this!