What's the best way to get over fear of snakes!

[ChroniclesofYarnia]

This is such an amazing and informative thread to read! My BP, Sophie and Howl, are four months old and getting BIG. The bigger they get, the more nervous I get in feeding them and even invading their space. Good thread to read and then go pick them up regardless of my irrational fears.

[grizz2534]

Moto Vacitae (Sp?) Latin for Just Do it! Just jump in b***s deep and don't think about it!

[cheryls]

ok...this is such a slow process!!!! Last night, I took Dakota out of his enclosure - used two hands and walked over to the bed. He wrapped himself around both hands, then I didn't know what to do! I put him down on the bed eventually, but the more his head traveled on my arm, the more anxious I became and ultimately put him back - feeling like it was a set back to a certain degree. I had intentions of spending more time with him, but got scared - then felt like I was being ridiculous - oh and I was disappointed too. Really teensy, tiny steps. It's driving me crazy!

[MelissaFlipski]

ok...this is such a slow process!!!! Last night, I took Dakota out of his enclosure - used two hands and walked over to the bed. He wrapped himself around both hands, then I didn't know what to do! I put him down on the bed eventually, but the more his head traveled on my arm, the more anxious I became and ultimately put him back - feeling like it was a set back to a certain degree. I had intentions of spending more time with him, but got scared - then felt like I was being ridiculous - oh and I was disappointed too. Really teensy, tiny steps. It's driving me crazy!

Don't be so hard on yourself. Sounds like you made progress to me. You did something you've never done before - isn't that the definition of progress? It also means you stepped out of your comfort zone - which by the way has moved! Yee-ha, girl, you go!

[cheryls]

Thanks so much for your encouragement! My daughter came home tonight for the holidays. She went right into her room, opened Dakota's enclosure and lifted him out, cradling him in her arms. He snaked his way up the arm of her jacket and was just hanging out. I watched carefully and then joined in the fun for a couple of minutes. She'll help me a bit with this over the weekend - until feeding day anyway.

On a sad note we just learned tonight that our family dog, Emma, is on her way to doggy heaven. She's been sick and just getting worse and the doc tonight said that, "it's very bad." I started crying right there at the vet's office. She's been the best damn dog anyone could ever ask for. There's only one chance for a miracle and that's if she responds tonight to some steroid treatment. Otherwise, she'll continue to weaken until she passes on. We're all very, very sad.

[Rosetta]

I'm so sorry to hear about Emma. My daughter's cat died two weeks after she left for college. I know how hard it is. My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope that miracle happens.

[cheryls]

Thanks so much Rosetta. The loss of your cat must have been so hard just after she left for school.

[MelissaFlipski]

Hang in there, Cheryl. We're all hoping for that miracle for Emma!

[cheryls]

Well..our dear Golden, Emma, passed away this past Monday. It's been quite a week...can't believe how much we're mourning the loss of this pet.

Now turning to Dakota and Rosey (our cat) for more comfort.

Thanks for your support all along the way. I really appreciate it.

[bbrewer07]

I have read all 11 pages of this because I have a new coastal carpet python that I have had for a couple of weeks and I cannot get the nerve to pick him up for anything. I have a ball and I can just reach right in and grab him, but this carpet is young and the first day he probably struck about 20 times and he has his bluff on me. Everytime I consider it, he gets in that "s" position and I am petrified. I am a 33 year old coal miner and I am scared of a snake about as big around as those big kindergarden pencils, what gives! I guess my bp is just so laid back he doesn't bother me. He is always in his hide and I wanted another snake that hung out so I got the carpet. He is out all day like I wanted, but I cannot stand not being able to handle him. I need to get busy because they get pretty big. I wish I could just stick my hand in there and let him bite me to see if it hurts, but I'm a chicken too