Quote Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle View Post
What we are saying is what is best for the pet and the OP. If you want to share your passion for reptiles then do it with people that accept reptiles, for example here on this forum or in person with other reptile lovers. Forcing people to be around animals they hate is not the way to "share your passion" but most likely to get people to want these animals banned because they feel threatened. There is a time and place for everything. I like to listen to loud hardrock music so that does that mean I can go around blaring my music in a music store(since they sell music) because I want to share my passion? No of course not. It is about being considerate of others, not imposing our hobbies on others and causing negative feedback to the reptile community.

What we are saying is being a responsible reptile owner and not a "hey look at me reptile owner". That gives us a bad rap.

In other words share your passion responsibly.

yes I agree with this line of reasoning wholeheartedly, while I sympathise somewhat with the way they were treated ( sorry forgot the names) I also see the other side of the coin in that people do not want to feel something is forced upon them.

It is hard to educate people that dont want to be, especially when there is fear and loathing involved.

I dont know what the pet stores are like in the USA but here in the UK the stores I frequent or have visited are pretty cramped for space so even taking a pet in there would force people to be uncomfortably close to them.

I take my snakes to schools and cub scout meetings etc to focus on the youth growing up and try to educate them, although I have not done any this year due to various reasons.

You could arrange an open day and hand out leaflets for example to show or teach people about your snakes, just an idea.

Personally I dont think its a good idea to take your snakes out in public just to take them out or in the hope to educate those thatt will listen simply because you are whatever way you dress it up forcing your animals within proximity of those that will not appreciate it and as has been mentioned the possibility of damaging your pets health inadvertenly.

I am not criticising the people who do this just offering my view.

I think teaching people is excellent and worthwhile I just dont know that doing like that is the answer. I would rather stick with the schools and such like or arrange open days yourself for people to come to you and see what amazing animals you have and the knowledge you have to pass on.