I am a snake owner. I own two very adorable, lovable, ball pythons. There will be pictures of them in this article. I want to share with you, some of the things that are not okay to say to any reptile owner, and what to say instead.
"if that was in my house, it would be dead in seconds." Okay, that's cool, but not really, because you just insulted my pet, threatened to kill it, and were completely ignorant to my feelings. Here is what you should have said instead:
"Wow, I don't like snakes. But I'm sure if I ever saw one in my house I wouldn't kill it, but instead call animal control to get it out of my house because I don't like snakes." See? You voiced your dislike of snakes, didn't insult me, and showed some proper intelligence. It's not so hard is it?
"that would make a nice pair of boots." Again with the threatening to kill my animal. How would you like it if I told you that your dog would make a nice pair of mittens? You would call me a monster! Stop being a monster! Instead say this:
"I am not fond of your reptile, but I would not turn it into a pair of boots because that would be cruel." You are exactly right, thank you.
"How can you even touch that? cant it kill you??? isn't it poisonous?" Really? Obviously if my reptile was poisonous I wouldn't be holding it with my hands, because poisonous means that touching it will kill you. The word you are thinking of is venomous, and no, if my snake was venomous i would be handling it with a hook, as that is the proper way to handle venomous reptiles. Instead of jumping to conclusions, ask me some questions about my reptile! such as:
"Wow is that snake harmful to you? I don't know anything about it, but I am curious." By saying this, you don't sound ignorant or judgmental and I can calmly explain to you that, no, my ball python is not the least bit harmful to me.
" Oh Ewwww that's so gross! Why would you even want that?" Is this even a question? This is both irrational, and condescending. I think cats are gross, but do I go around judging you for your gross little fur ball? No. My snake is beneficial to me because he is calming, gives me a sense of purpose, and is actually very soft and squishy thank you very much! Instead of being rude, try this:
"I find snakes gross, but you look happy to hold him, Why do you find him enjoyable?" By asking this you sound respectful, curious, and not the least bit condescending!
Instead of being ignorant and rude to a pet owners feelings, and threatening to kill their animals, try being intelligent and curious about something new. You never know, you might actually enjoy reptiles, given the chance to learn about them. I mean come on, look at the cute little face
This is Incisor, the worlds most timid Ball python. He is my little buddy, He cuddles with me and enjoys to be pet, and gives me a reason to get up in the morning.
This is Lemons, my blind Albino Ball python. She is timid and afraid because she cant see, but I love her just the same.
Both of my snakes are important to me in ways some people cannot imagine. But before you judge me or anyone else on their love of reptiles, think about your dog, and how you would feel if someone threatened to eat it?
A special shout out to Ebony, who passed away three years ago. May wherever you go be filled with paper towel tubes and fresh green grass! Momma misses you baby girl
