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Dealing with non-snake people

I'm not afraid of any creature, except Man.
I do, however, respect all creatures, except Man. He, alone, must earn my respect.

Philosophy lesson over.

Being "creature crazy" and having been raised by animal-loving parents (who taught me well about what I can and cannot "play" with), I've always been surrounded by living things, and by other people who feel like I do. I've rarely had to deal with "snake-haters". I've found it best, on those rare occasions, to just drop the subject and move on to other things. A person's fear or simple dislike of something can only be conquered if they are willing to take that first step.
I don't have a fear of any creature, but I do have a few dislikes...cockroaches (I'll mash 'em if I can with no trouble at all), maggots (but I'll clean out a maggot-infested wound on a pet if it's my turn at the veterinary hospital), and ticks (nasty little blood-suckers !! I'll pull one out, but I won't like it, and I'll then squish it, but have the "oogies" for the next 10 minutes). And if someone were to dump a cupful of ticks in my lap (i.e. force something on me that I don't like), I'll have to do them some bodily harm. (I REALLY don't like ticks !!)
I'm trying to teach my own children to not be afraid of any animal, but to instead give them the respect that they deserve. That bee won't go out of it's way to sting you as long as you respect it's stinger and leave it alone.
I get this way after working for 12 hours. I need a cup of coffee.
 
Snake Ignorance Compliant 107

Recently, I have been searching for a new apartment--a snake friendly apartment. In my searches, I have specifically asked a few different ways if I can have snakes. For example:

1. I do have pets. They are snakes. (Immediately turned away. NO snakes)

2. I have a reptile aquarium. Will this be an issue? (Prospective landlord said, no none at all. Unless they are snakes. The management said absolutely no snakes.)

Etc. Etc. Etc.

I have been turned down for housing approximately 10 times over the past week because I owned snakes. Mind you, these same apartments accept cats, dogs, fish, and reptiles.

I can understand people's fears with snakes--as long as they justly treat people when dealing in business transactions. Honestly, I feel seriously discriminated against because of my choice in pets.

Am I wrong in thinking that snakes are reptiles without legs? I ONLY have cornsnakes. Nothing venomous. Not even a boa--notoriously none for owners neglecting them.

This is rather ridiculous.

PS If anyone knows of any nice apartments or guest houses SNAKE friendly in Tucson that would be very helpful.
 
If fear is of the unknown, then there is so much to fear. But it would be kind of ridiculous to fear everything you didn't know. The only way to solve it is to learn everything you can, but it isn't possible to know everything in the universe. So if that's the case then there will always be something to fear. I'm really trying to get my mom to read up on cornsnakes. Though I'm sure we still don't know some things about cornsnakes, but that still doesn't mean you should fear them.
 
Ok well um no apartments are likely to allow snakes. Why tell them. They only ask about 4 legged pets. Do not volentier that information unless they specifically ask. LoL My apartment has a 20 pound rule for animals. I have 3 cats each weighing 10-15lbs a piece and a ton of fish and well just look at my sig. It is not like you will be walking your pet corn outside like a dog. If maintnence or management comes around cover you tank or whatever with a sheet. It is not as big of a deal as you think. You are not likely to get caught. But if this idea bothers you, then you will mostlikely have to get rid of your pet corn(s). But then again what do I know.
 
don't ask don't tell rule

Ah well. I understand what you are saying. I am not willing to give up my cornsnakes. So much for trying to be up front and honest. If they do not specifically outline in the lease, "No snakes" then I guess they can't do anything to me.

I just needed to vent. I wish I could lower myself to come up with some ridiculous reason not to allow people to do something. Like.. Ooop sorry you are wearing too much makeup..can't let you live here. ;p
 
Sky, you make me laugh.

I'm really sorry to hear about your troubles. I'm an introvert and agorophobic, but I think I might be able to overcome that in order to help "spread the word" about colubrids and other herps - I want to find a way to use my snakes and knowledge of herps to get people past the first major hurdle: opening their mind.

As a child my parents were ABSOLUTELY against me keeping any type of herp at all. They stated concerns over disease, primarilly. They did allow my brother and I to keep hamsters and rats, however (lord knows how many times I've suffered from rodent bites in my lifetime) which was a suitable enough distraction that I eventually lost interest in disuading them. If only I'd known then what I know now, but we're all blessed with great hindsight, I suppose.

Anyway if anyone has ideas or materials for hands-on or at least eyes-on programs, whether simply designed to be spectacles, or scientifically educational I'm certain to not be the only person that would put it to good use. The best way to end the fear and discrimination is through education and experience. Ideas oriented toward the herper with stage-fright would possibly help to get ME over my first major hurdle on that path.


^Curtis
 
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