The snake on a train that rattled Red Line commuters Thursday turns out to have been more than a slithering inconvenience — for one Allston couple, it represented a heartbreaking loss.

“I couldn’t believe it. She was there one second, and then she was gone. I was frantic, because her and me and my husband — we’re a family,” said Melissa Moorhouse, 30.

Moorhouse had cozily tucked Penelope, a nonvenomous Dumeril’s boa, under her scarf, and noticed her yardlong pet was missing somewhere between the Park Street and Andrew stations. After she alerted T workers, snake-fearing fellow passengers rushed to the exits and inspectors searched the train, to no avail.

The 3-year-old reptile was much loved, Moorhouse said. After the disappearance Thursday, she posted a Craigslist ad offering a reward.

“She is a very mellow snake, never hisses or bites and is very timid,” the posting says. “If you find her, please call me @ 413-530-6350 ANYTIME.”

The T does not prohibit snakes, but small pets must be transported in secured carriers, T spokesman Joseph Pesaturo said. He also encouraged passengers not to bring dangerous animals on board as a courtesy to others.

Moorhouse noted Penelope once vanished in their “tiny, tiny apartment” for six days before reappearing. The couple is hopeful the pet soon will re-emerge from some makeshift snake lair on the Red Line.

“If someone can spot her, either pick her up — she’s used to being handled — or if you’re not comfortable with that, notify somebody, anybody, or call me,” Moorhouse said. “I would meet you at the end of the Earth to get Penelope back.”
news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20110108owner_hopes_pet_snakes_its_way_to_safety/

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