I always loved animals, but growing up on Long Island I never experienced too many reptiles. Maybe a frog, or a turtle but not much else. I read stories here about some of you guys going herping and I'm jealous. I'm 40 years old and have never seen a snake in the wild, not even a garter which I think is the only snake we have here on L.I. Homes, malls, condos are going up everywhere so there's not much habitat anymore for these animals around here.



Anyways, I was always fascinated by snakes (from what I saw on tv and in books) but thought they all bit and didn't make good pets. About 8 years ago I saw an ad for the L.I. Herp Society annual show. I thought this would be a good chance to see some cool animals I never saw in person, besides it was like 15 minutes from my home. I came across a breeder with a 2 year old Amel. I thought it was the most beautiful snake I ever saw. I always thought all snakes were black, gray, brown, etc.. But what really got me was this guy handing me the snake and me holding it for what seemed to be an hour without it killing me. lol...I just thought all snakes bit and most were venomous. So here's this kid that grew up never seeing any of these animals in the wild, now in love with a snake. I had to have him. It was getting late in the show and the guy knew I really wanted him, so he gave it to me for 20.00 . I bought 3 books and and all the stuff I needed on the way home. I had him for about a year, then got married and had to give him up when we moved to our apartment. My brother was working at a pet shop so he took it. Afew weeks later he tells me the snake escaped and it was never found. Man I loved that snake. I really believe he loved being held and was so mellow.



Last year I decided I wanted to get another one. We now own a home so now I'm allowed. lol The same show was last Sept. but I screwed up the days and missed it (I thought Sun. but it was Sat.) Anyways, I figured It wasn't meant to be. A few weeks later I was at a local pet shop and right on the checkout counter was a critter keeper with a Butter corn inside. Needles to say I bought him for 70.00 and that got the ball rolling. Amonth later I was at a pet expo. Had no idea a breeder would be there, and I got a candy cane. Then an Amel. Bloodred from the same shop as the butter. My last pickup is my Okeetee I got from Kathy about 6 months ago.



I'm itching for more. The L.I. Herp show is coming again on Oct. 7, I can't wait, so I'm looking to get something to hold me over. Maybe a creamsicle or snow. Draybar's got me thinking about a Baird's rat too!!



Oh well, sorry so long, hope you enjoyed my story. Good luck with all your herps.



John

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