From the time I was old enough to know what it was, I wanted to be a veternarian and my parents completely supported me. I had all the animals I could ever want. Dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, chickens, fish, birds, everything but reptiles. I don't know if there was a particular reason we never had any, but we didn't. When I was old enough to be getting ready for college, I got to thinking more on the vet thing and discovered that it wasn't for me. The first time I had to tell a child that something was wrong with her kitten or puppy and there was nothing I could do, I'd have to throw myself off a bridge. The thought of it still chills my heart. And that worked out because I met my husband and got pregnant and had to get his tail through school first. (he was A LOT closer to being done than I was.) We had 1 dog and 2 cats and our daughter - all of this has bearing on the story, so hang in there. One afternoon, I went to an exotic pet store - I was actually looking for a spike collar for my hubby's cat as a joke and I found leopard geckos. I ended up with Sarah the leo AND the collar and gave them to him for Valentine's Day. (The irony of giving a cold-blooded animal as a Valentine's Day gift has not escaped me.)Shortly after, my mom found a desert king on the farm and asked if we wanted it - sure, why not? We brought her home and discovered she really didn't want to be there, so back to the farm. Empty cage syndrome. Had to have something in there, right?? So off to the pet store. Met a breeder of ball pythons. Perfect. Here comes Beauregard. Lovely animal. Got to researching and discovered burmese pythons. Waited until I was very comfortable in my knowledge and oops! There's Chang. (he was a "rescue" of sorts - rescued him from my little sister's friend when her parents went nuclear after they discovered him hiding in her room.) Went looking for a mate for Beau and discovered Tegus. What do you know?? We have a large lizard named Kitty. My husband has put the brakes on for now - until I'm out of school, or we win the lottery - whichever comes first. So, like most, my herp adventure started with just a general love of animals. There will be an extensive collection one day - as if it wasn't enough now. Luckilly, the hubby and the kiddo are just as fascinated with these guys as I am.




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Lady Stefanie



Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.

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