My earliest memory is when I was about 4. We moved when I was 5 so I can date this pretty close. We had a hedge along the side of our house that was home to a few Garter snakes. I used to go out every day and try to catch one, I used to get bit ALOT. My Mom finally stopped taking me to the hospital when she was convinced by a pretty reliable source (at the local zoo) that the snakes were harmless. Anyone who lives in central Illinois know you have to go VERY far to find a poisonous snake. Every summer, I had snakes (Bull,Water,Garter,Green), toads (my personal fave), and either a baby soft shelled turtle, or baby snapping turtle that I released at the end of the summer. My 5 year old daughter has inherited "the herp gene" and absolutely adores toads. She has a young Ball python that she insists on holding in her lap every day, and we are searching for a Cane Toad to add to our home. (see post in toad section).
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How to get your wife to like toads; 1.Get a male toad. 2.Get him to hug your wifes wrist (amplexus). 3. Tickle him so he chirps in protest. 4.Say "Awww, he likes you". Note; Make sure he pees first or this may lead to bodily injury.

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