Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First the story, then the facts, then my opinion. Everyone knows my collecting partner, so I will mention his name, the others are not mentioned out of respect.

The Story: Recently Lance (my buddy) went to a friends to pick up some supplies for a bit. This anonymous person sells herps and supplies from time to time. While Lance was there the owner went out to do some other business, leaving Lance and this anon person's co-worker in the shop. Lance picked up his supplies and left. Later, the owner (anon) called us to say that he was missing a Anytheristic Alterna Female.

Facts:
1. Now this person ANON called me to ask if I had seen the snake and questioned Lance's credentials.
2. Anon looked for the snake and while looking found another snake out in the shop.
3. Anon and myself have been friends for over 14 years now, and I have never done anything to deserve distrust.
4. I offered to Anon to swing by his shop and help him look for the animal anytime. I also said he was welcome to swing by my house anytime.
5. I offered to allow this person one of our females if needed to help out.
5. I have not sold any snakes to anyone in 4 years. Troy H sold some Chondro's for me about 4 or 5 years ago before he left Arlington.
6. Lance and I have purchased animals from ANON many times in the past.
7. I don't have a kingsnake.com account, and I have never sold an Alterna. I GAVE AWAY my collection in 1999 to move. Troy H got my collection.
8. Last I have NEVER been to ANON's shop myself.

Opinions:
1. Anon called me back to say it was fishy to "make things right" by offering a female.
2. This person claims that his partner didn't help Lance look at any snakes.
3. Lance claims to have looked at Knoblocki while at the shop.
4. I believe that I am being more than understanding by offering to look for the alterna and if needed loan him one of my females to help his collection.

In conclusion: This person called me again tonight to ask about the missing animal in question. At first I was ok with it, then it really made me mad. I am thinking, ok I know he is missing a snake but this is crap. I have NEVER done anything wrong to this guy, I have NEVER been to his shop myself, and yet here I am suspect numero uno. I have never stolen any snakes, I have sold any stolen snakes. I have never harbored any stolen snakes. Reputation is everything in our hobby. I would never go anything to ruin mine.

Please tell me what you think I can do... I am not guilty.
Maybe next time when someone has a problem I will say...
"Bummer, guess it's your problem".

Angry,

Steven Owens

I am angry and I am thinking faster than I can type.

Steven

Steven, your rep is solid and intact, what gets me is doing business with this guy for 14 years and he is accusing a long standing customer, after admitting he found a "lost" snake while looking for the "original" lost snake? Sounds to me like this guy wasn't as good a friend as he seemed. A lot of times it is an inside job, sometimes it isn't, who's to say? I think you have done all you can and more to try to make up for something that has absolutely nothing to do with you.
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Todd Hughes

If I were ANON I would be looking at anon's co-worker in the shop. Because it's easy to blame the customer for taking what he's had his eye on for some time.
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Steve W.

exactly my sentiments!
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Todd Hughes

I hope the whole thing is put to bed and we can all just put it behind us. I was upset at being thought of as having anything to do with a snake being missing. I would not want to do that to anybody, even as an accident. My habit as a guest is to let them show me their collection, I just do not feel right about making myself at home in somebody else’s space and just going through their stuff / collection.

I assume the snake just got out, I hope that it is not missing due to any malice or neglect. But, bottom line is I hope that this is put to rest now between myself and this person I still consider a friend. I also hope the animal turns up healthy and happy one day soon at his place. I do not want something unresolved to be the source of any hard feeling later. To me it is not just reputation and respect, but also the kinship that fellow herpers have.

This is where I am now... Just going to move on and hope that things turn out OK all the way around. And yes we did talk about it a couple of times, and I think we both understand each other.

Lance

Steve,

I know you wouldn't do anything like that even if you were there, it just wouldn't make sense you are too good of a guy. Lance too.

Jim

I hope the ANON person will read this and understand.

All the comments are appreciated.

Steven Owens