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Difficult decision on stepping away

robhaneisen Aug 06, 2011 01:02 AM

Fellow milkheads:

Some of you may have received an e-mail from me or saw some ads that mention me getting out of reptiles and breeding and selling off my collection. This is true and part of a pretty difficult decision I've come to recently. Those of you that I've spoken with, sold animals to or bought animals from know how seriously I take my hobby and how much enjoyment I get out of it. The truth of the matter is that it takes up a lot of time to do things right and I've reached the point where some pressing non-reptile goals have to take priority. For years, my writing goals have always been stated but never fulfilled and I feel it's time to take some drastic and extreme steps. I've had some things happen recently that has made me feel that life is short and the time to act is now. To answer why now, I'll offer this: I'm not dying, I'm not getting a divorce and I didn't lose my job. And I'm probably too young for a mid-life crisis. Selling out and stepping away for a while is something I want to do but has no reflection on what I think the market is like for quality colubrids (I think it's a lot of work but still very good) nor my affection for snakes, especially milks.

This community of herpers has been a big part of my life but I'll be taking a break for a while after this hatching season. If my decision is one I ultimately come to regret I can always reload my hobby with offspring of my breeders (90 percent are already sold) so this is not an irreversible course. It's just a change in direction.

God, this sounds like some lame break-up. It's not. Just thought you all should have some clue.

That said, I'm looking forward to seeing my last batch of Hondurans hatch out in the next couple weeks. 33 eggs in the incubator to send me out on a decent note.

Thanks,

Rob Haneisen

Replies (8)

shannon brown Aug 06, 2011 10:13 AM

Rob, we all wish you well man.Don't be a complete stranger though and stop in from time to time and say hi.
Keep up the outstanding articles too man.
L8r Shannon Brown
The one and only Milk Man!

Sunherp Aug 06, 2011 10:17 AM

Rob,

I hate to see you go, man, but I respect your decision. It can't be an easy one. You've been a positive force around here, in addition to producing some high quality animals. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us, rather than just disappearing like so many have done in the past. A sign of a top-notch guy, if you ask me.

I also hope you'll stop in to visit us from time to time.

Take care, amigo.
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_______________________

-Cole

gerryg Aug 06, 2011 06:45 PM

Again Rob I'm sorry to hear you're giving up your beloved snakes for what will hopefully be just a short period. My brief visit to your place was enough for me to see just how much pleasure you obtained from your pets and how difficult this decision is for you

Like the others I wish you the best of luck with the writing and hope you still look in from time to time, if nothing else I'll be seeing you in October! Don't forget I know where you can at least pick up some damn nice BM's when the time comes around... Ed was a great pick so I owe you as far as I'm concerned.

Gerry

Dniles Aug 06, 2011 07:58 PM

Good luck with your other pursuits, Rob. I have a feeling you'll be back in some day. I "got out" of snakes once too you know, as I'm sure many others have as well. lol

Thanks for being a positive influence around here and good luck.

Dave
DNS Reptiles - Milk Snakes

robhaneisen Aug 07, 2011 12:33 AM

Thanks guys. I won't be a complete stranger to the forums and I'll actually be fairly busy in the next two months with hatchlings and a couple shows.

I'll try field-herping whenever I get the snake-itch and take some pics of the nice easterns in my backyard, basement and in the woods.

Rob

Dniles Aug 07, 2011 05:53 AM

I am still jealous you have Ltt in your basement! I search my a$$ off looking for them with little success and they come to live with you! LOL

Definately keep us posted on anything you find herping!

Dave

robhaneisen Aug 16, 2011 09:22 PM

I found a nice three-footer LTT crossing the road in front of my house. Actually it was slithering out of my yard. I picked him up and placed him the woods so nobody would run him over. I was busy coming back from a family thing, otherwise, I would have grabbed him and snapped a picture.

Other yard herping has revealed a huge number and variation pattern of garter snakes in my yard and gardens this year.

Not as many toads or wood frogs this year. Related?

bobassetto Aug 09, 2011 08:47 PM

i was in a real bad way last year and let some great banimals go to good people (shannon)....i m better now....but i had to cut back.....also im very happy to see that those animals are being well cared for.....thanks

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