Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Alot of you may not know me and alot of you do. I thought it would be only considerate to pass on the news directly from me of my getting out of the hobby.

I have met quite a few people while doing this and I'm very greatful to have done so. I have just came to a point in my life that I really need a break from this. I'm very thankful to have been able to realize this before things got to the point that I hated it.

Believe me, it's not what I want to do and it's very hard to do, but it is what I HAVE to do.
Giving up something that I love so much tears me up, but I know if I don't do this now, I will get to a point that I may not ever do this again.

I want to thank everyone who supported me in this especially my wife and daughter who have given so much to me and allowed me to chase something that most would think is rediculous. Also to my late mother, I miss and love you.

Anyone who has purchased animals from me, I hope that the animals and service I provided was up to your expectations.

I would also like to say, on this trip I met two of the GREATEST people anyone could ever know. I was able to become very good friends with these two extrodinary people and they have done so much for me in this hobby, I can't thank them enough.
Tammie and Don Soderberg, thanks for EVERYTHING you have done for me, I LOVE YOU GUYS !!!

Well, with that said, I hope everyone has a great run with their hobby and best wishes and like I said,

IT WAS A GREAT RIDE !!!!

Sincerely,
Walter Smith

but I have talked to you a few times on this forum. I am saddened to hear that you are getting out. From what I have seen, and heard, you have produced some of the most stunning snakes out there. I am new at this, and to me, your name has gone hand in hand with GREAT LOOKING snakes. I just wish I would have had the chance to do business with you, and get some of them. Well, let me say, good luck to you in whatever you do. Take care!!!!
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SpardaWolf
Corn Snake Addict
"Always Learning"

Walter, I hope all goes well with your decision. I know how hard this has to be for you. I have not met you personally, but you were great to do business with and your snakes are GREAT! I would never have hesitated to do business with you again. Your name has definitely been linked with 'GOOD' quality snakes and good service . I hope, in the future, to see your name back in the herp raising.
And I sincerely wish you the BEST!

Walter,

Promise you won't stay away. It might rub salt in the wound to stay connected to the forum or the industry, but if it's possible, keep one foot in the door. I always hate when someone gets "out" because I lose a friend. When we're so far away as is so often the case with Internet associations, the one thing that kept us connected is being severed.

Whatever happens, keep in touch. I'll think of ya everytime I look at the many awesome snakes I've acquired from you over the years.

Don
www.cornsnake.NET
South Mountain Reptiles

Walter, good luck, I never did business or met you but I've seen your posts and wanted to let you know you'll be missed dearly..

What happens to the collection? How big is it?

GOOD LUCK! ENJOY LIFE!

Walter,

Like some of the others have written to you, I unfortunately haven't had the chance to do business with you, and we haven't talked, but I recognize the more "prominent" names in the forums by the seriousness and substance of their posts, and am also sad to read you have chosen to hopefully temporarily leave the hobby/business. I also unfortunately just learned from "carol" responding to a post I had put up a day or two ago inquiring about who has the highest quality red and white candy cane cornsnakes. Your name came up more than once. I wish I had a chance to buy some of your candy canes while you were still involved breeding them. Any chance of still acquiring any of them? If not, that's how it goes, and I wish you the best of luck and happiness in whatever you choose now to pursue.

John

>>Unforunately we have never met.
I have seen pictures of your beautiful snakes and have seen only praise of you and your animals.
You are one of the few people on this forum and in this hobby that everyone respects.
I hope everything goes well in whatever you choose to do.
Good bye to a friend I never met.
Jimmy

never met BUT
You had some of the most inspiring pics of very beautiful corns.
In fact, a lot of your pics caused my collection to grow..haha
Why are leaving the hobby? If its personal, there's no need to explain...but I can't help but ask.

I have had corns for just over 10 years and have explored keeping other species from time to time to spark new interests in the hobby. I actually came to a point where I almost gave up the hobby too due to a health impairment which ALMOST permanently affected my ability to care for my animals. BUT I am glad I didn't.

Like yourself, I have a natural love for these animals and never looked to make a great deal of profit or to become a recognizable name in the industry (not that there's anything wrong with that). But, I always tell myself that if I ever get caught up in the profit end of it, that's when I'm out.

Well GOOD LUCK to whatever you venture onto next...

PS...what are you doing with all your animals?
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"You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."

Just a question for you.... what health condition "almost" caused you to not be able to care for your animals, if I might ask. If not, I understand.

thanks

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! Mike Panichi
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honesty is my only policy

Sorry to hear you're getting out of the hobby, Walter. I was looking forward to seeing the snakes you would've produced over the next few years. I hope you don't plan on staying away forever.

Goodluck!

-Kat
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"You keep WHAT in your freezer?"
"Mice. And rats. If that bothers you, I can call them 'cows' instead."

Walter
I hope you never get so far from the game that i begin to aggravate you with my genetics questions.
Louise and I are always here for you.
Thanks for everything, ROB

Sorry to hear you feel that way. As you know we have had several long discussions of our passion at reptiles expos, emails and phone conversations. I for one cannot understand how a passion can just come to an end. Its in your blood and always will be. I don't beleive it died but just needs refreshing. I believe you will be back and a hiates is all that was needed.

Come back soon!

Rainer

Walter, your corn pics are part of what started me in this hobby to begin with. I believe you've done wonders for the cornsnake as a pet, and am sad to see someone so long into the hobby leave it. I hope you do well in all your future ventures!

p.s. if you need to get rid of some racks or anything, I'm always willing to take donations lol

maybe one day if you get back into corns we'll get a chance to meet and do business together. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Dianne
AKA IcedGoddess
0.1 Snow (Ruby)
1.0 Anery A (Breaden)
0.1 Amel (Edana)
0.0.7 Normal het-snow (no names yet)
1.1 Bloodred (Vlad the Impailer and Natasha)
0.1 Anery Stripe (Morticia)
1.0 Candy Cane (Kane)

1.3 Cats (Alexys{f}, Mikki{f}, Timothy{m}, Seven{f})
0.1 Child
1.0 Boyfriend
IcedGoddess Creations
Castle Serpents

I have enjoyed your photos and the live corns you have brought to Daytona. Since you seem to have so many beautiful, long term projects going on, I hope you were able to sell or loan some of them out to specific people who will continue the projects and provide you with some progeny when you are able to return again. Whatever your circumstances are now, please try to ensure your re-entry into whichever were your favorite bloodlines. It would be a shame to completely lose touch with something you put so much effort into, just because of what will hopefully be a temporary situation.

Good luck in whatever path you choose!
Kathy Love

Walter,

I have never met you or done buisness with you, but I have seen your wonderful pictures. I have also seen the wonderful animals you produce. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you will go on to do.

Jordan
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-BloughchiBoy

Bloughchi is a footbag kicking style. footbag.com

1.0.1 corn (george and asmodeus)
0.1 west highland white terrier (chili)
0.1 jack russell terror(no typo)(charlie)
1.0 green cheeked conure (kiwi)
0.1 cat (highway)

I've read many of your helpful feedback and posts. I wish you good luck in the future.
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-hsuANsTerZ

Walter it was a real pleasure having met you. I don't think the shows around here will be the same without you man. It was always fun to have you and Don together picking your brains at the questions I ask. I am glad that I atleast have a few animals that are from your bloodlines. The Amber male I got at ETHS is doing awsome, and that Ghost Stripe I got from Sean from your line is to die for man. Thanks for all the chats, info, and just awsome interaction we had. You will be missed man, and don't forget to come to the Houston shows everyonce in a while to visit. Good luck with everything.

Robert Gonzalez

Please elaborate.

...I just noticed this post....

Walter,

Thank you for all the great stock and conversations over the years. I think we have known each other for like 7 years but it seems so much shorter than that! I am sad to see you go but wish your future well. It is not often that people really find their spot in this industry but I think you did a great job of it. Knowing what you liked and what you WANTED made all the difference in the quality of your projects.

Please let us know if you merge back into reptiles in the future... we are always here to help out friends!

Good luck buddy...

Farewell...
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Sean Bradley
Owner : EbN
www.ExoticsByNature.com
www.BallPythonMorphs.com
www.CornSnakeMorphs.com