|
my own snake
I am Desperate!
i really want a smooth green snake, sometimes called a grass snake. they are friendly, not piosenous, docile, small creatures, but my dad is scared stiff of snakes. i have tried convincing him with facts, and got facts from people who have overcome their fears, just so their children can be happy. i wish he would consider my feelings. it seems you are my last resort, so please help me!!
signed, petfreak.
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Pets?
well, tell your dad that they are completely harmeless!if that doesnt pass all you have to do is say that you will only take it out of its cage in your room!you could go to the place where you can get the pet and bring your dad and see if a helper from the store could tell him how harmless the snake is!
-kat-hope i helped you:D
]
Greetings Desperate Petfreak:
I am pleased with your choice in serpents--snakes can be excellent and calming animals, as I'm sure you know. I have a huge weakness for them. The large constrictors can be a handful, especially Rock Pythons, which are known to become aggressive when they're large--but small snakes, such as Corn Snakes, Rat snakes and Smooth Greensnakes are very even-tempered.
You have done your research and I commend you. Well done. There is, however a very difficult problem... overcoming your dad's fears. Snakes and spiders seem to be the worst for some reason.
It is NOT genetic for a human to be afraid of these animals, though there is a predisposition toward some animals more than others.
Tests in monkeys have proven that lab monkeys, who had never seen a snake, had no fear of them. When they were shown a video of wild monkeys showing fear of snakes, they THEN developed a fear of snakes.
Oddly enough, in the same study, when the lab-monkeys were shown a video that was edited so it looked like the wild ones were afraid of flowers, they did not develop a fear of flowers. It seems as though there are certain things that can become all-consuming fears, but if they are never triggered, they will never be a phobia.
You know as well as I do that your dad has nothing to fear from a grass snake. They can't even eat a good-sized mouse!
It's very difficult to overcome a phobia, but the subject must be willing to do it otherwise the fears will persist. It doesn't sound like your dad wants anything to do with snakes.
The best thing you can do is see exactly where the boundaries are. If he won't allow it in a public room (such as the living room), will he allow it in your room, in a closet or behind a wall where he doesn't have to see it? If he won't allow it in the house, do you live in a warm enough climate that you can keep it in the garage? In the worst case scenario, he might be completely horrified just by the thought of a snake. Can you take him to a pet store or enlist the help of a teacher, to show him firsthand that snakes are docile and peaceful? Coming from an adult, the information might be easier for him to handle. Try to work him over slowly, but be patient. It might be his worst fear come to life.
I love snakes myself, and am glad to see that you haven't given in to the very popular fear of them. Good luck. You might have to wait until you move out, but it's worth it.
]
i think all you can do is continue to try and convince him. if not- start asking for an elephant- that way- when you ask later on again for a snake- it wont be that big of a deal. and he might give in. lol.good luck.lamewithakause@yahoo.com
]
Grass snakes, also called garter snakes are perfectly docile. They don't even have teeth. I would know now how to tell you to care and feed one though, so it actually stayed alive. I guess an aquarium, and dirt, and planted grass. I think they may eat small bugs.
Maybe if you got an aquarium and kept it COVERED, and kept it outdoors, or in the garage, he would slowly get used to it. Grass snakes are available in field and stuff, I don't think you have to go buy one at a pet store.
Michele
]
Is there somewhere else you can live? Because it may be your only option.
I started a pet sitting service so that I could "borrow" other people's pets. That was only part of the reason, but it has worked pretty well for me and the pets.
You might consider volunteering at a vet's office or pet shelter. Then you may at least help a little snake now and then. Check also with your local zoo.
When you can have your own place, then things will be better.
.
]
More Questions: |