Is it too late?

momakat · #1 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 07:41 PM

Thought I would listen so some opinions here before purchasing another snake. I realize snakes can live for a long time - longer than our furry companions by far in some cases. So when I purchased my RTB my daughter promised to take her if she ever became too much for me years from now. Currently have a male BP (age unkown but not yet 1 year) and a female RTB (about 7 months) and I love them both. Have been doing my homework for building them more permanent homes as they get older and am looking forward to the work. So - there is this baby male RTB I am considering purchasing. Not sure I would personally breed with my Shiva - but DD asked me if she could breed him to her pastel RTB when they were old enough. Guess my question is - should I, given my age (hmmm . . . old enough to know better but young enough to enjoy it), continue to add to my family given the longevity of the snakes. DD reminded me the other day that I promised to give her Shiva if I got 'too old'. *sigh*

For the first time in my life I am in a position to do what I want, when I want, and how I want. I'm starting over and determined to do things I always wanted but was always prevented from doing by others in my life. But would it be fair? Good intentions aside - we can't always control what happens in our lives. Am I being selfish? For some reason handling my snakes calm me and give me a feeling of peace that I have not felt for too long.

Guess I'm just confused right now and want to consider everything before making another purchase. After all - I don't really see myself meeting the right person who would enjoy snakes as much as I do. haha Well - this is all probably more than anybody wants to know. Honest opinions are appreciated.

nycsfinezt61189 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 07:46 PM

If you think you are capable of taking care of another snake and breeding it, then i say go for it. In the end its your decision.

pathfinder36 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 07:52 PM

As far as the age thing: Stick around on these types of forums. If you see yourself getting to a point where the snakes are going to out live you, find some candidates that you feel would be happy to "inherit" them when you pass. Just make sure these people agree to this set up, are capable of taking care of them, are experienced (as these snakes will be generally adults by then), and you have this set up in your will. Live your life man. Be happy with you leg-less critters, just make sure they'll go to a good home if you plan on dieing before they do.

muzixman · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 08:02 PM

I would say go for it If it calms you and you have the right sources to take care of them. Giving the age of your rtb you will have a few years to decide if you want to take on the task of breeding them, Good luck

lethargiic · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 08:20 PM

To be honest, i'd wait it out until you know you are ready for another snake. its a big decision especially if you are feelin the wat you are at this point in your life. It's good to know your daughter is willing to take the snakes when you are 'too old' but you don't know what will happen 20-30 years down the road. its a huge commitment and you understand there are concenquences that come along with what you decide to do.

You are not being selfish what-so-ever and being in that you finally feel you have some control don't make that the deciding factor of what you can do now, cuz as you said we don't always have control of everything in our lives. If you really feel as to being ready for another snake then i say go for it, but it seems to me you are really unsure at this point...as i mentioned before wait it out for a lil while so that you can be sure of what you want to do, as well as putting DD's feelings into concideration..it shows that she's ready too to take on another commitment and having a daughter like that is very comforting.

if you do get the snake you gotta post pictures..hehe

farmergirl · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 09:10 PM

IMHO if you know how to care for them and give them a loving home then don't let the unknown future hold you back. None of us know where we will be 20 yrs, 1 yr, or even a week from now, or if we will still even be here. If everyone let the worry over that rule their lives then we would never get anything done. You said you're finally at a point where you can enjoy life and you should. Plus, you have the comfort of knowing that your daughter would take them in if need be and if she couldn't I'm sure she would find loving appropriate homes for them. Take a little time, make your decision, and then follow through. Honestly, if I were to worry over the future in that sense I might not have had my 3 kids. And I can't imagine my world without them!

Good luck!

louise · #7 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmergirl

IMHO if you know how to care for them and give them a loving home then don't let the unknown future hold you back. None of us know where we will be 20 yrs, 1 yr, or even a week from now, or if we will still even be here. If everyone let the worry over that rule their lives then we would never get anything done. You said you're finally at a point where you can enjoy life and you should. Plus, you have the comfort of knowing that your daughter would take them in if need be and if she couldn't I'm sure she would find loving appropriate homes for them. Take a little time, make your decision, and then follow through. Honestly, if I were to worry over the future in that sense I might not have had my 3 kids. And I can't imagine my world without them!

Good luck!

i think you gave the best advice possible

charmoore · #8 (**permalink**) 01-19-2005, 11:14 PM

I agree with Farmergirl as well. Very well put, enjoy your snakes Mamakat

momakat · #9 (**permalink**) 01-20-2005, 01:42 AM

Big hearfelt thanks, ya'all! Had been considering a new addition for some time - but finding babies around here isn't too easy at times. And you are right - between DD and you folks here I know my 'babies' will be well cared for when the time arrives. And as for anyone else coming into my life - well . . . guess he will have to accept all aspects of my life as wlel, with no reservations. hehe Thanks again!

louise · #10 (**permalink**) 01-20-2005, 01:59 AM

[ And as for anyone else coming into my life - well . . . guess he will have to accept all aspects of my life as wlel, with no reservations. hehe Thanks again![/quote]

i dumped a guy i was with for almost a year. we woke up one morning and he said when we get our place together i really dont want to wake up with snakes in cages all around me. i had a boa on both sides of the bed and a cage at the foot. i dumped him. never returned his calls and wouldn't open the door when he came over. if you dont accept my kids or my snakes you arn't for me. and as for age im 40 and im planning on getting a new baby boa soon

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