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Don't forget where you started.
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by Kingetula on August 9, 2009
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Ask yourself this question. If your state one day said no more venomous snakes how would you react? (For those of you who work with Zoo's and the likes you would be the lucky ones). No more importing from Africa, no more importing from Europe and so on. No Venomous snakes period! That would break many hearts and lives. What would happen to Al Cortiz, John Blume, Tim Cole or even companies like Glades, Crutchfield and so on. Sure companies would go under but how would that make you feel if you had to pack up and move to another state just to own your Venomous snakes, what if all states banned them? What if your job didn't allow you to move? As Al Cortiz once told me (here on VR.org, different topic) he tried to get a License in Arizona and even with his references they denied him. What if all states were like that even to those of you well known in the community and have years of experience.
Fortunately this isn't the case for some of us but it's they way things are in many states. Why not start and organization to help people like yourselves change the laws in states like Arizona, New Mexico etc... I know it's not easy or cheap but nothing ever is, make an impact. I know many of you are safe and feel safe in your states that allow them but one day it could come down on you too!
I’m not looking or trying to start trouble, I never do. I love my hobby just as you do and I really enjoy talking with some of you here and on the phone but remember we all started in the same spot and IMO some of us forget where you came from or feel they are special and or better than the next guy. I really wish this wasn’t part of our hobby. But we all have are personality and some are set in their ways. I try to be helpful and a good person. Those who really know me know I am giving, a good person at heart and willing to help. I meet new people, here, at shows and reptile stores who tell me they tried to talk with so and so and they got brushed off. Just a little bit of time talking with them they turned out to be a good guy just trying to get help and or advice. (Not saying everyone is good) I guess my point is we should remember we all started with no experience and we needed help and breaks in life too. I know many of you are very busy but in a way some of you are looked up to in the community because of your accomplishments. Sort of like an athlete, they are great at what they do and others want to meet them and be like them. Sure many don’t want fans all over them 24/7 but taking that moment to shake a hand or give advice (in person or by email) goes a lot further for you than blowing someone off. Just take the time to help or give advice. Not only will it make you look better but your also doing something good for the community.
I know I'm a little outspoken, I'm just trying to help. I'm open to feedback on this especially if you have an argument why we shouldn't help out new comers. I know some of you have made comments that it's a small community and want to keep it that way. Just not sure why. A larger community and keeping things legal seem like a better way instead of making it hard for people to gain experience and get advice. We live in a world that we can get venomous snakes a few states away and I would rather someone be legal than to be busted and splattered all over the news paper dragging our hobby down further. I’m not saying we should give out permits like candy but we shouldn’t be a society that pushes people away. How would that make you feel if you were treated the same way you treat others that were in your shoes once?
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RE: Don't forget where you started.
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by Adamanteus70 on August 9, 2009
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Scott,
I agree with you, everyone started with one reptile, and had little or no experience when starting out.
I was fortunate to have good mentors as a young teenager who taught me well. They taught me how to respect venomous snakes, and use good judgement when handling them. They also taught me bad words and other things that they should not have, but that is all part of growing up :)
The point is, I was a snot nosed kid who was too nosy and asked way to many questions in the beginning. I was lucky that these guys tolerated me and let me watch them and eventually, allowed me to come behind the scenes where they hung out after presentations. I felt like one of the guys, and arrived there everyday during summer break to "help" them with whatever they would let me do. I swept floors, I took out trash, I stood guard to make sure people did not bang on the glass cage fronts. I had a "job", even though it paid no money, I was rewarded with knowledge.
I learned a lot from them, and still to this day as a grown man I have others whom I feel are mentors to me.
With great respect I treat them, and listen to their old stories will all attention.
I know exactly where I came from, and enjoy seeing the gleam in a young persons eyes when they hold their first reptile. Knowing full well I can make a difference in that person's future by taking the time to talk with them.
That is the lack luster I notice at reptile shows, the very busy dealer who passes by the young person with a fist full of hard earned dollars, because "they are just a kid". They usually end up at my table because I talk to them even if they buy nothing. The last show in Columbia I ended up giving advice on how to care for a rainbow boa that the dealer sold them junk they did not even need, like sand for substrate. They were so blown away because I talked to them about it's care and they said the dealer rushed them off. They send me emails now with pictures of the cage and the snake. Just two young teens that had no idea where to start.
If more folks did this, just think how much better the reptile shows would be...
Oh well, that's my .02 cents
Paul
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RE: Don't forget where you started.
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by CSdeadboy2009 on August 10, 2009
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Scott, There is an elite attitude in the hot community, and it does put folks off. I don't think that it is meant to do so. Remember, allot of the famous guys are just that, They have dead lines for TV shows and research to get done I think they are just unconsciously short with folks. I don't think its personnel. As for questions on the website, the same ones do get asked over and over and I think folks just get irritated with it. I feel you an the possibility of bans in the future. I own a dog whose litter mate is responsible for about 225 stitches between two people and there dog. Yes it was a pit bull owned by a person who was to lazy to research what they were getting into. Advice wont help stupid people. Enjoy your hobby, and don't let politicians who are scared of losing there seat on the gravy train worry you.
Paul, I never had a mentor. I watched TV. I learned to do all my cage work with tongs and hooks. I can clean, feed and water all while never getting my hands in strike range of my critter. I would have LOVED to have the opportunity you did. As for the shows, how many folks are buying reptiles at this time ? Yes, there are some who just want money. I don't believe this is greed so much as keeping focused on not going broke. I don't go to shows anymore. I make my enclosures and water bowls, I kill and freeze my own rats, and make my own hooks. This is an aspect the hobby that I love as much as the reptiles. Sorry to ramble. I hope I sed something to brighten your day some.
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RE: Don't forget where you started.
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by Kingetula on August 17, 2009
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I understand, I am busy too. I also agree 100% some people should not own Hot's but that doesn't mean no one should! We all start with no experience!
It sort of reminds me of when I went to school. After I graduated I applied all over the place. I was turned down so many times because I didn't have 2 to 5 years experience! WTF! If no one will hire me how will I get the experience! Fortunately I was given a break and got my foot in the door. We all need a break from time to time, a helping hand or whatever.
I'm in no way an expert with Venomous snakes, not even close! This is a hobby for me, I'm not a dealer, breeder or saving lives because people got bit. That doesn't make me an irresponsible owner. I may be a little picky about the snakes I get in my collection but aren't we all in one way or another? Even the Klauberi society is picky! lol but that’s because like them, I want the best too. The number one thing I do is prevent being bit. On that note I only had 1 hospital trip fom a snake bite. When I first got started collecting Venomous snakes I went to pick up a baby Prairie Rattlesnake that dropped off the hook and onto the carpet. The carpet didn't help along with the small size and I got poked by 1 fang when trying to pick it up behind the head. It wasn't bad, the treatment was bad! I thought I was going to die my heart raced and I was sweating bad. I also found out I am allergic to anti-venom lol! That was my only hospital trip caused by a snake bite and I never, ever want to go through that again (1995)! Was I bit (if that is really considered a bite!) because of carelessness, no it was just a bad grip on the snake and I should of just used the hook! I wear snake boots in the HOT room and when the time calls for it I wear the Hex Armour gloves. I feed them, give them water, keep their cage cleaned and respect them and what they can do if I make a mistake. As a hobbyist what more do I really need to do? Research their needs of course and be responsible... but it's pretty simple stuff if you protect not only yourself but also the snake and others. My room is sealed, there is no way they can slide under the door and I also have screen covering the AC and out-take vents. Yes I have a fascination with keeping snakes that can kill me but I also think venomous snakes are amazing! Not only because of their Venom but they also spit at you, puff at you, rattle at you, flatten out their neck (cobra), some move sideways, some are able to lay in sand and cover their body for an ambush, some glide or fly (whatever you want to call it), and they come in many beautiful colors and patterns. I guess there are other reasons why I like them but those come to mind first. I guess it's like keeping FISH, you can't do much with them but many like saltwater fish are just awesome in their own way! I guess I sort of went off topic... My point is I would never of had the chance to do something I love so much if I wasn't given a break from the man who helped me get my license! To him, THANK YOU!
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RE: Don't forget where you started.
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by Rob_Carmichael on August 17, 2009
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I am one of those blessed ones who gets to work with venomous every day due to my role as curator of the zoo I'm at (that I started in 1995). I worked my tail off to get where I'm at. As a youngster, I literally worshipped the words from the books I read such as those by Kauffeld and others....I also worshipped the words that came from a zookeeper. Today, young kids (with exceptions of course) show so little respect towards those who offer such great advice. I think things are changing for the better which is encouraging. It really blows me away though when a young punk spews a bunch of crap towards a well respected professional. But, to go back to the original question: if I wasn't able to legally keep venomous herps, I'd be okay with it....I would just get my "fix" by heading into the field and observing them in their natural habitat (something that I find far more rewarding anyway). With so many cool non venomous herps to keep, I'd find something that would quench my appetite on the home front(well, eastern indigos is something I've been working with for many years). Who knows where our hobby will be in 10 years - one thing is for sure: if we continue our apathetic ways towards protecting our rights we are in big trouble. Thank goodness for USARK and others who have become our voice but they can't do it alone (or w/out our financial support).
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