What I found on the side of the road tonight.

Novel · 09-10-2005, 06:30 PM

This is what we found on our way home tonight. My husband and I left an auction about 6pm and were driving down the road towards home when we saw a group of people standing on the side of the road looking into the grass. Figuring someone had hit a deer my husband slowed down to see if anyone needed assistance and we looked out the window, to see they were all staring into the grass at this guy.
Obviously someone had dumped him as another one was found down the road, but that one was no longer alive. I don't care what kind of animal it is, dumping it outside is unacceptable.
A county deputy arrived and I told the deputy that I had experience with this type of animal and he released him to us. We brought him home. We're debating now to keep or rehome him.
Unfortunately this is not the first one that we've had to take in when police agencies find them. In the past we've cared for them until a suitable permanent home can be found. But one like this will take some looking to find just the right home.

GSD · 09-10-2005, 06:36 PM

I swear i'm part indiana Jones, I freakin hate snakes. The only thing in this world that really gets me is snakes. I've done some desensitizing lately and can tolerate them, but I might not like one that big in my house.

Novel · 09-10-2005, 06:40 PM

He's about 7 feet and weighs about 50 pounds. His species, if I am accurate about him being a reticulated python, can reach lengths of about 30 feet and weigh a few 100 pounds. He has been handled often and is really quite docile. When I held him on the side of the road waiting for the deputy he was calm. During the picture he got a little upset but quickly calmed down again. Why would someone throw away a pet that they've obviously spent so much time with.
I know many people have an aversion to snakes, but I never have. I have a pretty big dislike of spiders, but don't mind tarantulas too much. It's the small ones that wig me out more, that and the actual webs.... yuck! So each to his own, I'll help the snakes if someone else promises to take care of the spiders.

Oh and what angers me more... this is Wisconsin. It's been getting down into the 40's at night already. This guy wouldn't make it through more than one night, so they abandoned him to certain death. It was a miracle that there happened to be an auction 4 miles down this old backroad, otherwise noone would have ever driven by, and the deputy, bless him, was deathly afraid of snakes. He kept about 10 feet back from me the entire time. It makes me chuckle, but the reality is the deputy would have shot the poor thing, because most agencies just don't have the means to take care of this sort of thing. I'm on the list for other agencies to assist with this and other animals, but I guess I need to get on the ball and renew those contacts.

SalemWitchChild · 09-10-2005, 06:53 PM

I firmly believe things happen for a reason. You were ment to save this guy. Though I agree with the other person. I have a fear of snakes. I do find them fascinating though.

If this has happened before perhaps there is one person doing this.

calgal · 09-10-2005, 06:58 PM

I was always afraid of snakes untill my son left his ball python, Lars with me while he spent his entire jr. year at Berkeley in Germany. The only thing I wouldn't do for Lars was feed him rats. I felt too sorry for the rats. My husband had that job. I still don't like the venom snakes though.

***Cassiepeia*** · 09-10-2005, 07:02 PM

OH my gods he's BEAUTIFUL!!!!

I don't understand why anyone would dump such an amazing animal. Well, actually I do understand, because people are ignorant and selfish and buy animals because they think they're cool without thinking about the responsibility. *sigh*
I'm like you, Julie. I adore snakes (always have) but have a strong dislike for spiders (funny thing is my sister LOVES spiders LOL). I always wanted one as a pet but aren't the right person for them. Dogs are my thing.

It's so good of you to take him in. Keep us updated, yeah? Has he got a name yet?

Cass.

Mellie · 09-10-2005, 07:09 PM

Wow, gorgeous.
I find it amazing that the policeman would just release him to you. I thought they'd probably have to follow some regulations before doing that.
But seems the snake is in good hands, now.
I hope it all works out.

Novel · 09-10-2005, 07:39 PM

The deputy was visibly thankful when I repeated that I would take him, right now, if it was alright with him. Sweeter words probably not have been said all day if you asked him. He got out of his squad already red in the face and nervous. As many of you have probably experienced, snakes can really freak people out. My father has never been to my home because we've kept snakes, the large variety, for the last 5 years or so. When I was a kid, I kept garter, grass and pencil snakes with my mom's blessing, but my father wouldn't step near my room.
I did leave my name with the deputy, and I have met him before, but only briefly when I was still working in the area. He said he'd call if something came up, but... with the discovery of another one, still in the bag, dead, about 100 yards further down the road, it seems obvious that someone was "getting rid of them". That one was smaller and I didn't get a good look at it.
Like Cass said, they buy them because they are new and exciting and neat and never think that an animal this size is going to need a huge commitment from it's owner. Feeding, housing and time. These guys live 30+ years. And, having known them, they do have personalities and they do have favorite people.
Sweetie, our first, a ball python, enjoyed my company. If put on the floor he would come to snuggle with me over my husband every time, and he was supposed to be a gift to my husband. I'm not sure if there is such a thing as animal magnetism, but some people just have the touch, and a demeanor that animals are comfortable with. Since I am so comfortable with them, I think snakes are comfortable with me.
We've only had him a few hours and have no true idea what exactly we are going to do with him. With the bunnies already onsite, I could feasibly feed him, but housing would have to be built for him. Also, with his size, I do worry about my cat, Storm. Storm was always ok with the other snakes, but we kept them separated for the most part, but she did enjoy watching them in their enclosures. They were no real threat to her though. This guy would make her lunch given the right circumstances. Snakes are escape artists like nothing I've ever seen, and I really wouldn't relish the thought of waking up with him loose in the house, at least not until I know him much better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mellie

Wow, gorgeous.
I find it amazing that the policeman would just release him to you. I thought they'd probably have to follow some regulations before doing that.
But seems the snake is in good hands, now.
I hope it all works out.

Novel · 09-10-2005, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassiepeia

It's so good of you to take him in. Keep us updated, yeah? Has he got a name yet?

Cass.

Thank you. I just couldn't leave him. I will do that. I've posted a few other pics of him here.
No name yet... anyone have any good ideas??

Owned by Lucy · 09-10-2005, 08:14 PM

What about Kaa. I have always wanted python since seeing the movie the Jungle Book as a kid. I became even more enthralled when a friend in college had a huge boa constrictor. As soon as I get out of medical school and settled some place I plan on looking into getting one. Is there a rescue organization for snakes?

poodlesmom · 09-10-2005, 08:16 PM

He's amazing! Snakes aren't something I would ever have but he is beautiful! He's extremely lucky that you went to the auction!

The only name that came to my mind is Diamond - that's what popped in it when I saw his markings.

Novel · 09-10-2005, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poodlesmom

He's amazing! Snakes aren't something I would ever have but he is beautiful! He's extremely lucky that you went to the auction!

The only name that came to my mind is Diamond - that's what popped in it when I saw his markings.

Ooohhh. If it's a girl, wouldn't "Lady Di" be a great name!!?? I'll take him to the herp vet as soon as I can. The one I usually use only comes in to a nearby town once a week, and I don't know if he even does that anymore. I e-mailed my friend who is a vet, but mostly just to share because I think she has less experience with them than I. He seems to be mite free, no visible injuries and must have just completed a shed within the last week or so. Again, I am guessing at the sex, as his tail is short and stumpy, but without a female to compare to, I could be guessing wrong.

Novel · 09-10-2005, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Owned by Lucy

What about Kaa. I have always wanted python since seeing the movie the Jungle Book as a kid. I became even more enthralled when a friend in college had a huge boa constrictor. As soon as I get out of medical school and settled some place I plan on looking into getting one. Is there a rescue organization for snakes?

Kaa... neat. He definitely reminds me of that huge type of snake, and so far this guy seems very laid back, and perhaps he's as smart as Kaa too....

Does anyone remember what the name of the snake was that was in the Disney version of Robin Hood. It's completely left my head... He was King John's assistant...

I've been combing the internet since I got home looking for a rescue that could assist me in placing him, but snakes are not as common and they are bought and sold much more freely than dogs and other pets. One place I visited for info has a guarantee that if the snake ever becomes to large or unmanageable you can trade it in on another snake... Could you imagine that in dogs... it would seem unethical, but in reality, it does seem to have the snakes best interests in mind.

***Cassiepeia*** · 09-10-2005, 09:39 PM

To large or unmanageable? Well.. perhaps unmanageable, but surely the person selling the snakes would make sure the buyers were completely aware of the enormous size some snakes grow to.....before....they buy them?

The Disney character you're thinking of is 'Sir Hiss'.

Cass.

Novel · 09-10-2005, 10:53 PM

Thanks Cass.... No, Sir Hiss doesn't seem to fit either... Hmm...

Well, upon further research, it seems the consensus is that it is probably a girl, and probably a boa constrictor. It seems there are as many varieties as there are snakes, and so the jury is still out on what locale the snake is. More professional eyes then mine says the snake has been very well fed... now why would you take good care of your snake only to dump it?? The scenarios I've come up with are moving (can't take them to live with mom), relationship (girlfriend didn't like it), or maybe something else. I don't know, but it just doesn't make any sense to me.
We sure are a throw away society. I go to an auction where I buy perfectly usable and excellent products at a fraction of the price, and then find a pet on the side of the road that someone has probably invested countless hours and money into only to abandon it when times got rough. No wonder no one stays married anymore, our shelters are overflowing, our debt is incredible, we're aborting our babies, etc...
Sorry if I stepped on any toes, but I'm just seething. This animal deserves better than this, and if I want to rehome this poor beast, I need to be careful, because just as there are sharks in the water with dogs, there are disreputable, unethical, irresponsible homes in the snake world too

09-10-2005, 06:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
Novel Mush Face Lover Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 4,974 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 220	What I found on the side of the road tonight. This is what we found on our way home tonight. My husband and I left an auction about 6pm and were driving down the road towards home when we saw a group of people standing on the side of the road looking into the grass. Figuring someone had hit a deer my husband slowed down to see if anyone needed assistance and we looked out the window, to see they were all staring into the grass at this guy. Obviously someone had dumped him as another one was found down the road, but that one was no longer alive. I don't care what kind of animal it is, dumping it outside is unacceptable. A county deputy arrived and I told the deputy that I had experience with this type of animal and he released him to us. We brought him home. We're debating now to keep or rehome him. Unfortunately this is not the first one that we've had to take in when police agencies find them. In the past we've cared for them until a suitable permanent home can be found. But one like this will take some looking to find just the right home.
	__________________ ~~~My Blog~~~

09-10-2005, 06:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Novel Mush Face Lover Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 4,974 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 220	He's about 7 feet and weighs about 50 pounds. His species, if I am accurate about him being a reticulated python, can reach lengths of about 30 feet and weigh a few 100 pounds. He has been handled often and is really quite docile. When I held him on the side of the road waiting for the deputy he was calm. During the picture he got a little upset but quickly calmed down again. Why would someone throw away a pet that they've obviously spent so much time with. I know many people have an aversion to snakes, but I never have. I have a pretty big dislike of spiders, but don't mind tarantulas too much. It's the small ones that wig me out more, that and the actual webs.... yuck! So each to his own, I'll help the snakes if someone else promises to take care of the spiders. Oh and what angers me more... this is Wisconsin. It's been getting down into the 40's at night already. This guy wouldn't make it through more than one night, so they abandoned him to certain death. It was a miracle that there happened to be an auction 4 miles down this old backroad, otherwise noone would have ever driven by, and the deputy, bless him, was deathly afraid of snakes. He kept about 10 feet back from me the entire time. It makes me chuckle, but the reality is the deputy would have shot the poor thing, because most agencies just don't have the means to take care of this sort of thing. I'm on the list for other agencies to assist with this and other animals, but I guess I need to get on the ball and renew those contacts.
	__________________ ~~~My Blog~~~ Last edited by Novel : 09-10-2005 at 06:44 PM.

09-10-2005, 06:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
SalemWitchChild Blue Merle Collie Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lawrenceburg, Ky Posts: 592 Rep Power: 86	I firmly believe things happen for a reason. You were ment to save this guy. Though I agree with the other person. I have a fear of snakes. I do find them fascinating though. If this has happened before perhaps there is one person doing this.
	__________________

09-10-2005, 07:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	OH my gods he's BEAUTIFUL!!!! I don't understand why anyone would dump such an amazing animal. Well, actually I do understand, because people are ignorant and selfish and buy animals because they think they're cool without thinking about the responsibility. sigh I'm like you, Julie. I adore snakes (always have) but have a strong dislike for spiders (funny thing is my sister LOVES spiders LOL). I always wanted one as a pet but aren't the right person for them. Dogs are my thing. It's so good of you to take him in. Keep us updated, yeah? Has he got a name yet? Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

09-10-2005, 07:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mellie Springer/Saint Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 449 Rep Power: 98	Wow, gorgeous. I find it amazing that the policeman would just release him to you. I thought they'd probably have to follow some regulations before doing that. But seems the snake is in good hands, now. I hope it all works out.
	__________________ "One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him." -- Chinese Proverb

09-10-2005, 06:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
GSD Herding dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: WI Posts: 1,133 Rep Power: 138	I swear i'm part indiana Jones, I freakin hate snakes. The only thing in this world that really gets me is snakes. I've done some desensitizing lately and can tolerate them, but I might not like one that big in my house.

09-10-2005, 06:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,780 Rep Power: 229	I was always afraid of snakes untill my son left his ball python, Lars with me while he spent his entire jr. year at Berkeley in Germany. The only thing I wouldn't do for Lars was feed him rats. I felt too sorry for the rats. My husband had that job. I still don't like the venom snakes though.

09-10-2005, 08:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
Owned by Lucy Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 429 Rep Power: 90	What about Kaa. I have always wanted python since seeing the movie the Jungle Book as a kid. I became even more enthralled when a friend in college had a huge boa constrictor. As soon as I get out of medical school and settled some place I plan on looking into getting one. Is there a rescue organization for snakes?
	__________________ Courtesy of Rip "A dog is not "almost human," and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such." -John Holmes

09-10-2005, 08:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
poodlesmom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: upstate NY Posts: 1,389 Rep Power: 111	He's amazing! Snakes aren't something I would ever have but he is beautiful! He's extremely lucky that you went to the auction! The only name that came to my mind is Diamond - that's what popped in it when I saw his markings.
	__________________ Denise a/k/a Poodlesmom

09-10-2005, 09:39 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	To large or unmanageable? Well.. perhaps unmanageable, but surely the person selling the snakes would make sure the buyers were completely aware of the enormous size some snakes grow to.....before....they buy them? The Disney character you're thinking of is 'Sir Hiss'. Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.