| Houdini, like many snakes, has seen his share of owners. As a young snake he belonged to a herp-loving 24 year old man. Tragically his first owner died at that tender age. Houdini then went on to the man's friend who neglected all his basic needs. Living in New Jersey, he was kept in the garage through winter ~ just a light was provided ~ when he turned it on! He was severely underfed and thus malnourished and his health declined rapidly. After some time, his luck changed,and he was discovered by a caring, compassionate woman who knew " a little " about snakes. She took Houdini from his glass tank covered with plastic grates and bricks and took him into her care. She told us how she remembers the thin, limp boa that he was then. Poor Houdini could not even hang onto her ~ he simply was so weak and had lost all muscle tone. But he did have luck. Maureen and her husband took him home. The best thing that had happened to him in a long time! From there (1 1/2 years ago) they did one heck of a good job nursing him back to health! They learned as much as they could and all the while trying to find him a "good" permanent home. Well time went by and while surfing the internet, Maureen happened upon our site. She read our stories, looked at the pictures, and finally decided to ask us if maybe we could adopt Houdini ~ well we responded with a yes pretty much right away. "Snake without a home...Oh NO"! The next day we spoke with her on the phone and the whole thing just clicked. They were lovely people and though it would be some ride (and that is a story on it's own) we all agreed that Houdini would come here. What we never expected was just the nicest people you could want to meet AND this big beautiful boa! Anyone who regularly takes in animals comes to expect and accept the thin, the sick,the weak, the mites, the ticks, and the ugly and take it all in stride...But this guy was gorgeous! AND they brought his huge lovely tank, a pretty black wrought iron stand, his light, his bowl, his climbing stick AND even had the grace to give a donation for his care...very special people indeed. Many times (in fact just this week) snakes come ~ no equipment, enclosure or information...and more often than not...very, very sick. Houdini was no RESCUE but he sure was a terrifc adoption! After consulting a friend, we realize we are now the proud owners of a probable Suriname Red-tail! He is twelve years old and will not be asked to do much, except to tolerate some gentle handling and enjoy his geriatric years. He is already missed by his other family and will be corresponding via email & pictures LOL! And lucky for us, he no longer seems to live up to his escape artist name...but...he can make a rat "disappear"! |
