Made a short drive over to the Omaha Reptile Show. 6 months ago our girl Lucky had escaped and we were busy looking for her so we couldn't attend.
Before I went, I showered, put deodorant on and I brushed my teeth. My clothes were clean and presentable.
You're probably wondering why I would be tell you all this. Well, shortly after arriving at the show, I started a conversation with a few of the vendors. I was asking questions about their reptiles and eventually they asked me what kind of reptiles I keep. I was honest and proud to tell them I raise Thamnophis radix. A cold chill swept through the crowd. Those people that were within ear-shot, turned and gave me this look. I swear someone called for security and the crowd parted. There I was with my kids huddled around me. My youngest said "what's wrong daddy". I drew my off-duty weapons and we backed out of the place. We sprinted to our van, by this time the crowd had organized and rushed us. As I drove out off the parking lot they threw rocks at us and yelled obscenities.


Now, this story is slightly exaggerated but that's how I felt. The truth is the few vendors I did speak with changed their attitudes with me once I mentioned the word Garter snake. I felt like a second class citizen. By the way there were no vendors with any Thamnophis represented.
Looks like I'll have to keep my mouth shut when I go to these thing. I DON'T THINK SO!
I think I need to get my own table or two.