For someone who is afraid of snakes, Kim O’Neill fell in love several years ago with our kingsnake, Spike.
“When he puts his nose in the crook of my elbow,” she coos, “he’s so cuddly.”
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A receptionist in my brother’s dental practice, Kim took to Spike right away, despite her long-time fear of slithery reptiles. Whenever she spots us toting our box of snakes into the office, Kim hollers into the back rooms, “Spike’s here!” After taking Spike into her arms, she finally greets us. We don’t mind playing second fiddle to a snake because it thrills us to witness once again how a non-snake person can become engrossed with one of the critters.
“For some reason,” she says, “a California kingsnake doesn’t look like a snake to me. When his head is sitting on my shoulder, he’s a big baby!”
Kim is not the first person that Spike has charmed.Along with our other snakes, he has been a congenial ambassador for his species, encouraging doubters to touch his smooth, dry skin and even hold him to feel how he undulates soothingly in their hands.
“I tried to explain to somebody that Spike’s a cuddler,” says Kim.“He’s a lover, not a biter!”
At the age of 19, Spike continues to woo admirers and win folks over.He’s truly a snake charmer!
[box type=”alert”]Any time you’re close to an animal, be aware that any animal with a mouth can bite.[/box]