Unusual animal friendships

[RustyBourneHorse]

This thread is a fun thread to discuss friendships that you have with an animal that most people would consider unusual or surprising. I used to volunteer at a middle school from 4th until 8th grade during the summer with animals that they had there. There was a wide array of animals there, but I was mainly drawn to the snakes. I suppose I may be a rare person that actually really likes snakes. The snakes at the place were usually pretty nice. There was one grass snake who we weren't supposed to contact because she tended to hiss and strike at people that did. This was allegedly due someone that volunteered there before I arrived that badly mistreated her. After that, she didn't trust anyone. She hissed at anyone that tried to pet her......except for me. She didn't like being picked up, but she tolerated me petting her, and only me which was quite special imo. There was a baby Texas ratsnake that they had that struck at everyone, and bit me twice for separate reasons. The bite didn't hurt though, nor did it leave a mark. The rest were usually nice to be everyone. However, there was one snake there that always liked me and still does when I go back to visit him. A ball python named Julius. That snake and I met in 2003 and became about as close to friends as you can get with a snake. Over the years during the summers, we had the best time and developed an incredible bond. Unfortunately, after graduating junior high from the Catholic School I attended, there we ended up losing contact because I wasn't able to return. A few years ago, I was working at a retail store, and the person that ran the place came in and we ended up talking. I had never forgotten Julius, so I asked how Julius was. I was expecting to be told that he was dead since he and I aren't far off in age apparently. I was informed, joyfully, that he was alright and still at the facility. I was invited that, whenever school was not in session and if I had time, I could see him. So, a few days before we played the Seahawks in the playoffs, I went back to see Julius. The person picked him out of his cage. As soon as Julius saw me and flicked his tongue, he remembered me! I was surprised because of how many years had passed, but that snake never forgot me either. Lesson learned there, never underestimate the intelligence of an animal, they know, and I had read that some snakes like King Cobras can remember faces. This ball python remembered me and slithered from her hands right into mine. We sat down and went right back to the same shenanigans we'd always been able to do.

Normally, you're not supposed to allow a snake around your neck as, especially with pythons, they constrict their prey. However, Julius and I were always allowed special treatment because we always had such a tight bond with each other. Normally, the person running the place would tell the others to be careful, but Julius and I could get away with that. Unfortunately, the person stated that when the children volunteering were around, that I shouldn't let him around my neck because it could set a bad example, and the rest of them didn't know Julius as long as I've known him, so they don't know what to look for with Julius. Fair enough! Though, Julius would still try it anyway. He also loved, when I had a jacket on, to just rest his head on that. When a picture of us is taken, it is not uncommon for us to be both looking at the camera or the phone together.

By the way, believe it or not, snakes can be quite affectionate if they know you well enough. He always for one thing would perch on my head. Especially when he realised that I wasn't able to let him around my neck, he figured that perching on my head was a good alternative, and it was, much to the surprise of the others. He also had a tendency in subsequent visits to give almost a snake kiss with the fact that he and I share such a strong bond. Whenever it was time for me to leave, it was always harder to get him to go back in his cage after I handled him than anyone else. He would go in just fine for everyone else. For me though, he always would tighten his grip so that he could stay with me as long as possible. There have been many occasions where he'd burrow into my shirt and almost make it look like I had a snake tail with his tail sticking out cuz he wanted more time with me. I haven't seen him in about a year now, but I very much would like to see him again. I asked if I could have him for a pet, but the place said no sadly despite the clear bond that everyone could see that we have. Unfortunately, my apartment complex charges a lot for pets regardless of the animal, despite snakes being quiet, clean, are simple to feed, and simple to care for. And they typically don't bother anyone. I hope at some point to get a snake of my own.

Any of you have any animals that you have a tight bond with that people might find unusual?

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Dog lover here so nothing unusual. Spiders creep me out but i do have an interest in snakes, especially the venomous ones native to Oklahoma which is 5 different types of Rattlesnakes as well as Copperheads and Water Moccasins.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Dog lover here so nothing unusual. Spiders creep me out but i do have an interest in snakes, especially the venomous ones native to Oklahoma which is 5 different types of Rattlesnakes as well as Copperheads and Water Moccasins.

The venomous ones are quite cool, but I tend to let them be. I don't mind them at all though. I love snakes. Nonvenomous snakes though, I enjoy trying to handle. Also, garter snakes, which have a mild venom that doesn't impact people much, are a snake that are usually fun to handle. Takes them a bit of getting used to it, but once they realise you're not a threat, they'll usually calm down and be chill.

 

[timb2]

My sister loves animals and I remember some stories. When we were kids we lived in a big apartment complex and there was this Dove. My sister had a balcony and she would feed him and to the point the Dove would show up all the time. Well it got to the point she would leave the balcony door cracked open. My room was next to hers and I came home and walked into my room and all I see is a flutter on top if my electronic football set. I had to call my sister to coax him out of my room and to the balcony outside.

She also pretty well had a wolf who was bred with a German Shepard when she got out of college. He was more wolf than German Shepard he was bigger and I would play tag with him . He would corner me like a wolf does. They move their back legs to corner you with their body vs a German Shepard would come straight at you....Well the funny part was she told me he got loose he would bring back stuff to her place. Wagons,big wheels,bicycles, a child's play pool,a raw steak,a cooked chicken, and a whole swing set.

 

[timb2]

My cat growing up was funny. You remember the little red bouncing ball tied to paddles as kids? Well the ball no longer was connected by the string. My cranky Dad loved his sleep at night and he would hear BOOM, BANG,BAM,BING and my Dad was figuring it was me or my sister were staying up at night playing,but could not catch us. He also would see my cat in the bath tub when he was in the bathroom looking at him like " What's up". After a couple of times he saw my cat always had the red ball in the bathtub too. He realized it was her playing with the ball at night and he laughed.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

My sister loves animals and I remember some stories. When we were kids we lived in a big apartment complex and there was this Dove. My sister had a balcony and she would feed him and to the point the Dove would show up all the time. Well it got to the point she would leave the balcony door cracked open. My room was next to hers and I came home and walked into my room and all I see is a flutter on top if my electronic football set. I had to call my sister to coax him out of my room and to the balcony outside.

She also pretty well had a wolf who was bred with a German Shepard when she got out of college. He was more wolf than German Shepard he was bigger and I would play tag with him . He would corner me like a wolf does. They move their back legs to corner you with their body vs a German Shepard would come straight at you....Well the funny part was she told me he got loose he would bring back stuff to her place. Wagons,big wheels,bicycles, a child's play pool,a raw steak,a cooked chicken, and a whole swing set.

Daww, sounds like such a cute wolf!

 

[cowboyec]

i always felt i had a tight bond with sasquatches.
i get their language.
we like to be left to ourselves and we hate people.
we both like apples and peanut butter.
yeah....i get'm.