This week alone I have had three requests from journalists from various publications asking whether I thought there were any health benefits or disadvantages in owning a pet.
Well, I know for sure some pets can be a health risk! And I’m not referring to our cuddly, furry, chirpy and squeaky best friends who obviously prolong our lives in so many ways.
I’m remembering the time my blood pressure skyrocketed to danger level when an escapee from my son’s reptile collection found its way into my lingerie drawer, almost giving me a fatal heart attack – in fact it was a near death experience for all three of us…. for different reasons.
But nowadays, it seems that snakes and exotic pets have all sorts of health benefits. In fact, I’m assured that the “Herps” (snake fanciers) of this world find their slithery reptiles very relaxing to watch. I’m also told that these unusual pets have a hypnotic effect, which calms the soul and lifts the spirit into a sort of deep healing meditation.
I have no reason to doubt my source of information, to whom I also happened to have given birth. He also tells me his organic frogs’ choir, accompanied by his cantata of crickets on death row, lulls him to sleep on insomniac nights.
But there’s more. Apparently snakes definitely have psychic healing powers – and I’m referring to the live, slithering variety. Believe it or not, snakes of all makes and venoms are the latest in “must have” pets.
Why anyone would keep a snake as a pet had me flummoxed, so I conducted some research to find out the reasons. It’s important for you to know that the question I asked was: “Why do you keep snakes as pets?”
John: “I personally keep snakes because they are so beautiful and interesting that it’s difficult to NOT love them.”
Mongoose: “The best things come to those who flip rocks.”
Vivian: “I don’t keep any reptiles because I get on really well with my housemates even though they do have irrational phobias!”
Pythonagus: “I keep ’em coz I love ’em.”
Redlip: “A beautifully set-up cage is a bit like having a fish tank.”
Jimfish: “I heard some people get snakes because they’re allergic to cats and dogs.”
Geoffrey Dharma: “I love to see animals catch their prey and consume it. Is there something wrong with me?”
e-mail Glynne Anderson or call 031 765 1958
visit www.petshrink.co.za