The positivity was palpable at Horton High’s Wellness Day this week and it was an absolute joy to see so many smiles! Just a few photos, for privacy, but it was wonderful to see familiar and new faces alike! Many had met my pets before and were already comfortable with snakes, but we saw a phenomenal amount of courage, as well! Boundaries were pushed and everyone soon discovered that snakes are nothing like you expect! Far from being creepy, the gentle embrace of a ball python can be so comforting and you can’t help but laugh at the insatiable curiosity of the corn snakes. So many asked to take their favourites home and seeing your affection for my babies is such a joy.
This outing was a very special privilege because Horton is my dear volunteer Sarah’s high school! Eyebrows certainly rose when her peers were informed that they had a professional snake-handler in their midst! Sarah’s disarming & compassionate demeanour has helped so many overcome their anxieties. She may be quiet, especially compared to me, but she is, in fact, an utterly brilliant young ecologist who can answer many of your questions about snakes and many other critters as well! She LOVES connecting people with natural world, but has a particular passion for the “unlovable.” Over the past year, Sarah has been such a blessing to myself, the team and to so many others, and I’m so grateful for all her help! I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her!
Thank you to all the staff & students for your warm welcome and I hope we get to visit again soon! If you missed your chance to play with the snakes at Horton, please come visit us on June 2 for Apple Blossom Snakes at the Louis Millet Community Complex!
