Therapy Animals are not "service animals" and therefore not entitled to the same benefits as service animals, (entrance to any public accommodation, building or transportation). Therapy Animals provide health benefits to people other than task performance and are frequently personal pets. However, under supervision by a Handler, Therapy Animals may be allowed inside a healthcare or medical facility providing the establishment or state law permits the visit. A Therapy Animal provides "therapy" and is not a task performer unless providing physical assistant skills or tasks for a person with a disability.
Copyright by Wheel Me On... 2008
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Calming Boa Constrictor "Larry"
A Madagascar Boa Constrictor, named "Larry" who lives in the Bay Area of California, is attended to by one of our members who is a writer and mental health advocate, as well as an advocate for the proper treatment and care of reptiles and amphibians. Larry was purchased from a pet store in Fairbanks, Alaska eight years ago, when his Handler lived there and co-founded the Fairbanks Herpetocultural Society. Larry was "hand-raised" from a tiny snakeling and she worked with him to ensure he felt comfortable around her and other people. Larry is extremely gentle and trained to allow his Handler to stroke his head and chin, which is quite unusual for a snake.
His Handler suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Panic Disorder with panic attacks severe enough to require hospitalization in the past. When Larry's Handler moved back to California, she took Larry with her, but her panic attacks persisted and would often come on suddenly, accompanied by unnaturally rapid heart beats, perspiration, a feeling she was going to die, impending sense of doom, and a feeling of surreality. During a particularly severe attack, she asked to have Larry brought to her. Larry curled in her lap as she gently stroked his back and head, then he flicked his tongue on her chin, "It tickled!" His Handler exclaimed. Then Larry stretched out next to her, looking up at her from time to time, "As if to check and see that I was all right", the Handler explained. Remarkably, she said her heart beat slowed, the perspiration stopped, and the feeling of impenetrable darkness was gone. His Handler continued to pet Larry as he coiled up on her stomach, and ever since then, Larry is always at her side when having a panic attack.
Larry soothes and comforts his Handler, causing the panic to evaporate like water, when he sits patiently on her stomach, wrapping gently around her arm, and flicking his tongue on her face while allowing her to pet him. Larry's Handler highly recommends a snake to anyone with panic disorder, however, research is required first, since snakes are exotic animals and require specialized housing, treatment and care. Snakes should never be bothered in any way before or after feeding time because they can sometimes get themselves into a feeding frenzy and may strike at anything that moves, including hands and fingers. "It's not their fault. It's just millions of years of instinct!" His Handler said and then went on to explain, "When snakes are about to shed, they shouldn't be handled. Most are grumpy during this time because they are very uncomfortable. Imagine having plastic wrap all over your body and not being able to get it off."
This Handler and her husband have six reptiles, five of which were rescued from terrible situations, according to both of them. Two reptiles are red-tailed Boas, one named "Slither" has Inclusion Body Disease, (IBD), a fatal snake disease, and the other has terminal cancer, but this Handler has high hopes for this snake following the removal of a tumor by his doctor. They have two Black Throat Monitors from Africa: Grover, the largest one, is six-feet long and weighs 60 pounds! And they also have a cute Ball Python who suffers from a chronic bacterial infection. Larry, the Handler's Service Animal is a Dumeril's Boa from Madagascar, Africa, and a very special snake. He also has a disability, suffering from a chronic and perhaps ultimately fatal, autoimmune deficiency disease. "Through all the shots and treatments, he has been so brave, never biting or hissing and never complaining (in a snake way)", his Handler proudly boasted. Larry has a custom designed terrarium decorated with hiding places and plants and specialized heat bulbs to keep him warm and his own security blanket. Larry has a dog bed which his Handler places on her bed; "He will curl up in his bed and watch television with me. We like Animal Planet, of course." She said.
Larry and the other amphibians or reptiles do not need to be registered where they reside. In other cities, snakes "may" have to be registered and potential owners should always check local and state laws and regulations, which do vary from place to place. Additionally, when you have a reptile, it is imperative to find an excellent, well-informed reptile veterinarian. An ordinary veterinarian will just not be able to provide the specialized care so necessary. In addition, snakes are 100-percent carnivorous and Boa Constrictors must be fed rats and/or mice in captivity.
Larry's Handler and her husband are members of the Bay Area Amphibian and Reptile Society, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of reptiles and amphibians. In this reptile group, the Bay Area Amphibian and Reptile Society (BAARS) provide reptile shows within the Bay Area of San Francisco. Generally, their shows are well received and for the owners of these six reptiles, they are most happy to provide education to persons about these beautiful, (and necessary to our ecosystem), animals.
T. Hook, Handler/Owner
