snakes are super fascinating. my son has had his ball python since he was 12. she's blind now, and cranky, but as they say, you can't put a good snake down! seriously, their respiration is so slow the medication does not work to euthanize them. at 27 yrs old we're just hoping she wakes up dead one morning. she continues to eat and drink, but does not make merry, which is just fine with a predatory animal. cleo has been to scores of class rooms and book readings and has always behaved herself (except for the time she crawled down the back of my dress. that's why you don't let go of the tail.) she was a very mellow and sweet pet for many years.