The silver lining.

I have a 3-4 yr. old Hognose snake in my office, also called a Spread-natter. Totally harmless but it can put on quite a show. They don't bite even when provoked, actually they play dead, but might make you hurt yourself. Folks find it a great curiosity. Toads are a bit scarce in the winter and I wanted to give it some feeding. The internet says they eat small birds, frogs, lizards, and rodents too.

SO I go buy a tan butted white mouse and try not to look at it or get attached, for the snake's dinner. In the most astonishing display of diplomacy I've ever seen in my life they made nice. NOW I have two pets in my office! Cripes!