Every year I have the same discussion with at least one person: "What do you do with those animals when people come over?"

Thankfully my husband and I work odd hours. We usually do not entertain a whole lot, but when we do, they are folks who either like our dogs and reptiles or at least understand why we have them. My mother-in-law is still a bit nervous to hit the bathroom, usually asking if anything is in there before she enters. (She happened to pop over once just after I got in from Animal Control, and the wiggling bag in the sink bothered her.)

I am a reptile person, so yes, you may well find a frozen rodent in my fridge, along with a huge array of veggies. I have a chest freezer, but I do tend to keep some items upstairs for easy access. Much as in this discussion on our forums, it happens in my world. And my house is my world.

My house isnt teeming with snakes rolling around the floor, but even in the best of times, you will find proof they live there. The excess pillowcases on my couch, ready for a run to pick up the next rescue; feeders in my freezer; possibly a snake in quarantine in my bathroom. But I go so far as allowing my dogs on the couch as well! My cat, well, he eats on the kitchen table because it is one place I can make sure he, and not the dogs, gets his food.

So each year, when the discussion arises, I proclaim proudly, "My house is that of a proud animal owner. If folks don't like animals, they really wouldn't like my house." How do holidays go for other herp keepers?