Hello Brandon,
Firstly, the particular animal in question was never sold to you as a captive bred animal. I could be wrong, but I am not aware of anyone who has ever bred this species in captivity, anywhere(?).
When speaking about what snake would best fit what you were looking for - you said that it HAD to be green in color and would make a good display animal - I went over a few different species with you that we had on display and explained that
we only carry captive bred animals and didn't work with Red Tail Green Rats, but could certainly special order one for you. I can only imagine that THIS is where the misunderstanding happened. We went over many snake species (Green Tree Pythons, Emerald Tree Boas, Baron's Green Racors, etc.), but you were dead set on a Red Tail Green Rat Snake.
If you remember, I actually tried to steer you away (more than once) from a Red Tail Green Rat Snake, telling you that they don't do well in captivity, which is why we don't work with them. I will admit that I did not say that they were wild caught, but I also did NOT say that they were captive bred. Unfortunately, you assumed this from our above mentioned conversation. I honestly figured that you knew a lot more about this particular species from how dead set you were on having one. I figured you had at least done your research on them (my mistake, and yours).
Nonetheless, I apologized for the misunderstanding when you came in with the snake wanting a refund, and I gladly offered you a full refund. Unfortunately, you wanted both, a refund AND the snake. When I tried to explain that refunds didn't work that way, you threatened to tarnish my name on Fauna. I said that was fine, because I know the members here understand the way refunds work.
I understand your frustration, Brandon. You thought you were getting a captive bred animal and you now have an animal with blisters. Working with wild caught animals can be very frustrating at times, which is why we don't really mess with them.
When you first came in to pick up the snake for the first time, the very first thing that I said and pointed out to you was the TWO (it was not covered in blisters) small bumps on its back by the tail. I said that I wasn't expecting to see bumps but they may go away after a shed and to keep us posted. If you would've refused the snake then I would've completely understood, but you did not once show any type of concern.
Now, back to when you brought the snake in demanding a refund - I want to make sure I cover all of your statements - you felt that I showed no compassion because I mentioned the possibility of euthanization; that's understandable. However, I feel that you misunderstood me. During me trying to explain how refunds worked, you said, "well, what are you going to do with him if I give him back?" I said, either send him back or ultimately euthanize him if he does not respond to treatment. Yes, I was blunt. And perhaps I should have shown more empathy (I apologize for that). But you have to realize that you had just threatened me at that point. I simply wanted to make it clear that you are entitled to a full refund, but that the snake would need to be turned over back into our care. There was no point in arguing and I just wanted a decision to be made; refund or not. It's very difficult to show empathy to someone who is threatening you because they're not getting their way.
Again, I apologize for what you've been through. It is always unfortunate when there is a misunderstanding. Your statements here are not 100% accurate, however, I am still willing to provide you with a 100% refund. So long as you're willing to return the animal.
At this point, I don't know what else I can do for you. I wish you and your snake the best, whichever decision you make.
Robert Coral
The Serpentarium
www.SnakeMuseum.com