DOG AND SNAKE SHARES ADORABLE SNUGGLES
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
A golden retriever and a ball python have become the unlikeliest of best friends and can't get enough of each others cuddles
Marketing director Lauren Alyse Smith, 25, from Georgia, USA, captured the heartwarming friendship between her six-year-old golden retriever Lilah and three-month-old ball python Poppy at her home.
Lauren said she’s had Lilah since college and added Poppy to the family two months ago after developing an interest in snakes through friends.
Poppy, a baby python, loves snuggling against Lilah’s warmth while the laid-back golden retriever treats her as a little sister.
Lauren often shares videos of their naps and gentle interactions on where fans have fallen in love with the duo.
Lauren hopes their friendship helps others see snakes differently.
This is what Lauren had to say about her favourite: “When Lilah tucked Poppy in to keep her warm and gave me the side-eye, like she was saying, ‘This is MY baby!’
“Their first meeting was so sweet.
“Lilah had never seen a snake before and was just curious.
A few weeks later, they started cuddling together, now they nap side by side all the time.
"Lilah is so gentle with Poppy. She’s careful not to step on her or roll over her. It’s adorable to watch.
“People are obsessed with them.
“Even those who don’t like snakes say they’ve changed their minds after seeing Poppy and Lilah together.
“They’re misunderstood. Snakes can be sweet and calm, I just want to show that.
“ Lots of people have asked me, "How did you know they would be so good together?"
" I ALWAYS tell them if you even have the slightest idea that something could go wrong it is best to just keep them separated.
" I’ve had Lilah for 6 years and I know how she behaves and reacts to things like the back of my hand. So I felt 100% safe
"I kind of think Lilah acts like a true big sister to Poppy!
"She does seem to be Protective over her"
"She’s always looking out and being gentle to make sure she doesn’t step on her or squish her or lay her arm over her too heavily.
“ The way they interact with each other will always sort-of surprise me
" I, like everyone else, never imagined a snake and a golden retriever could be such good friends/sisters…but here we are! “
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