I used to be terrified of snakes as well....to the point of being phobic. Someone was patient with me while I learned about them and very slowly got used to handling them. Having one thrown ioyour face is awful, so I get it. However, there's no chance that he could harm a child. First, he's too small. Second, he can't figure out the lock. But regardless, she signed the contract. I just think it's crappy to keep someone on hold "just in case". So far as being in synch with my methods and procedures....we had talked at length about all that, AND it was in the contract. She was fully aware. I'll look into my options and decide whether or not to do anything about it. I've read about others selling it to collection agency so will look into that if she doesn't want to honour the contract. Really, I just don't think she took the contract seriously.

And yes, I'm just as happy not to have him here. I have a really nice group of children. This little guy was right out of control. I was completely astounded by his behaviour....very, very aggressive. Her reaction was, on the same token, very aggressive.