DOG AND SNAKE SHARES ADORABLE SNUGGLES <br />WITH PIX AND VID<br />By Shuk Yee Tsang<br />A golden retriever and a ball python have become the unlikeliest of best friends and can't get enough of each others cuddles<br />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.<br />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.<br />Poppy, a baby python, loves snuggling against Lilah’s warmth while the laid-back golden retriever treats her as a little sister. <br />Lauren often shares videos of their naps and gentle interactions on where fans have fallen in love with the duo.<br />Lauren hopes their friendship helps others see snakes differently. <br />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!’<br />“Their first meeting was so sweet.<br /> “Lilah had never seen a snake before and was just curious. <br />A few weeks later, they started cuddling together, now they nap side by side all the time.<br />"Lilah is so gentle with Poppy. She’s careful not to step on her or roll over her. It’s adorable to watch.<br />“People are obsessed with them. <br />“Even those who don’t like snakes say they’ve changed their minds after seeing Poppy and Lilah together.<br />“They’re misunderstood. Snakes can be sweet and calm, I just want to show that.<br />“ Lots of people have asked me, "How did you know they would be so good together?"<br />" I ALWAYS tell them if you even have the slightest idea that something could go wrong it is best to just keep them separated.<br />" 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<br />"I kind of think Lilah acts like a true big sister to Poppy! <br />"She does seem to be Protective over her"<br />"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. <br />“ The way they interact with each other will always sort-of surprise me<br />" I, like everyone else, never imagined a snake and a golden retriever could be such good friends/sisters…but here we are! “<br />END
