Beloved python, Venus, survives tornado and finds new home with Vicksburg teacher

Kathy Lee Barlow found herself to be among the many victims of the Rolling Fork tornado on Friday. Luckily, she and her family escaped harm, along with their beloved python, Venus.

Baby Venus arrives at the clinic

(Photo submitted)

It’s not uncommon for people to form strong bonds with their pets, whether they have dogs, cats or even snakes. Kathy Lee Barlow, a former office manager at an animal clinic in Rolling Fork, experienced this first-hand when she met Venus, a ball python that came into the clinic back in 2011 or 2012.

“I freaked out and said ‘Oh my God I want it’,” said Barlow, speaking on when she first saw Venus.

Barlow was instantly drawn to Venus. She knew she wanted the snake, and over time, she and Venus developed a bond at the clinic.

“We just had a really special bond. She recognized me any time I walked by her enclosure and I eventually moved her to my house.”

Eventually, Barlow was able to bring Venus home and make her a part of the family. While some may find it unusual to keep a snake as a pet, Barlow says that Venus has been a wonderful companion.

A horrific event

When the Rolling Fork tornado hit on Friday, Barlow and her family were hunkered down in a hallway in the middle of their home, hoping to ride out the storm safely. Venus was in her enclosure in the living room, a converted aquarium on a rolling cabinet.

“It was in my living room by the front window,” began Barlow. “It was on a cabinet rollers and it was moved off the wall it was on and pushed across the room.”

Venus’s enclosure (Photo submitted)

Despite all the debris flying around, the enclosure remained unharmed.

“None of the glass was broke, so she was fine,” said Barlow. However, “Our house looked like a bomb went off in every room.”

Her house, despite suffering severe damage, is still standing.

“Thankfully the front part of it is okay enough we can come in and salvage things,” said Barlow

Re-homing Venus

After suffering so much damage, Barlow knew she would have to focus on rebuilding and decided to seek out a loving home for Venus.

“It took me two days to find somebody that could take her,” said Barlow. “My husband’s cousin from Vicksburg, Dru Newman Holdiness, and her husband, Mark were at our house in Rolling Fork helping us salvage things and pack those things.”

It was then that Venus found her next home with River City Early College High School teacher, Kelda Bailess and her children Chloe and Wesley.

“Dru knew Kelda Bailess was in town helping somewhere. Kelda already had an enclosure at her school but had never gotten a snake, so she was excited to get Venus,” said Barlo.

Chloe and Venus (Photo submitted)

Venus was soon picked up by Bailess and her daughter, Chloe.

“I had my tearful goodbye with Venus and they headed back to Vicksburg with Venus cuddling in Chloe’s lap. They will be getting Venus’ glass enclosure that survived the tornado & protected her. Venus stayed in her yellow cave the whole time,” said Barlow.

Though Venus has a new home, Barlow still plans on visiting.

“Since she is going to someone who is a teacher and will have her at school part of the time and home part of the time, I’m just going to visit,” said Barlow. “I think she is going to get a lot more attention.”