Snakes only make good 'pets' only if you know what you are doing.(i think they are more 'specimens' than 'pets' since you really can't interact with them) Sadly though most people buying that lil' Burmese python have no idea one day it shall be 20 feet in length.
20 feet is much longer (and bigger) than a 4 foot child, or even the 6 foot parent.
Here is a picture of a 20 foot Burmese python. Enjoy:
Wait a minute....let me take something back. I said the dog would be easier to hug. Nah, the snake would be much easier to hug ....it even specializes in hugs that could make a bear squeel for its mama.
I hear they are pretty good a french kissing too with that flickering tongue and all.