buying a ball python

Question
Hello i just bought a ball python from a lady up in salt lake city ut, and he is 4 years old come december, i also have a great fear over snakes, because i was bitten when i was a child from a rattlesnake in California, i am getting the snake with everything included for $300. this includes a 40 gallon long tank, 2 heat lamps, hot rock, and everything else, the BP was raised around children so would it be good for me to get this snake or start with a different one.  Also it has never balled up on the previos owners or snapped at them, and she is a vet. She also said that it wont it frozen or thawed rats he only it medium live rats and she feeds him once a month, she said he about 4ft 8 in, and about as big around as a soda can, is this normal? Also i live in a apartment and my neibor loves snakes but his wife wont let him have one, se he said he'd help me get past my fear. I also own a female boxer, are snakes good with dogs or should i keep her outside when i handle the snake?

Anything would be greatly apprectiated.
Thank you

Answer
All sounds good except the hot rock.  Hot rocks are evil!  Replace that with an undertank heating pad designed for reptiles.  You're paying a PREMIUM price for everything so make sure you get a guarantee w/ the animal.  As to the dog, it all depends on how much interest your dog shows in the snake, the snake won't bother the dog unless the dog bothers the snake.