Dude 2008-2008

Our first family pet, Dude the betta fish, has sadly passed away. He was a Valentine's Day present for Eva and the first fish that I had ever had as a pet. I had intended to keep him in a vase but after I brought the fish home, I made the mistake of googling how to take care of a betta fish. Apparently, these fish are not really happy in small containers! I was so upset as my old roommate kept one in a vase on the coffee table for more than a year while I just stood by and did nothing! That poor, unhappy fish! I explain this to Jared who, fortunately, thinks my over-sensitivity is cute and took me to Pet Smart to get a 3 gallon aquarium and random accessories for Dude. I also make several trips to our local pet store with inquiries about how to make Dude thrive.

Unfortunately, I recently had to go to this same pet store to get antibiotics in an attempt to cure the "Dropsy" my fish was suffering from. I made a comment to the 18 year-old girl at the register that she probably thought I was silly for spending more $ on medicine than it would be to just buy a new fish. She responded with "Oh, don't worry, you're fine, we have this Crazy Betta Lady who comes in here, at least you're not her." "Crazy Betta Lady," I said "What does she do that's so crazy?" The girl then tells me this woman comes in here with tons of questions about her betta fish and takes "over care" of it. "How many bettas does this lady have???" I quickly ask. "Just one" She answers. It then occurs to both of us that the "Crazy Betta Lady" is in fact ME! I'm taken aback that these pet store employees are talking about my love for my fish while I"m not around. She quickly finishes ringing me up and says not another word. Jared of course dies laughing when I tell him that total strangers, who are fish professionals, agree with him that our fish does not need to live in the Four Seasons. To add insult to injury, Dude probably developed Dropsy because I over fed him. I feel terrible. I didn't want Jared to flush him so we buried him in the flower garden.

So, here's to you, Dude! I hope you're in a better place... although fish heaven would have to be pretty awesome to beat your aquarium!

Sara