I got Bubbles for my birthday in 2009 during grad school from the (now) husband as a surprise gift for the big two-five. He has since moved from Auburn to Bham back to Auburn to two different places in Mobile and finally two different places in Bham. Let’s just say he was a well traveled little fishy. He was actually my very first pet that was all mine. Growing up, we had the most mischievous little tabby, Rocket, and as much as I loved him, he was still my brother’s cat. So bubbles was my first little one to care for, and then soon after, I brought home my very own little kitten, my precious calico munchkin, Samantha (who will be getting her very own post quite soon!).
Well, after almost 5 years with us, Bubbles turned into an old man fishy, laying on the top of his pillar, and generally doing all things slower than usual. After a few weeks of lethargic swimming, Bubbles finally let go. It’s funny how you can have such an attachment to such a tiny little fish that, honestly, you can’t interact with much. But even Sam knew something was wrong when her favorite little friend was no longer as entertaining to watch during the day as he used to be. Sam had made it her pastime to sit near bubbles’ tank and follow his bright blue fins as he spent the day just swimming around, enjoying his little life, and showing off for his furry companion.
Sam never tried to attack Bubbles per se (that we know of) but she always tried to drink the water out of his tank, so we had to create a makeshift top out of an old strainer to keep him protected from munchkin’s curious little paws and her affinity for thirst. Since saying goodbye to Bubbles, we have welcomed a new little fishy into his tank, appropriately named Bubbles Junior, and we can’t wait to enjoy his swimming for many years to come!
Animals have been such a huge part of the husband and I’s relationship, and it’s fun to see how we have evolved over the years between two fish, two cats, and coming this summer a puppy (eek!)! We lost Kaitlyn a mere 3 days after we got her, and we were devastated watching her take her final breath, and Bubbles was equally as sad to say goodbye to for both us and Samantha who has now watched two “siblings” go away and never return. Loosing both of these precious animals has taught me that unconditional love is not measured with the terms more or less, but simply just different. And that having pets is such an integral part to building a family, caring for God’s creation, and such a loved filled and rewarding experience.
Do you have any pets? I would love to meet your furry family!
