Good Night, Sweet Prince
Monday, September 24, 2007
If my reader recalls, I had a beautiful blue betta named Gustav. I'm very sad to report to the world that he died tonight.
I fed him Friday and he was happy. I went to Portland for the weekend (which I've done before) but got back Sunday evening and immediately went to feed him. However, he was listlessly hanging out at the bottom of the tank. "No big deal," I thought to myself. He doesn't always like to eat in the evenings, so I'd feed him Monday morning.
Monday morning came around, and he was still lethargic and now was listing slightly to one side. I started to worry because he still wouldn't eat. After I got home from class in the afternoon I went to check on him, and his condition had worsened. I went to Petsmart where, describing what I thought his symptoms were, I was told it was probably stress. I bought some supplies to change his water and make it really nice for him.
Two hours later he was dead.
I've never been a big "pet" person. I've never been good at maintaining things - like pets, or plants, or relationships. But I cared about Gustav and I tried to make sure I was taking care of him. His death saddens me.
I fed him Friday and he was happy. I went to Portland for the weekend (which I've done before) but got back Sunday evening and immediately went to feed him. However, he was listlessly hanging out at the bottom of the tank. "No big deal," I thought to myself. He doesn't always like to eat in the evenings, so I'd feed him Monday morning.
Monday morning came around, and he was still lethargic and now was listing slightly to one side. I started to worry because he still wouldn't eat. After I got home from class in the afternoon I went to check on him, and his condition had worsened. I went to Petsmart where, describing what I thought his symptoms were, I was told it was probably stress. I bought some supplies to change his water and make it really nice for him.
Two hours later he was dead.
I've never been a big "pet" person. I've never been good at maintaining things - like pets, or plants, or relationships. But I cared about Gustav and I tried to make sure I was taking care of him. His death saddens me.
posted by Burton at 11:16 PM
4 Comments:
I'm sorry to hear about Gustav. Our Chow is developing some grayness under his 'gullet' and we are beginning to get worried. One can get sort of attached to these betas, and Chow is our first family pet. You have my condolence.
I wanted to comment on the PetSmart's wizardly diagnosis of your fish's ailment. I don't know if anyone has ever seen a fish, alone, in a fish tank... but those fuckers ain't stressed. This brings to mind my officemate who's dog was recently diagnosed with depression and immediately placed on antidepressants.
Can I ask a question here... what the hell is wrong with everybody?
my mother in law's beta met a similar fate. after research on the intertubes i discovered that it's pretty common.
My dogs aren't depressed. they're just stupid.
For the love of God, people... I appreciate the sympathy, but it's spelled "Betta", not "Beta".
... and I appreciate the sympathy.
I am sorry to hear about Gustav. Oh and Petsmart is completely useless...want me to go rough them up some? :)
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