Have you ever had to Clean an Aquarium?
Since I got married, 34 years ago, I’ve never acquired my own pet. They’ve all been thrust upon me. Everything from three dogs, five birds of prey, two lizards, two fish and two aquatic snails, and fifteen pigeons. All I’ve ever wanted was my own creature - not their zoo. I know that being part of a family means compromise and sacrifice, but have you ever had to clean an aquarium after a mystery snail has died? Not for the faint of heart or those with a keen sense of smell.
I have grown to love - maybe too strong a word - each and every creature that comes under the umbrella of home. I cried when the pigeon coop got wiped out by a mink. Was morose when the guppy that came to the edge of the tank every time I stopped by was floating on the surface. Had sleepless nights when Skeeter the Wonder Dog got old and lame and had to take that final trip to the vet’s office.
Maybe having creatures thrust upon me is my fate, after all, I could come home with a hedgehog or a kitten or a tortoise. But something stops me from doing this. Perhaps it’s knowing that when I leave for my next trip I won’t be leaving something behind that has to be fed, watered, and loved only by me.
After reading this, I'm glad I'll never have to clean out an aquarium where something has died.
Our worst animal experience beyond the death's of dogs which is terrible was losing the box turtle "Rock Splash" that had the liberty of wandering around the apartment. He went missing for years until we were packing up to move and we found his carcass where the bed had been. I don't know how he got under there but it seems he could never get out. I felt like a negligent parent and even sad.
No matter what kind of pet it is, there's always some level of care and attention even at the end.
Perfect!