Beloved Tarzan

[Cecca]

Well, just when I thought my Tarzan was going to suffer for another week, he died. I hate dropsy. The poor guy was only six months with us, and we were so fastidious about giving him the best home ever. Last week I noticed him slowing down and puffing up, and the meds seemed to have no effect.

When I sat down to dinner tonight I saw him leave the top and take a tiny swim. While cleaning up the dishes I looked over and he was just hanging there, head at the top, body straight down. Thank God his suffering is over.

It's amazing how much these little guys grow on you. I know I'll keep looking over for his bowl, thinking I'll see him wriggle toward me just like a happy little dog in a fish suit.

My first Betta, and I'm not sure I could go through it again. Only two weeks ago he was swimming healthily around. We loved you Tarzan. May you now be in the arms of mercy.

The Bair Family

[abm]

Cecca,
I'm so sorry for your loss You're so right, these little guys have such personality, they become part of your life before you even realize it.
I know you're hurting right now, and I would never tell you what to do - but personally I feel that avoiding having another betta because you fear the pain of losing him would prevent you from the joys of his companionship. Death is a part of life, and you seem to understand what's needed to provide a betta with a good and healthy home - I hope you'll risk it and give another betta a good home sometime

[Cecca]

Thanks abm, for your kind words. I see you have experienced losses of your own very recently, and I appreciate your taking the time to reach out to your compatriots in sadness. Your wisdom is apparent, and I think in time I will not be able to resist having another go at Betta care.

For now I'll just think about my little red guy. The number of fish you've had and your stamina to get through the good and the bad is inspiring!

Peace to those we have lost, and good health to the living!
Cecca

[abm]

Hi cecca,

It's not hard to feel compassion when you've "been there" Part of the problem is that, even with good health, good luck and good water quality, these little friends only live about 3 years anyway. So the moment you adopt one, you're reconciling yourself to the eventual loss. The first betta I had, Harold, went through a lingering illness and at that time I didn't even know you could medicate fish (I know, I was so ignorant and it took me a long time to forgive myself). Then, as you've seen, recently I've lost several guys very suddenly - the lingering illness is harder on both of us, I think - although it's so confusing when they're fine one day and dead the next and you have no clue what happened.

I didn't mean to imply that you should rush out and re-fill that tank immediately Just that when you are ready, it sounds like you're a good betta parent and I hope you'll give another little guy a good home

I like your closing sentiment - 'Peace to those we have lost, and good health to the living' - very nice thought

~abm

[accountingchick]

Cecca,

I am so sorry for your loss. Those little guys become members of our family. I lost my first betta who was a female thirteen years ago, and I have not been able to get another female betta since. It is just to tough. Take care and I am sure that you will get another betta to join your betta family when you are ready.