Sallie & Conrad

After the traumatic start to yesterday we thought that we would end the day on a positive note and finally purchase the kids a pet. They have been pushing for a dog, but I know when the upcoming move this is not feasible. I need something low maintenance. I recall that M had a fish in NC (until Dave accidentally tossed him in the garbage disposal while cleaning the tank), and thought this was very low maintenance and she loved it. So, off to Pet Smart I go.

I was schooled by a 17 yr old employee upon entrance who clearly took her job very serious. I explained what I was looking for, and also that I needed 2 fish. I knew coming home with 1 was not an option. So, she points me in the direction of the Beta and informs me that two females can live together in the same tank. I know with the fish in NC, the tank was somewhat small, but she insisted I purchase the larger tank since I am placing 2 together. Who was I to argue?!? I had no idea what I was doing.

I get them home, the names are determined. All is well. Fast forward to an hour ago. I guess that really isn't fast forwarding more like rewinding since I am not writing this, but whatever...an hour ago Dave states you should check this out. I walk over and low and behold Sallie and Conrad are both face down in the rocks. I am trying to not look to panicked but know this is going to be a bad moment as the kids have looked at these fish all day long. Sure enough, after practically shaking the tank like a snow globe it is determined they are dead.

Lucky for us, in the tank yesterday we placed one of those make believe figures that looks like a shark for them to play around. So, when we broke the news M immediately said she was going to say a prayer and chanted off a Hail Mary (thank you Catholic schooling...I have no idea if a Hail Mary is something that is said over a death or not, but none the less I am impressed she knew the prayer because I definitely do not), B on the other hand his lip starts to quiver and I see the crocodile tears. I am just waiting for him to tell us we killed Sallie, but instead he yells at the shark in the tank because he thinks the shark ate her. YAY shark! Thanks for taking one for the team.

So, we head to the toilet, M says enjoy your time in fish heaven, and B states he is flushing the shark next. We hit the lever on the toilet and Sallie and Conrad have met their maker. Of course a few minutes later when B has to use the bathroom he runs upstairs because he now is convinced they could come and bite his butt from this toilet. Hopefully this will soon pass.

Tomorrow we are off to try this again. Maybe I will end up with two separate tanks, or completely different fish. Whatever the case, we have to keep the shark around to prevent us from looking bad.