A fish story

This is Satchmo. I've had him for 5 1/2 years now, and he's grown quite large. His wife Ella was a much larger Ryukin Fancy goldfish and very beautiful. I bought Satch and Ella together and they soon shared their home with Billie and Pearl too. After a few years, the other ladies succomed to the same fate that goldfish often do - an untimely death - but Satch and Ella remained a couple. Late last year, Ella began to get sick and I could not find a cure. She kept a happy face and bravely fought her illness, but was eventually so weakened by her condition that this Spring I had to put her to sleep.

It was difficult to say goodbye to this beautiful fish, but I knew that she was suffering. Now, I know that some of you reading this may think this is silly, and that fish are dumb. But I'm telling you that I had a relationship with these fish! I spent long late hours of insomnia watching them peacefully swim about, or sleep at the bottom of the aquarium (yes, fish do sleep.) My fish, especially these two, responded to me and usually swam to the glass when they saw me. I bought them so I could relax and watch them in the wee hours of the morning when I was up with my new babe, Noah. We've been through alot together. So I was sad to see how sad Satch had become after he lost Ella. He really let himself and his aquarium go.

So, I decided that Satchmo needed a companion, someone who could help to keep the place clean. And while no one could ever take Ella's place, I thought that a pet might help . . .you know, give him something to get up for in the morning. Taking care of something might help him think less of his loss.

Noah picked out this Plecostomus (Suckermouth Catfish) . . .we just hoped that Satch would not be allergic. He's had snails before, but never a Pleco.

Here, Satch appeared to approve of the newcomer. He's already percked up a little and though he keeps his distance for now, he doesn't seem to mind the company. I know you're all going to be concerned as to how this will work out, so I'll keep you updated.