Dennis and I got a pet today. I wanted a cat or dog but the lease won't allow it right now. Instead, a goldfish will suffice for now. Setting up a new fish tank always reminds me of my first official fish tank...a birthday gift from my grandparents I'll never forget.
When I turned 14, my grandpa asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I said a fish tank. Not really thinking that my wish would be honored I looked forward to other birthday presents. The week of my birthday, however, my grandpa picked me up and we went to Elmer's (I really miss that pet store!).
First, he told me to pick out a tank - a 10 gallon, which seemed huge to me then! Then we the accessories, a filter, heater, gravel, REAL plants, decorations, food, nets and water drops. My uncle had a lid and light waiting for me to use as well. Then the best part...the FISH!!
I got bright orange sword tails, neon tetras, zebra danios, angel fish and a sucker fish. I loved every minute of it. The trip to the pet store with my grandpa, setting up my new tank and then watching my fish and thinking of my grandpa every time.
The fish tank had to be emptied to my dismay when I went to college. My aunt took the goldfish that were in it at that time. I took it to Annapolis and filled it with more tropical fish. It was a great addition to my kitchen. Now, the fish tank resides at the Library and the kids absolutely LOVE it!
For my grandpa, I think it was a gift also meant to teach me responsibility and when most children and teens fail to uphold the responsibility of taking care of a pet, I think I passed with flying colors. I cleaned that tank like my life depended on it and I hope it made my grandpa proud that I learned a valuable lesson too.
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The fish hotel! I want this for my next fish tank!
I remember when the tank was in your kitchen in Annapolis! It was adorable!
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