To be really upset about a goldfish

[catgirl1976]

DS won a goldfish at a fair 6 years ago. (He was not with me - I do not approve of live animals being given as prizes but he came home clutching it)

I bought it a tank rather than the pitiful bowl it came with. And a top of the range filter, a snazzy air pump, some ornaments, gravel, plants, food and after a while some little friends (World's most expensive game of Hook a Duck ever IMO)

Over the last 6 years he thrived and was king of the tank and was about 8 inches long and actually had a personality (honestly). I fed him, cleaned him out and recently bought him an upgraded tank.

Anyway he got dropsy a week or so ago. I've been giving him epsom salt baths, antibiotics and peas but he was getting worse so this morning whilst DS was at school I euthanized him. Obviously I told DS he just went quietly to sleep and is in fishy heaven rather than that I murdered him with clove oil but I feel awful.

DS is upset of course but I am gutted. I never expected to bond with a fish. I know it's just a fish and far, far worse things happen but I keep thinking maybe another few salt baths or some more antibiotics and he would have pulled through :( AIBU to be stupidly upset by the demise of a fish? I actually just feel a bit fragile full stop at the moment so maybe it's everything else but I just want to go to bed and have a cry under the duvet

Aw, I know how you feel, I still mourn the loss of Ghostface Killah, the bestest goldfish I ever had ( a heron got him from the outside pond). You don't ever have to apologise for caring about living creatures.

we have had Wellington for about three years - he is a rescue person. he is a dear little soul and loves attention. we recently bought him two friends - Victoria and Albert and they copy what he does. big or small, all animals are God's creatures and deserve care.

YANBU and you sound lovely!
I’m sorry about your fish.

I used to keep giant snails. When the giantest of them all (i.e. full palm sized), named Gulliver, died, I wasn't 'upset' as such as I would be for a furry pet, but felt quite hollow and gutted at the loss of such a fascinating creature & had to rehome the rest (to a forever home at a charity that will take them on educational visits) as I didn't want to go through that again..!

Ah catgirl, that is sad and I can totally relate. My fish died last summer just a month before he would have turned 18 years! He was a grand ould lad. He was there with me through four house moves. I was in my 20s when I got him and in my 40s when he went to fish heaven. He survived several cat offensives. He used to nibble my finger sometimes! I still miss feeding him every morning and changing his water. Sending you hugs!

Thank you all for being so lovely - and so many tales of little creatures that have swum or crawled thier ray into our hearts ♥️

Three goldfish were bought for my children about 18 years ago. One of this original batch is still alive although he's more of a silvery white fish than gold now.He jumps to be fed and I think this partly explains why he's been around so long. I'm really fond of him and hope he's around for many more years.

YANBU. I have a gorgeous little hamster with a big personality, at 2 years old it’s unlikely she’ll be around too much longer (though she is still fit and healthy at the moment.) I dread the day we have to say goodbye - I love her dearly.

Dd had a goldfish when she was younger. She was named Mrs Croft after DD’s reception teacher.

Aww op, all living things deserve to be cared for the way you cared for your fish. It was reliant on you and you had a little bond with it. Not unreasonable at all to feel a little bit sad

I would be the same!

It's a shame that there aren't more people in the world like us. The world would be a lot better place for it.

RIP little fishy friend x

I'm so glad the fishy ended up with you as its owner. And your son of course
You sound like a really lovely owner, who gave your pet a good life and didn't want him to suffer at the end.