I had been meaning to do a post about the new house next, but this weekend we lost our little buddy Duke and I just didn't have it in me, yes...Duke was a goldfish! We adopted him four years ago from a little boy in the neighborhood who was ready to "let him go", and he endeared himself to us very quickly. Since we had *babysat* him several times, we knew he was a cool fish... but never in a million years did we expect to become so attached to him and to have him become a part of our lives in such a meaningful way.
Believe it or not...Duke had the personality of a puppy! He'd get so excited to see you that he'd shake and wag his tail, race up to the surface of the water and stare at you, wiggling all the time hoping you had a treat for him, his favorite being his nightly pea...yes pea. I learned that fish love fresh veggies & fruits and Duke's favorite was peas. Every night before bed I'd shell a pea and feed it to him, breaking it into little bits and dropping them into the water. He'd wait for me with his little face sticking almost out of the water in anticipation and then chase after the pea bits as I dropped them in one by one. And if by chance, I ever forgot that it was pea time, he would pick up rocks with his mouth, spit them at the side of bowl and patiently wait for me to realize that it was time for his nightly treat. It was the only time he ever did this. As funny as it seems, these nightly pea feedings were a bonding time where we truly interacted with each other...last night, for the first time in four years, there was no pea time.
I'll miss him waiting for me to come down the stairs every morning, looking up expectantly because he knew it was time for breakfast (he loved his food) and most of all, I'll just miss his company...he was always right in the heart of everything and everyone loved him, a true part of the family.
These last four years have been the most challenging of our lives and Duke brought a silly & delightful joy to our hearts that we are most thankful for. He was a special little blessing, so sweet...and we'll miss him very much!
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20 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about sweet little Duke. Pets are true members of our families and the routine we share with them is something I think we receive great warmth from. Hugs for you at this sad time. XO Trina
Thank you Trina...You are so right about the routines we share with them, I never thought I'd miss him and them so much. xxoo Jessica
pets are wonderful, aren't they?...they give us the chance to love and to be loved...sounds like Duke was a sweetie....I know you will miss him...
Perfect Gray~ yes they are, yes he was, and yes I will! xo
Sorry to hear about your little guy! Virtual hugs your way friend! :)
How sad. I am so sorry for your loss of your little friend, Duke who kept you company and made your day.
Jessie, I am so sorry that you lost Duke.
But rememberr one thing, Paul and you gave him a wonderful life.
sooo sorry to hear this news... i had a black fish when i was a little girl.. his name was "blackie".. when he died i was sooo sad. they are wonderful little bits of happiness... i hope God sends another gift your way very soon... xx pam
Ivy and Liz...thank you. xxoo
Gitzi...we spoiled him rotten (well, as much as you can spoil a goldfish)! ;)
And Pam...it's amazing how they can endear themselves to you isn't it, they *are* little bits of happiness and I love that you named yours "blackie", so cute. xo
I'm so sorry about the loss of your sweet little guy. It is hard to loose a pet friend. They are so lovely, and make us smile each time we see them. I hope you know that he had a wonderful happy life with you! xo Lidy
Thank you Lidy, I hope he was as happy as a fish could be! xxoo
Jessie,
I love you, and am so sorry for your loss. I loved Duke too and I know that the boys and I miss him! We miss you, lets get together so we can give you a big hug!
Thanks Em...I love that idea (and you)...lets put a hug-fest on the calendar! ♥
I'm sorry about your loss, sweetpea. Duke was a beauty. We have fish in our family too, and we feel your pain. I love that photo of him...You should frame it and hang it on your wall.
Hugs,
D
xoxo
I just stumbled upon your blog and I think this is just the sweetest post, but also very sad....I'm sorry about your loss.
Rambles with Reese
How nice of you Reese, thank you...xo Jessica
I just found your blog , I am charmed by everything I have read so far and I had to stop here, at this sad news of the loss of Duke.
Whatever size and shape our little pets come in, they mean something to us, they are important to us and I totally understand your sadness.
Duke was a well loved little fish and it was my pleasure to read about him.
aBroad~ I appreciate your very sweet comment...thank you, and thank you also for the follow.
We really miss that little guy and wish he was with us in the new house. xx J~
Jessica, Sierra and I are so sad to hear your news about Duke. I feel badly that the last four weeks have been so busy for us that we didn't know sooner. He was a sweet little guy whom we enjoyed knowing. "Pea Time" will always be remembered. . . .
Alicia
Alicia & Sierra...I'm sorry you didn't know sooner too, thanks for caring so much about him and for asking about him!!! xxoo Jess
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