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Mr. Fish spent his summer vacations in the horse trough, swimming freely among the random bits of detrius contributed to the environment by the horses, enjoying the dancing sunlight, and even learning to avoid the occasional predator (to the view of Mr. Fish. It was usually just an overcurious equine nose). Mr. Fish would return from his hideaway to find a sparkling clean house, with his furniture cleaned and redecorated. This continued right up until circumstance dictated I depart, leaving Mr. Fish in the care of others. To this day, Mr. Fish swims happily on, sharing his home with African Water Frogs, strange roommates, to be sure, but no less than par for the course for a fish with so busy a life as that of Mr. Fish.
The second story features neither so happy a beginning nor end, but is important all the same. It is the story of Rupert. Rupert was found, left to die, in a bathroom sink in a public restroom. He was quickly placed in a cup of water, and made a strong recovery. Much to the delight of my coworkers, Rupert survived the day in the breakroom, taking visitors in his donated plastic bowl. His accomodations were soon upgraded, and Rupert lived a lush life, with plants, stones and other such ammenties of the fish. Sadly, the trauma of Rupert's beginning spelled his end. He (and I) battled numerous ailments, with Rupert showing himself to be possessed of incredible valor and determination. Sadly, it was not enough. Scarcely four weeks after his escape from death in a bathroom sink, Rupert feel victim to the last, and strongest, of his maladies. This serves as a cautionary tale. Goldfish deserve better than to be dumped, and left to die slow and painful deaths. He may have been small, his life brief, but the impact of Rupert, through National Goldfish Awareness Week, will run deep.
"National Goldfish Awareness Week has changed my life in many profound ways. First and foremost, it has re-awakened my childhood passion for the downtrodden species of the goldfish. As we grow older, the noble goldfish can lose that majestic aura of wonderment that I think every one of us sensed the first time we saw it bobbing peacefully in a petstore, friends house, or for a fortunate few in our own home. I know that National Goldfish Awareness Week, as it grows into its own, will do the same for countless others. Thank you goldfish, and thank you National Goldfish Awareness Week."
NGAW