George and Ben

Well they have survived for 11 days so I fell confident to write about them,

George, orange tail, and Ben, silver tail, are 2 Japanese Guppies who have stolen daughter's heart. As daughter is now seven years old, and dying for a pet, we decided to let her invest some of her birthday cash in the acquisition of 2 fish. Fish were chosen because of their, relative, ease of care plus the fact that they have short life spans and do not leave hair around the house.

On Saturday March 11th wife and daughter set out, after skating lessons, for the pet shop and purchased - bowl, rocks, food, net, cleaner, a lovely plastic sea plant and ............ George and Ben ($38 all in). Do not ask "Why George and Ben?" because I have and there is no logical response.

Around 2 pm on said Saturday daughter dashes into the house with a plastic bag containing her new pride and joy. Soon, happily ensconced in their new world, George and Ben are demonstrating - at least to daughter - their talents. Daughter assures me that "they already know their names" and will perform such tricks as "George, swim around the bowl" at her command.

Neighbours are summoned to view the glory of G & B while phone calls to dignitaries are sent off to announce the blessed event. The date of acquisition - "My fisshies birthday" is marked on the calendar (so that we can celebrate next year), and the chosen ones are moved from room to room in the house before finally settling in daughter's bedroom. The first night daughter has trouble sleeping but things are gradually returning to normal - in fact when I asked her this morning if George and Ben had been fed I got "Nah - why don't you feed them Daddy" - ah the joys of parenthood.

C'mon Ben - swim this way.