"A REAL Fish Story"

by Audrey Rollins


I am so happy to have the opportunity to tell you about the pet fish I had when I was 12. Being one of four children, we always had to share any pets we had. So, I knew if I wanted my own pet, it would be my responsibility to feed and care for whatever I got. Since I got a small weekly allowance, I could afford to feed something, as long as it didn't eat much. I, also, needed to make it as unappealing as possible to my brother and two sisters, so what should I get?


A friend, Paul, said he had to find a home for his fish, since he and his family were moving out of town. I was instantly intrigued, and I offered to take his pet fish. That is when Popeye came into my life.


He was no ordinary pet fish, like a goldfish or a guppy. Oh, no...he was a catfish. Yes, a five pound catfish. As I pointed out to my parents, while trying to convince them to let me keep him, Popeye wouldn't need a litter box or have to be taken to the vet for shots or even need a leash or a collar; and, furthermore, he wouldn't shed, nor would he scratch the furniture. And, he would come with his own living quarters, a 10-gallon tank. Popeye was to be a pet, MY pet. As a matter of fact, he would be the only pet I've ever had.


Paul told me that he had been training Popeye to survive out of water. By the time I got him, he could actually stay out of water for three hours. I was amazed. Paul explained how to care for my new pet and how to train him. My friend had tears in his eyes, when he said "farewell" to Popeye. And, if I didn't know better, I could have sworn there were tears in the fish's eyes, as well.


I had been fairly successful teaching several dogs a few tricks over the last few years...but a fish? It would be a challenge, but I was willing to give it a try. When I first got Popeye, I would tap on the side of his tank, when I came into the room, to let him know I was home and to say "Hi". After a few weeks, Popeye would come to the surface to return my greeting, and he was smiling each time, the corners of his mouth turning up. (A catfish normally looks like it's always frowning.)


The first few times I took him out of the tank, Popeye would gasp for air, which always made me nervous. But, when I saw him inhaling, as well as exhaling, I would breath easier. After a few weeks, I became more accustomed to my new pet. I learned of his ability to sit upright and flop his way across the ground. It was a really neat sight. My beloved pet brought so much joy to me.


Popeye and I would take daily walks around the neighborhood. People were always stopping, staring and smiling at my "little darling". I loved my pet so much.


By now, I was on summer vacation. Popeye was out of the water ten hours a day, and now I would have more time to spend with him, to increase his time out of water. I had lowered the level of water in his tank, as well as supplied him with a platform to jump on, if he wanted to act "human" for a while. Popeye was spending much of his time on the platform, waiting for me to take him out for a "walk".


Soon, he was totally out of water almost 24 hours a day. Popeye always had a smile on his little face. He had gotten so muscular and trim from our walks. We were always the center of attention, which was great. He was not pretty...but he was mine.


School was going to begin again in two days, so we went on a "farewell-to-summer" walk. I wanted to make it a very special day, so I decided we'd go across the little, wooden bridge, over the stream, for a picnic under a big, old oak tree.


As I walked across the creaking bridge, I could hear Popeye flopping behind me. Then, suddenly, it stopped. I quickly turned to see my darling pet, balanced precariously on the edge of the bridge. He was struggling to hang on, while I tried to grab him. But, I just couldn't grasp his body.


Popeye slipped into the water...and...and...he...drowned.

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