This'll be fairly short. I just wanted to pay tribute to my Betta fish, Gimli, who passed away last night.

I'd had him for about a year and a half and he was the best little fish a girl could hope for. He was very handsome; a lovely combination of purple, silver and red with lovely, delicate fins. He was a gentleman; he always ate his food pellets one at a time and when i had to change the water in his tank he swam right into the net so i didn't have to chase him around. He was a graceful swimmer and he loved playing hide-n-seek in his little barrels covered with coral and shells......

Although Bettas are known for their aggression, he never, ever flared his gills at me (can't say the same for my female Betta, Hermione..... she's the complete flip side of Gimli....) and he never expressed any hostility toward any of my friends or family members. They all loved him.....

When I adopted Gimli from Petco I did so because he was handicapped. Gimli was just a tiny baby, but he had a very badly curved spine. When I looked at him from above, he was shaped like an "s." Seeing that, I was afraid that the store employess might decide to just flush him.... after all, who would want a handicapped fish? Well, I couldn't have that so I took him home. He had a hard time swimming at first and I wasn't sure he'd last long. At least he'd have a nice home and some good food before he went, I told myself.

Over time, Gimli's back straightened out somewhat... as I said he was a graceful swimmer.

I nursed him through a few fishy ailments, but he always bounced back... until the last few days or so when he lost his appetite. I just couldn't get him to eat.... I tried various treatments, but there was nothing that could help him, this time. All I could do was be there for him, and i was with him when his time came....

Gimli is survived by his siblings, Joxer (Pug), Gabrielle (Hermann's tortoise), Boga (Crested Gecko) and Hermione (female Betta).


Gimli 2006-2007
Requiescat in pace.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of course, the picture has nothing to do with Gimli. Luke just makes me feel better....