Flushing Nemo
Published March 18, 2005
As Nemo left this plane and the toilet made its blurp, I pictured Nemo shooting back out of the toilet, smacking onto the wall of the stall, then slowly sliding down it until he blapped on the floor. All the while, we three would stand and stare in horror as this played out in slow motion.
Of course, this didn't happen, but I did picture it, so I began to giggle. Right there, as the final gurgling noises came from Nemo's final resting throne, I began to laugh. Kathy looked horrified. Sally looked quizzical. I had to explain.
So yes, I told them what I had pictured. Kathy laughed so hard I thought she would pee, Sally looked like I'd just farted in her face. I thought it best to beat a hasty retreat and hummed "Amazing Grace" as I left.
Sally went to her office, glaring at me as she went by, and sent out an obituary notice to every.single.person in the building.
This morning little Nemo took his last breath, flipped over and went to fish heaven. Nemo was accompanied to the afterlife by those he knew as family...Nemo the red Beta fish did a good job as our mascot, having lived here at the office for over a year. He was a source of relaxation and joy to those of who knew the little guy as friendly and eager to interact...at least as much as a small fish could.I am so glad she did not name "those he knew as family".We are not sure what caused him to become sick, but we think that it was merely old age.
So long, Nemo.
- Flushing Nemo
- Published: March 18, 2005
- Type:
- Section: Culture
- Filed Under: Books: Humor, Books: Reference, Culture: Humor and Satire, Video: Animation
- Writer: Chari Daignault
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death be not proud and is always sad, although such a level of pomp is inevitably funny as well -thanks Chari!
Most of us tend to flush their dead/live fish down the toilet but the done thing is to place the dead fish in regular garbage bag along with the other trash and or say au revoir by giving it a decent burial.
As far as disposing live fish goes- one can either euthanise the fish by putting it in a plastic bag filled with water and then in the freezer or use carbonated water.
My very first fish was a betta and I too felt bad when he went belly up for about a day or two. But since then I have a stronger fish killing heart.
As far as the obituary goes it is a fish lover thing and hey for her maybe Nemo was a part of the office family:)
Nice post.
How sad! A funeral though. hehe It is sad, but I always flush mine. Bye bye little fishie. I freeze partially dying ones. As someone said, the best tank for a Betta is 10 gallon+!
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The name of the fish, incidentally, is 'betta'(Betta Splendens) - related to the gouramis, they are anabantids - using a specialized breathing apparatus which allows them to take in fresh air, besides filtering the oxygen in water. They are very interactive and friendly, as long as you do not have another male in their vicinity. Keeping them in those tiny bowls is torture. They truly flare out and are much happier in a somewhat larger-sized tank, at least a 10-gallon, with good foliage.
Nice post - ty - hope you didn't get into much trouble with your colleague about the disharmonious funeral