No, not an actual child, but when you love your pet so much your pet is not a pet anymore, but your baby. Animals have a special place in your heart aside from everything else and can only be filled with the love of your pet. When I come home from being away at college, the first thing I do is kiss my cats and hug them. No matter how many times they leave disgusting surprises for me and break my things, I still love them when we go to bed. Your pet has a special bond with you no matter how big or small it is. And I recently had to put one of my babies down the toilet.

Frank, the pleco you were a great addition to my tank even though your life was not expected to be long. I watched you swim upside down and not move for hours, but you died loved. I spotted Frank at PetSmart, in a small tank of other small plecostomus fish who stood out from the others. He laid on his side and barely breathed. Instead of buying a healthy, active fish I set out a quest to raise him back to health and give him a good life. Frank loved algae pelts. And I'm sure if he could he would kiss me back through the glass if he could. You lived a long 5 months I'm sure you wouldn't have had in that PetSmart tank. Without you, the goldfish tank will surely be dirtier and the goldfish will miss you. As I am writing this tribute to you, I have already decided to replace you with another pleco tomorrow and I will name him Frank Number Two in your honor.

Rest in piece to all the fish who died the same day as Frank.

- Alyssa