Caitlin found an abandoned fish in an empty apartment she was helping Gramma clean. She was given permission to keep the fish, but not to bring it home. My rule about pets is that you can not have an animal to take care of until you prove you can take care of your own self. This means that I don’t have to remind you to shower, brush teeth, brush hair, wear clean clothes, put your things away, etc.
If I am still taking care of a child’s basic needs, then I will assume that I would have to take care of the needs of that child’s animal also. No thanks ~ I have enough to do.
But, Gramma let Caitlin have the fish and keep it at her house. Gramma took care of the fish, and Caitlin was allowed to visit it.
About a month ago, we gave Caitlin the opportunity to bring Ruth (the fish) home. Gramma provided the bowl and food.
Caitlin has proven very responsible with her pet. She cleans the bowl every week and feeds the fish every day.
I think it is adorable that she has gone above and beyond the basic necessities. She talks to her fish and has taught it to come to the edge of the glass when she goes over to it. She puts her finger up to the glass, and Ruth comes over to her finger. Caitlin puts a piece of food between her finger and thumb and leads the fish up the side of the bowl to the top.
She began doing this because she was worried that Ruth might not be able to find her food, so she shows it to her before putting it in. Now, the fish follows her fingers whenever she goes over to the bowl. It’s very cute to watch.
Ruth (the fish) will follow Caitlin's fingers up to the top of the bowl
