The old saying says you have to kiss alot of frogs to meet your prince. Well, there hasn't been many frogs I'd actually want to kiss, except for one.
My little pet African Dwarf Frog Kermie. Yes, he was only a little frog, but he brought me so much happiness. Funny that a tiny frog can stir up that much emotion, but he did. He used to love to float to the top of the tank and let me stroke his back. He used to come to the top of the tank when I skirtched on the lid, and he also would zip around like crazy when it was supper time.
Kermie, you made me giggle and I very much enjoyed our time together.
I remember going to Petland very recently and having a chat with "The Pet Guy", you know that guy on Shaw TV? Well, after mentioning that I had an African Dwarf Frog who was nearing 11 years old, his eyes got all big and was amazed. The lifespan of these creatures averages 2 to 5 years, but some make it past that. Kermie was one of them.
He was older than Quincy, just a tiny little thing when Candace brought him to the office for a co-worker. That co-worker didn't want him so Candace kept him. When she left for another job, she gave him to me. I fell in love instantly. He was so very little back then and I felt sorry for him in his smaller than small container. I immediately went to the store and got him a bigger home, with a little ceramic cave for him in which to hide. As he got bigger, I kept buying bigger tanks. I didn't have a filter, so it goes to show you that these frogs to very well with an unfiltered tank.
He would let me scoop him up gently with my hand when I needed to clean his tank, and I loved to stare at him swimming around and then doing his little Zen pose where it looked like he was standing on his back legs.
Shelley and Kat reminded me of all the times they would look after him when his tank was on my desk at the office and how everyone would line up to look after him. He was a great curiosity when I was up at reception and people would come in and check him out. He made friends.
Kermie passed away this morning, but last night I knew he was not himself. No longer did he swim fast, no longer did he come to the top when I skirtched for him. This morning I put him in a little bracelet box, covered him with flannel, wrote a little note for him and placed a tiny piece of amethyst which is supposed to protect one in a "bubble of light".
Yes, I did all these things, for a little frog. Some would call me crazy, but taking care of him brought me joy and I loved him. Pet people get it, no matter bird, nor cat, nor dog, nor turtle or any pet, we love them all equally and are sad when they go.
Goodnight sweet Kermie (1999-2010), I'll miss you, love me.
