Look, we all love our pets. But most of that love is directed at the bigger, fuzzier kind of companion that will show us affection, or in the case of cats, tolerance. But have you ever formed a bond with a pet a little smaller?
When I was a kid I had hermit crabs. “Hermit” is literally in the name. These creatures live to hide in their shell, and if you do actually touch them, they will pinch you. Nothing could be further from a good pet. And yet, they’re a popular choice. And I loved mine till the day they died. RIP, embarrassingly-named-pet-crabs.
But this story is some next level unexpected pet love. A teacher who goes by @thebugchicks on Twitter shares a tale of freshwater shrimp, and near disaster. Read on.
Story time.
An adrenaline pumping tale of indifference, near-tragedy and redemption.
This is the story of how I knew I was capable of great love with a pair of freshwater shrimp.
A thread. – K
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
They are strangely cute. Maybe it’s those big ol’ eyes?
Marty is the big one. Sal is the smaller one. pic.twitter.com/n0nthyZQu6
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
I don’t know if freshwater shrimp literally have the capacity to care how big their house is, but, if they do, she’s cognizant of that need.
Before anyone gets snickety- yes they are in a Pyrex bowl. It is temporary housing until luxury digs come on the market. I’m working on it.
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
These two are clearly in very good hands.
Background-I teach abt arthropods (animals with exoskeletons & jointed legs.) During #StayHomeSaveLives time I have been doing online workshops with my arthropod zoo.
I was buying crickets at my local pet store & someone mentioned freshwater shrimp.
I was all I’ll take two. pic.twitter.com/XdZpEQY3p4
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Trips to the pet store are often dangerous for me, as well.
They are Amano shrimp. Very popular and hardy algae eaters for freshwater aquariums.
I thought- I can teach with them!
They were impulse shrimp. pic.twitter.com/xOLbrDX0oA
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
At this point in the story, I’m feeling a little bit bad that the last time I impulse bought shrimp was at a Red Lobster.
I’m not really a “whatever” kind of person. But with the shrimp for the last two days I was like pic.twitter.com/aC9H4zCVWm
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Despite what the internet may imply, it’s OK to not have strong feelings about absolutely everything.
This morning I went to clean their water. I used a small ladle to scoop them into a new bowl so I could clean their other one.
The initial transfer went perfectly. I am exceedingly good at this I thought. 12/10 pic.twitter.com/1T2NUwJNdV
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Here’s where the story ramps up.
The transfer back went…sideways.
Sal was an angel, honestly. He ladled like a champ and then looked up at me with those stalked eyes like – I’m here. I’m ok. pic.twitter.com/aq9Gxg6nen
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
I can hear the tense string soundtrack in the back of my mind.
But Marty. He was in the ladle. He was there. I swear. He’s translucent but he was secure.
When I brought the ladle between the two bowls. He shrimp-flopped. This is a science word.
Onto my kitchen counter. This is a manky vanilla pudding colored tile. We rent. pic.twitter.com/cX7osyLbS0
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Dun dun DUUUN!
Something you should know about Amano shrimp. They are translucent.
This was the moment.
The moment I realized I love these shrimp.
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
It’s never until we face the possibility of losing everything that we realize what we truly have.
I scream- MARTY!!!
My heart is racing. I find him inches from the bowl on his side on the tile. Near some spilled coffee.
No I scream. Marty! I choke on a sob.
I’ll get you!! pic.twitter.com/CGdOuufDcA
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Eat your heart out, Speilberg.
At this point, my manpanion @PeterCBlanchard is yelling from his office. What’sWrongAreYouHurtWhoIsMarty????
I touch Marty’s little shrimp body with the edge of the ladle to try to scoop him up. My hands are shaking.
Help me I squeak. I only JUST realized I LOVE HIM.
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Just a second, adding the word “manpanion” to my lexicon forever.
Peter is a steady dude. Peter is looking at me like- you’re the person I’ve chosen? pic.twitter.com/NT3HtUfIjP
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Maybe this is exactly why he fell in love with you?
Marty has shrimp-flopped again, off of my fingertips and dangerously close to the edge of the counter.
I. Am. A. Mess. pic.twitter.com/sn6X0sd1Aa
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
*munches popcorn with wide-eyes*
If Marty splats on the floor my dog will maybe eat him. He is ready. He is always ready. pic.twitter.com/DoKSzh3gsu
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
The DOG is the antagonist of this story? But he looks like such a good boy! I don’t know if I can deal with this new twist.
Time is of the essence. Peter grabs a metal spatula and I tightly say- he has translucent legs and two pairs of antennae! He is a crustacean!!!!
Teaching is not something you do. It’s who you are.
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
All moments of panic need a factoid or two to settle the mood.
Together, with my fingers on Marty’s cold carapace and Peters expert spatula-ing. We scr*pe my freshwater shrimp off of the counter and into the bowl. pic.twitter.com/iOcOo5Yb78
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Success!
I throw my arms around Peter squealing. Quarantine has done things to my emotions that take…adjustment.
I am almost in tears, thanking him and saying over and over- I didn’t know. I didn’t know. pic.twitter.com/Q18U90kPbG
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
I’m not crying about some lady’s shrimp. Nope. Not me.
Love is curious. It can sneak up on you.
It can fill you up with unexpected joy if you’re open to it.
Marty & Sal are gonna get the sweetest aquarium. pic.twitter.com/XePQKTAKl1
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
Marty & Sal have no idea how good they’ve got it.
On a side but related note- I think I should start meditating. pic.twitter.com/7t7uphjjos
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
We should probably all be tracking our emotions a little more closely these days.
Marty & Sal are doing great. I’m gonna learn everything I can about them.
~Fin~ pic.twitter.com/MvJTJvK77P
— The Bug Chicks (@TheBugChicks) April 2, 2020
And that is the tale of crustacean-fascination-turned-infatuation that took the internet by moderate storm. You’re welcome.
What’s the pet you’ve bonded with the most?
Tell us about them in the comments.