This type of things happens to everyone at some point or another and if you keep animals long enough, it will happen again. The reality of keeping fish or other critters is that they can and will pass away. It's one thing if it's from old age, but it's always tougher when it's your fault (which it usually is) or if you don't know what happened. You can do everything “right” and follow the steps that you have found for successes, but something can always go wrong.

Like I said in the video, I've had this happen before and it gradually made me get out of fish keeping. The cause was much different (largely out of my hands), but the fish were much older, so it was tough. However, getting out of the hobby back then was a total mistake. Regardless, everything ran it's course and here I am today, nearly 8 years later in a similar scenario.

It's especially tough because I always raise my animals up from babies. I can't think of a time that I've ever bought them as adults. So in a way they become my children and dealing with loss is never easy. Luckily it's pretty rare in the big scheme, but no matter the scenario, it never gets any easier. That said, the joy that I get from my animals trumps the sadness of loss. Very few things give me a smile quite like my buddies. I know a lot of people don't get it, but I can't get enough of them. I suppose it's also tough because you can't replace your animals. Although you can get the “same” fish again, it's never actually the same. All of these animals have their own personalities (just like people) and although two can be similar, they will never be the same.

Anyways, I didn't make this video for you to feel sorry for me or to make myself look bad, but I put it out there to let you know that it's alright. It happens to everyone! It's alright to feel sad and depressed for while and in fact is totally normal. IMO if you don't feel those types of feelings, I'm not sure you should be keeping animals at all. Even the most experienced people make mistakes or have some freak event that causes a disaster. Look across YouTube and you will see other hobbyists that have had their fair share of misfortune. Just remember why you keep animals in the first place, learn from your mistakes and gain character from loss.

For additional content, photos of my animals, projects sneak peeks and more, follow me on Instagram @SerpaDesign. https://www.instagram.com/serpadesign/