Walter's Story
Walter’s first six months weren’t actually spent with me. After my beloved betta, William, passed away, I found myself longing for another finned friend to share my home and heart. Instead of heading straight to the pet store, I decided to check my local Facebook groups. I posted a simple message, asking if anyone had a betta in need of rehoming. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but within 24 hours, I got a response that would change everything.
A young woman, about 30 minutes away, reached out. She had a betta who wasn’t doing well. He had been placed in a large tank with much bigger, more aggressive fish. His fins were torn and nipped and his color faded. My heart went out to this little guy. Walter needed me, and I needed him.
It was clear she cared deeply for Walter, but she didn’t know how to properly care for a betta. She even offered to drive him all the way to my house, which I gratefully accepted. That night, barefoot in my pajamas, I stood in my driveway under the stars, waiting for him. When she arrived and handed me his little store cup, I looked down and saw him for the first time. He was scrawny, fragile, and a little worse for wear, but to me, he was perfect. It was love at first sight. I couldn’t help but laugh to myself as I stood there, holding him. “This is the best Facebook deal I’ve ever made by night,” I thought. (The only one, actually). Walter was worth it.
Walter’s journey to recovery wasn’t instant, but it was beautiful. Over time, he began to thrive. He didn’t just stay black and white as I had initially thought. He began to show vibrant reds, blues, and even yellows.
This is why I adore bettas so much. They’re full of surprises, each one unique and full of potential. With the right environment, patience, and love, they blossom into something extraordinary!
A little love goes a long way. And a lot of love? It can transform a life. Walter’s story reminds me that even the smallest creatures deserve a chance. And when given that chance, they’ll surprise you in the most wonderful way.
Walter's Story
Walter’s first six months weren’t actually with me. After losing William, a beloved betta, I found myself longing for another finned friend to share my home and heart.
I decided to check my local Facebook groups. asking if anyone had a betta in need of rehoming. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but within 24 hours, I got a response!
Someone close by reached out. She had a betta who wasn’t doing well. He had been placed in a large tank with large and aggressive fish. My heart went out to this little guy. Walter needed me, and I needed him!
It was clear she cared deeply for Walter, but she didn’t know how to properly care for a betta. She even offered to drive him all the way to my house, which I gratefully accepted.
That night, barefoot in my pajamas, I stood in my driveway under the stars, waiting for him. When she arrived and handed me his little store cup, I looked down and saw him for the first time. He was scrawny, fragile, and a little worse for wear, but to me, he was perfect!
Walter’s journey to recovery was beautiful. Over time, he began to thrive. He didn’t just stay black and white as I had initially thought. He began to show vibrant reds, blues, and even yellows.
This is why I adore bettas so much. They’re full of surprises, each one unique and full of potential.
Walter’s story reminds me that even the smallest creatures deserve a chance. And when given that chance, they’ll surprise you in the most wonderful way.
Edwin's Story
After losing Alexander, my king betta, earlier this year, I found myself staring at the empty tank on my desk. I realized I was ready to welcome another little companion into my life. But, instead of reusing the same setup, I decided to start fresh. I sold the old tank and replaced it with a sleek, rimless 7-gallon cube, carefully planted and placed in the right-hand corner of my desk, where the light hit just right. Once the tank had cycled and the plants had settled in, it was time to find the new resident!
I headed to my local Pet Supplies Plus, a place I trust because they genuinely care for their bettas. Their rotation is solid, so the fish don’t stay long. As I scanned the rows of vibrant candidates, one in particular stopped me in my tracks. Edwin. He had this striking resemblance to a betta I’d seen months ago in the same store—a fish I’d even taken a picture of because I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I pulled up the photo on my phone, comparing the two. For a moment, I thought it might actually be the same fish! But after chatting with the staff, I learned Edwin was new to the store. Still, the resemblance felt like more than coincidence. It felt like a sign.
Even so, I wanted to be sure. so I decided to check out Petsmart. What I found there was heartbreaking. The bettas were in terrible shape—sick, lethargic, and floating in cups so filthy I could barely see through the water. It was gut-wrenching. I couldn’t get back to Pet Supplies Plus fast enough. Edwin was waiting for me, and I wasn’t about to let him go!
And just like that, Edwin came home. Watching him settle into his new tank gave me so much joy. He’s already changed so much in the short time he’s been here, and I know he’ll continue to evolve, both in color and personality. Having a long-finned betta again has reminded me just how much I adore them. Edwin is a character, to say the least. He spends his days patrolling his domain, flaring dramatically at the snails like they’re plotting world domination, and chasing off any shrimp brave enough to wander into the open. His antics are endlessly entertaining, and I can’t help but laugh every time.
Edwin has brought so much life and energy back to my desk. It’s amazing how such a small creature can fill a space with so much personality!
Edwin's Story
After losing Alexander, my king betta, earlier this year, I found myself staring at the empty tank on my desk. I realized I was ready to welcome another little companion into my life. But, instead of reusing the same setup, I decided to start fresh. I sold the old tank and replaced it with a sleek, rimless 7-gallon cube, carefully planted and placed in the right-hand corner of my desk, where the light hit just right. Once the tank had cycled and the plants had settled in, it was time to find the new resident!
I headed to my local Pet Supplies Plus, a place I trust because they genuinely care for their bettas. Their rotation is solid, so the fish don’t stay long. As I scanned the rows of vibrant candidates, one in particular stopped me in my tracks. Edwin. He had a striking resemblance to a betta I’d seen months ago in the same store—a fish I’d even taken a picture of because I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
It felt like a sign.
And just like that, Edwin came home. Watching him settle into his new tank gave me so much joy. He’s already changed so much in the short time he’s been here, and I know he’ll continue to evolve, both in color and personality.
Edwin is a character, to say the least. He spends his days patrolling his domain, flaring dramatically at the snails like they’re plotting world domination, and chasing off any shrimp brave enough to wander into the open. His antics are endlessly entertaining, and I can’t help but laugh every time.
