JubJub.

When we came to Kitchener for our final home inspection, the owners were in the process of moving out of the house. The big truck was parked out front and there were burly movin’ men all over the place. We tried to stay out of the way.

We took a few measurements, peeked at the various rooms, wandered in the yard a bit.. and then we were asked whether we wanted to keep the goldfish who was living in the pond. If so, we’d need to winterize the pond or bring him indoors for the winter; the water is too shallow to sustain a safe hibernation. If not, they’d move him to a neighbour’s deeper pond for us.

Coffee and I discussed it and decided that, what with all the unpacking and work we’d need to do on arrival, it would be better if the fish was relocated to someone else’s house.

When we moved in at the end of October, we looked into the murky pond and the fish had been removed. Good thing, too, since the water was smelly and full of leaves and dead berries and other assorted muck. Everyone who came to visit us in those first few days commented on the pond and its murky-muck.

Coffee plans to build a bigger pond in the spring, and we’ll stock it with our own goldfish and such, along with a heater to keep it warm in the winter. He’s very excited.

Fast forward to last week and I was outside filling up the bird feeders. The pond had clumps of ice on top, and I briefly pondered whether we should drain it for the winter or save that joyful event for spring. And then I noticed.. a very large fish. Gasping for air at the top of the icey water.

Prone to panic, as I am, I quickly fired emails to every inbox Coffee owns. “WE HAVE A PROBLEM!” was the subject, followed by my freaked out words. Should I pluck the fish out and hold him to my chest and keep him warm? Would he die before noon? WAS HE DYING ALREADY?!

A few days later we found ourselves buying a 25 gallon aquarium and some fish food. Once the water was conditioned a bit, the fish was transported indoors and into the waiting tank – with water still unbelievably cold (but gradually warming) so it wouldn’t go into shock.

On close inspection of his mouth movements, it has become clear that he knows his name. And his name is JubJub.

The Jubster is about 6″ long and has a big fan tail. He’s a goldfish that has grown to a fantastic size! As he swam in his warming water, we watched the colour return to his fins and his gorgeous tail. He went from being pure white to having some peachy-gold colour. There are even a few sparkly gold scales on his side.

He spends his days swimming laps around the tank and fluttering up to the surface of the water on occasion.

Last night, when Kelly and Melle visited to watch “Office Space” the first words out of my mouth after “Hey! You’re here!” was “Do you wanna’ meet JubJub?” He is a mighty fish. And so, without further delay, it is my pleasure to introduce you to:

THE JUB.