(P) Learning Life Lessons From A Pet

She was so excited. It was a special. Her very own pet! Ah, but the lessons of life were to be learned all too soon.

“Science is Fun” is an event helping introduce the joys of scientific discovery to youngsters. My first grade daughter was pleased to attend this year. It became a very special field trip because of the pet “Little T” brought home.

A common earth worm, in a small plastic cup of dirt. That was her “pet.” Came with clear instructions on how to care for the thing, and equally clear directions to release the worm in our backyard after a week. Ecologically correct, I guess. My first grader couldn’t be more pleased. Her very own pet for a week! She was so proud to have her own…worm. Hey, we didn’t mind, because worms aren’t really a high-maintence kind of pet.

Later, when we left for the weekend, my wife put that little pet into the Suburban’s cupholder. But Little T couldn’t leave it alone. “I want to check on my worm, Mom.” We had to pass that cup back for her inspection numerous times on the two-hour drive.

“Wormy” had a place on the kitchen counter of the cabin. Throughout that first day, Little T checked in on him (her? it?). Unfortunately, the next morning my wife noticed a conspicuous lack of water in the cup, and a correspondinglack of meaningful movement. Uh-oh. The worm had passed on. “Gone to meet its Maker.” This would be hard.

My dear seven year-old daughter cried. Her little pet worm had died. And it was precious to see.

I guess it’ll be a stop at the pet store tonight to see if I can buy a replacement pet. I can’t wait to see her face when I bring her a new…worm.