Toxic "Fur Baby" parents make business social networks hostile to loving "Fin Baby" parents. I'm embarrassed to admit I marked my last post Private due to the backlash of online trolls and coworkers I thought were my friends and supporters. Well, I'm not backing down to hateful comments like "Does this belong on a business site?" and "Sorry for your loss, but wasn't Mr. Bubbles a $3 goldfish?"

You read that right! "wasn't Mr. Bubbles a $3 goldfish" The unmitigated gall! After initially shrinking from this withering attack, I'm going public again and re-posting about my grief. It's not about me. It's about empowering and emboldening other "Fin-parents" to speak their truth.

Just because our babies live in an isolated tank and their care and maintenance can be largely automated, our bond is no less heartfelt than that of a dog, cat, llama, or hamster family. Our love may even be profoundly deeper as we aren't expecting snuggles, purrs, or play in return for our nearly unrequited love. In many ways "fin babies" require a purer form of love.

I'm sad Mr. Bubbles passed. It was inhumane of HR to deny my request for bereavement leave. They can't tell me to use PTO I was saving for an important hair and nails appointment. Honestly, what sort of monster could enjoy a spa day two weeks after finding their best friend floating upside down?

However, snake and lizard owners, don't bother with any "Scale baby" propaganda. Everyone knows that's not a thing. You may as well just de-friend me now instead of commenting on my post.