All Things Dog Blog

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Dog Entertainment: A Betta Fish?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Well this review was one of my most surprising dog blogging adventures. I honestly did not think Tanner and Oliver would even notice the little swimmer inside, even though we were watching Olympic swimming on TV this past 2 weeks. By the way, these Betta Fish are terribly expensive. I paid about $2 for this red one. Ouch! JK!

I rather expected Chiffon (we had to name him!) would be heading off to grad school with my middle son when we completed the photos and kissed Brent goodbye. But after seeing Tanner and Oliver's reaction I couldn't give the little fella up. He actually provides good entertainment, stimulation, and an occasional drink, Ill admit. Tanner doesn't really know one water bowl from another. It's a Retriever thing. Gotta keep the toilet bowls closed in this house :)

At first, the boys did not really notice his presence. Once the first one discovered life existed in there, I couldn't keep them away from the bowl for several hours. Tanner tried endless ways to get in and join Chiffon for a swim. He simply couldn't figure out why the fish could swim and he couldn't. At one point he even managed to dislodge the lid and take a good gulp.

Oh my dog....I feared for Chiffon's life for a quick moment as my heart fluttered. Whew! When Tanner stopped slurping, Chiffon was still swimming away in the bottom of the tank. I moved it to higher ground, making it a big tougher for Tanner to put his snout inside.

Now a spectator sport, the fish tank is safer, and Tanner and Oliver have acquiesced to watching him rather than trying to join him. So, how would your dog react to a fish in the home? Want to find out? Enter the giveaway below.

Obviously, this tank is smaller than your average home fish tank. It's actually perfect for a bedroom, dorm or apartment. I have always found watching fishtanks to be relaxing. It certainly did not have that effect on my dogs, but perhaps a child would enjoy the silent roommate as a little company that encourages introspection. Whatever your reason, let me know in the comment section. Petco will enjoy your responses.

The Rafflecopter entry form is at the bottom of the post. If you have trouble viewing it simply click on the post title to refresh and it will magically reappear. Best of luck to you all.

The Betta Fish Tank in this giveaway is provided by Petco as a promotional courtesy. There is no purchase required to enter. US households only, please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

40 comments:

Misty said...: On my desk.; August 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Nancy said...: At work to break up the day.; August 15, 2012 at 12:24 AM
Rick said...: Fishy would be great entertainment at work.; August 15, 2012 at 12:34 AM
shilohsmom said...: What a cool idea for doggie entertainment. I would put it in our motel room where we've been staying since June. Shiloh is so bored. Maybe he would enjoy watching it. After we get moved into a house, I would put it in our living room.; August 15, 2012 at 1:53 AM
Unknown said...: Definitely try that entertainment game for my lovely dogs.
http://www.carbonated.tv/sports; August 15, 2012 at 4:55 AM
AdoptedMomToChazz said...: I'm excited to try stuff that engages & entertains my dog and his doggie brain. They bore so easy at this age.; August 15, 2012 at 8:58 AM
AdoptedMomToChazz said...: and Chazz and I just moved so have perfect location on bookcase for tank.; August 15, 2012 at 9:00 AM
dog obedience training manchester said...: It so cute, they are watching the fish, at least they are entertained.; August 15, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Danielle Murgia said...: We would use it in our house. I'm sure Sissy (dog) and Reese's (cat) would enjoy watching it swim around.; August 15, 2012 at 3:17 PM
Unknown said...: I'd put it in the living room. My two cats and any dogs boarding at my home would love it!; August 15, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Shelley P said...: I'd love it for my desk. I used to have a Betta on my desk and when Shyla sat on my lap she used to love watching it. They are such pretty and easy to care for pets : ); August 15, 2012 at 5:14 PM
Unknown said...: Next to me in the living room. I have 3 cats along with 3 dogs so gotta keep a watchful eye on him and probably lock him in my room when I'm at work.; August 15, 2012 at 8:43 PM
Anonymous said...: The photos are priceless!; August 15, 2012 at 8:54 PM
PUKEFAIRY said...: in the living room; August 15, 2012 at 9:41 PM
Anna Galanos said...: I have had Bettas before, in the kitchen, so that's probably where this little guy would go. It's not the main kitchen part, but there's a desk area where I used to have all my fish.; August 16, 2012 at 12:56 AM
Unknown said...: Augie D would probablly enjoy a pet fish.; August 16, 2012 at 3:03 AM
carol roberts said...: coffee table or n kitchen; August 16, 2012 at 5:38 AM
Dawn said...: Tanner and Oliver are so cute! I think my dogs would be fascinated too. But sorry, pups. Mommy doesn't want a pet fish. :0(; August 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM
Unknown said...: I will use the beta fish tank in our office or bathroom. I can't decide! I know Cocoa and Oreo are going to go NUTS but hopefully they won't drink from the water like Tanner. :); August 16, 2012 at 9:14 AM
Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver said...: @Dawn: I have to admit I wasn't all over the fish idea either until I realized the dogs might be fascinated by it. My hunch turned out to be right and they spend quite a bit of time watching the little guy swim. I'm pretty sure Tanner is jealous.; August 16, 2012 at 12:07 PM
lennyg said...: In the Family room. Our beta (zombie) recently died. He got his (2nd) name because he lived forever!; August 16, 2012 at 12:42 PM
ms_mystic said...: I love betta fish! I haven't had one for a couple years, as I had severe health issues and ended up in short term care.; August 16, 2012 at 5:25 PM
ms_mystic said...: I love betta fish! I haven't had one for a couple years, as I had severe health issues and ended up in short term care.; August 16, 2012 at 5:27 PM
ms_mystic said...: I love betta fish! I haven't had one for a couple years, as I had severe health issues and ended up in short term care.; August 16, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Unknown said...: on my entertainment center
crichmanfreebies@gmail.com; August 16, 2012 at 8:46 PM
1955nurse said...: On a lower table in our family room - I think our Dog Natasha would be facinated!!!(Holly) Thanks for the chance....; August 18, 2012 at 12:41 AM
Kolchak Puggle said...: That little enclose cube looks like a good idea. We used to have bettas in tall round cylindrical vases but afterKoly knocked over all three and I had to test my "fish rescue daring" I gave them up to a friend's kids. I always love to have fish (and water) in the house.I find it so calming (at least until it's time to clean the tanks!); August 18, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Kittie Kat E said...: We would put it right next to the other tanks we have. We currently have two bettas but were looking into getting another one.; August 18, 2012 at 8:17 PM
DebbyM said...: I would likely put it on my coffee table...and see if my doggie has the same reaction. Or bring it to work. I miss having my fish at work. It was always such a pleasure having my last fish there...could be very relaxing...and everyone always stopped by to visit "him".

Thanks,
Debby; August 19, 2012 at 8:58 AM
Linda Meyers-Gabbard said...: My husbands home office to help reduce his stress.; August 19, 2012 at 9:01 PM
Julie Bjerga said...: I will put it in my bedroom and then take breaks to watch him when I get stressed. And he will serve as forbidden eye candy to Ralphie, my longhaired dachshund. ;); August 20, 2012 at 2:50 AM
Terra Heck said...: I'll put it in my sons' bedroom. They'll enjoy it. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com; August 23, 2012 at 2:39 AM
Trish B. said...: My husband and I love Bettas! We would put in on his night stand so that the dogs could see the Betta, also. :); August 23, 2012 at 12:24 PM
A frog in the US said...: On the bookcase near my dog's bed!; August 24, 2012 at 2:02 PM
Abby said...: In our Family Room.. My Dogs & My kids will all enjoy it ♥

abbygabbie@hotmail.com; August 27, 2012 at 4:50 PM
Rachael Sutton said...: I'd put it in my bedroom. My kitties love to watch fish! Thanks for the giveaway!

-Rachael Henzman; August 28, 2012 at 2:00 AM
Melody said...: I'm not entering, just commenting. :-)

Fish can pass parasites on to dogs & cats so they shouldn't be allowed to drink from an aquarium... and they'll also gladly eat the fish.

More importantly, no fish should live in a tiny tank like that, including Bettas. It's a myth that they can live that way and Petco is fully aware of that. You could get a few small shrimp for it though.; August 28, 2012 at 11:31 AM
desitheblonde said...: i think i put in living room et king look at it
from the couch; August 28, 2012 at 8:19 PM
Unknown said...: Congratulations to the winner. This post reminded me of my experience similar to this one. I have an aquarium once in the living room with two Gold Fishes. And as expected my dog and cat spend days watching what's inside the little aquarium. One day i left them inside for groceries, when i got back, look who guilty -----its my cat eating one of my Goldfishes and the dog just sat in there looking at Mr. Puss enjoying his last fish bone meal. LOL!

marine fish keeping.; October 4, 2012 at 7:29 PM
Unknown said...: I truly relish whilst I go through your blogs and articles.
Two guys who golf Ohio; April 23, 2014 at 6:31 AM