Pinky the Octopus (2009-2009)

Yesterday we suffered a great loss in our household. Pinky the Octopus died at the age of 3 weeks due to natural causes. We met Pinky the last time Hannah visited her one set of grandparents who frequently shop at the dollar store. Pinky was a pink rubber, liquid-filled toy octopus who quickly became a beloved member of the family. He was cute despite the fact that he only had one eye. (An injury from the war which was a sensitive topic of discussion.) He was kind of like a stress toy. You squeezed him and different parts of him bulged out bringing great joy to all. Last night while tidying up the living room and straightening the throw pillows on the couch I discovered our little pink friend. I picked him up and decided to give him a couple of squeezes on his trip to the bottom of the staircase where he would then catch a ride with the next person going up. It was on his second squeeze that he gave up the battle. The pressure was too great and his frail little body just couldn’t take anymore. Pink octopus guts spewed forth. All over me, the coffee table, the floor. The goop shot about four to five feet in every direction. Matt was on the phone with his mother when it happened. I let out a shriek. Matt gave me a very confused look, wondering what on earth the commotion was about. It took a minute to sink in that the octopus in my hand was now flat and there was pink ooze splattered all over the place. We both busted out laughing. I had to break the news to Hannah this morning. She seemed to take it rather well. I tried to stress that the passing process was very quick and it was likely that Pinky did not suffer. Services will be held Tuesday morning curb-side, where friends and family will gather for a brief celebration of Pinky’s life before his earthly remains are taken to their final resting place of the Akron City Dump via the Akron City Department of Sanitation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pinky’s memory to the ASPCRA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Rubber Animals.)