Most pet species--as any pet owner can tell you--do not generally take the trouble to age. The majority of nonhuman creatures we bring into our homes live their lives in one of only two states: a) healthy and hearty and fresh from the pet store, or b) dead. There is no slow slide into old age in a birdcage, no sudden appearance of golf shoes and lime green slacks in the hamster community, no crotchety grumbling about the menu during feeding time in the aquarium.
Male guppy: Have I eaten this before, Ethel?
Female guppy: Yes, you have, dear.
Male guppy: Did I enjoy it?
Female guppy: No, you didn't, dear.
