In memory of Mr. B

As many of you know, my lovely Mr. B passed away three months ago...just one day away from arrival at our new home. Mr. B successfully made the trip from Boston to Colorado in April, and enjoyed a few months of paradise in my friend's 125 gallon tank before I picked him and his friends up for the final leg of the trip - two and a half days, from Denver to Los Angeles. Despite my packing everyone gently and with the utmost care, stopping to check on them during the trip, ensuring that no one was getting bounced around, and even a water change when we stopped for the night, Mr. B passed away in my hands shortly after we arrived at our hotel in Las Vegas. I cried and didn't believe it had happened, and I felt awful for a long time. I'm still sad about it. 

Those of my followers who have been with me from the beginning know that Mr. B has been with me a long time - since college! He was blind, and I taught him to hand feed using his favorite food (banana). He brought joy into my life and the lives of many others for 6 years - through college, graduate school, and four separate moves. I can't even remember how many times we'd have parties and find that half our guests were hanging out by the fish tank to watch Mr. B, everyone smiling. I was so excited for him to finally live in a "dream tank" once we got to LA - sun, real plants (finally!), a more relaxed environment....but he didn't make it here. And I miss him a lot. 

I lost another fish during the trip and thankfully, due to the timing, was able to say goodbye to her in a very respectful and beautiful way. But because Mr. B passed in Vegas, I didn't have anywhere to lay him to rest, and I didn't want to just throw him in the garbarge. He's too important to me for that. 

I feel guilty posting a gofundme, because I know a lot of people have things like this happen and a lot of them may need the help "more" than I do. But...with moving costs to pay back, catch-ups I'm still making, my student loans, and having to replace all of my furniture - I just can't afford the cost to cremate my friend. He's been sitting in my freezer since I got to LA, and I would like to be able to lay him to rest.

I know I'm not asking for a lot, money wise, but it's more than I can afford alone right now. The total cost for lowest-weight private cremation (actually, aquamation - fitting) minus "frills" is $150 with $25 shipping for the ashes. I can't afford pick-up from my home, so the remaining $25 will cover the gas it'll take for me to drive to the crematory and drop him off. It's far from me, but the drive is doable. 

I truly appreciate even the smallest bit of help. In the event any additional funds above and beyond what I'm asking for are raised I promise that each dollar will go towards the rest of my fishies - Mr. B's friend that made it to LA, and two newbies he never met. My aquarium stand is literally being held together by staples/a stray nail right now and I'm hoping to get an air pump and stone for the tank soon, but those things are on the backburner as I deal with the more immediate costs of moving. So anything above $200 will be put towards the pump and the stand. 

Thanks, everyone, for any help. I know you know how much he meant to me.