PbyCj

I don’t know what that was about… but, but, but, but, but—this is PbyCj.com. Welcome to my personal place of excitement. Okay, okay, okay.

I think it was April. It had to be April, because we are officially in June now (which, wild, by the way—how are we in June already?). But yes, April was when I first started talking about my excitement over this new hobby of mine. First came the colony of isopods, and then came Joe, my precious Regal Jumping Spider. I was so hyped. This space right here was where I shared all the little updates and cutesy things that came with that whole new world.

But on this lovely day—June 5th—I was minding my business. I was literally just doing a walkthrough, nothing crazy. Then I noticed a little water on the floor, and someone else happened to notice some spiderwebs in the corner. Then they pointed and were like, “Isn’t that a jumping spider?”

And it was. A whole new little guy. He was so tiny, and I had to squint to really see, but yep—definitely a jumper. So, of course, I went to say hello. At first, he was like “Nah, I’m good,” and dipped. But then? Then he came back. Climbed right up on my hand like, “Okay, let’s see what’s up.”

And here’s the kicker—he wouldn’t leave. I tried to set him outside, but he wouldn’t go. Just stayed on my hand, chillin’. So I was like… okay. Guess we’re doing this.

I asked around for a cup or something to carry him in, and this little guy just stayed there the whole time, patiently waiting while I got his ride ready. Didn’t flinch. Didn’t bolt. He was like, “Yeah, I’ll wait. Let’s go.” And I said, “Alright then. We’re going home.”

Straight from there, I went to the reptile store—my go-to spot now—and y’all, they had the cutest tiny enclosure for him. I’m talking perfect for this little dude. I picked up his enclosure, some food (because he’s too tiny for the crickets I already had), and even grabbed some supplies for Joe.

Now let me pause for a second. When I first got Joe, I ordered what I thought were pupae that would eventually hatch into food. They looked like little hard shell things, so I assumed that’s how it worked. But what they gave me this time? Oh, they were MOVING. These bugs were very much alive, very much mobile, and way bigger than what I expected. So, yeah, we’ll see if Joe is interested in those. But that’s another story.

Back to the little guy. I named him Dante.

So now we’ve got Joe and Dante.

And y’all, I have no idea what species he is yet. I don’t think he’s a Regal like Joe. He seems different. Smaller. But definitely a cutie. And yes, I’m calling him a “he.” We’ll confirm later, but for now—Dante it is.

The whole experience felt so mutual. He chose to stay. He didn’t run. And I didn’t plan on bringing home another spider, but the way he chilled and waited? He was like, “You. I choose you.” And how could I say no?

Also, major shoutout to me for having excellent self-control at the reptile store. That place is dangerous. So many cute creatures. So many possibilities. But I stuck to what I came for, and I’m proud of that.

Final note: girl math says I saved $35 by finding Dante in the wild and not buying him at the shop, okay?

Anyway, welcome to The Keep, Dante. I’ll get pictures up soon. But for now, just know—he’s home.

And I don’t know who else I can tell this stuff to, so I’m telling you.

Say hello to Dante 🕷️💚.