I had a Betta as a child, and really didn't know anything about them except that they looked miserable in those little vases everyone I knew was buying. Mine never really looked happy in his 1 gallon tank and now I know it's because I wasn't caring for him properly.
We recently purchased a Betta for my 6 year old son, but the truth is, he's much more my fish than my son's. I've become quite attached to him in the few months that we've had him. We've been through quite a few rough patches (velvet, jumping out of tank, losing color) etc. But Fishy is quite a trooper and has proven that he's here to stay.
What a surprise to find out that my he is actually a she, despite the fact that the Pet Smart staff assured me that I was purchasing a male. Oh well, she's still a wonderful fish who has found a very special place in our lives.