A wrap up on Bubba. This article covers one aspect that I missed the first time around. PETA was again on the case, making sure I look sane by comparison. They had a standing offer to drive Bubba to the ocean, with their description:

"It's disappointing because people used him as a publicity stunt, and it ultimately caused his death,"

--Karin Robertson, Director, PETA's Fish Empathy Project

As opposed to their plans to use him as a publicity stunt, which had the advantage that the body would be where no one could find it.