Goldfish can take a lot, at least for awhile. It doesn't mean that it's healthy or good for either one. Goldfish, given proper nutrition and a good habitat, can live MUCH longer than that -- sometimes as long as a cat! 2 years is a very short life for a goldfish.

I've always hated using live fish in tiny bowls as decorations. Yes, it can look nice, but it's horrible for the fish. For the fish, it's about the same as leaving your dog in a car on a hot day and not letting them out to use the bathroom. The water is to warm for them, they can't breath properly, and they're swimming in far to much of thier own waste.

I have no problems with eating and wearing animals, but there's no reason to be cruel about it. If you're going to do it, make sure that...

1) You have the right water. Fish need non-clorinated water at the right temperature. Buy some declorination solution and make sure that the water has been sitting around long enough to become room temperature-ish. You'd also do well to pick up something called "stress coat", and possibly something to keep the amonia levels down.

2) Use big bowls. The less water, the bigger a problem it is for the fish and the bigger hassle it will be for you. A small bowl will get dirty faster and will be a lot more sensitive to temperature changes than a larger one. Also, surface area is important. A wide bowl is better than a tall one, because more air can get in.

3) Don't put more than one fish in a bowl, please. More fish = bigger bowl. You probibly don't want the expense of getting bowls big enough for more than one fish, unless you picked up itsy bitsy ones.

4) Make sure that they have a good home to go to afterwards before you get them. If you know of anyone with a backyard pond, ask if they were looking to add fish, or see if any of your sisters have a tank.