A tribute to our little friend

[jeffg]

Last Tuesday we had a wind storm. It knocked over a large tree adjacent to our house, and the crash was loud enough that it gave Rudy, our much beloved green cheek conure, a heart attack. He simply keeled over and died a few minutes after it happened.

Now I'm not generally a bird person, in fact I used to vehemently rag on my friends who kept them as pets. But many years ago I deferred to my partner's love for them, and Rudy was the first bird I grew to love too.

As life's kidney punches have gone for my partner and I, this has been one of the worst. I'm not the crying type, I didn't even shed a tear when my mom passed away a few years ago. But I've spent hours this week bawling like a baby. Over a bird.

We're missing his cheery "Hi Guys!" greeting to us every morning. We're missing his earrubs, the way he loved his baths, watching his cartoons and going to the park with us. You could leave him on your shoulder, and whenever he needed to do his business he'd gently tap on your neck beforehand, so he wouldn't soil your shirts. Smart as a whip, and there wasn't a mean bone in his body.

Lesson learned: hug your loved ones today, because one of these tomorrows they will be gone.

 

[hydralique]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Birds are like cats and dogs, in that they give you unconditional love and ask little in return - how could one not miss a beloved pet after he's gone?

 

[andyelectrolux]

I totally understand. A few years ago, my sister had a pet cockatoo. I've had several pets throughout my lifetime, but I can honestly say that no pet has a personality like a bird.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

 

[70series]

I'm sorry for your loss Jeff. May Rudy rest in peace.

God Bless,
James

 

[frontaloadotmy]

So Sorry about your little guy

I think Birds are wonderful pets , every bit as lovable and
loving as dogs and cats. May you both be comforted by the memories of your little friend.

 

[panthera]

friends are friends

And losing them is always sad. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[jdinstl]

I'm sorry to hear this, Jeff...

...humankind likes to divide things into neat compartments, humans, animals, dogs, cats, birds, etc. But all living creatures are connected in some way, and over time, that connection runs through your heart, as in the case of your beloved Rudy. My thoughts are with you.

John

 

[maytagbear]

I am very sorry---

Birds can be delightful pets. I am so sorry about Rudy's sudden death.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[petek]

I'm sorry to hear about Rudy. I'm a long time bird lover and breeder (show budgies and American Singer Canaries) and over the years have always had one type or another as part of the family. I miss all of them. They were as smart or smarter than all of our dogs, just as affectionate if not more. Even the canaries I bred were tame enough to sit on your head, super nosy about what was going on and trying to get into everything. Them I liked to call the little snoopervisors and just like the budgies or lovebirds and my last cockatiel could hunt me down anywhere in the house, upstairs or downstairs.
I'm bird free at the moment after nearly 40 years. My partner was probably like you, didn't care for them at first but they came with the territory and he adjusted to the point where our last Tiel, Happy, would sit beside his dinner plate and help him eat.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Jeff, sorry to hear about the little guy...I know the feeling all too well....

 

[JerseyMike]

I'm so sorry, Jeff

I grew up with a parakeet, so I know how special birds can be. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope that Rudy is resting in peace.

Mike

 

[autowasherfreak]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Our pets become so special to us, and loosing one is never easy. I'm sure Rudy will not forget all the love you gave me, nor will you will you forget the love he gave you.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I feel your pain...

Thanksgiving at my family's home hasn't been the same since their Mexican Readhead "Junie" passed away suddenly. You see, Junie loved turkey. If we didn't give her a leg bone to work on, dinner was not quiet. She'd YELL!. "Turkey! Turkey!... TURKEY!" came from the cage until we could get her a leg (stripped down of course). Then she'd just contentedly eat her turkey, either imitating my parent's cat by purring or with the occasional "Good Bird!". I cannot remember not having her so she'd lived a LONG time. My parents still set aside the ritual turkey leg bone. Just for Junie.

Jeff, I'm truly sorry for your loss.

RCD

 

[gadgetgary]

So sorry for your loss

It is so hard when the ones we love are gone.

 

[toggleswitch2]

Sorry to hear of yor loss Jeff. It is amazing that all creatures large and small know who loves them and cares for them.