This last year it seems as if Murphy’s Law is in full effect. Just last week it topped the cake. My little birdie of 12 years finally took his last breath. He was the best bird I’ve ever had and was very much loved and spoiled.
He was originally a birthday present of a 16 year old girl just over 14 years ago and once she got bored of him her little brother took him and wasn’t the nicest to him. Then a friend took him next and he was too busy and Peaches was very neglected. Then I enter the scene and took him on with all his flaws biting and screaming (from the flux of environment he had previously). It took me about 6 months to a year to cure him of his biting and much longer to cure the screaming.
About 6-7 years ago I stumbled upon BirdTricks.com and found a wonderful training program for birds there.
That changed his whole attitude once he was trained and had something to communicate to me his needs without screaming. You know he loves you when he will go and sit at the corner of his cage patiently waiting to be taken out as soon as you walk in the door. It melted my heart every time!
Within the last few weeks I noticed he was sleeping a lot more, not as interested in his food, but more into crawling to the back of my neck to cuddle. His chirp was sounding more pathetic the last week like he couldn’t sing out. It really got me worried. Then last Thursday I gave him a hug and a kiss before I left for work and he felt very week… He didn’t last long after that.
I never thought this day would come so soon. I really had the mentality he would live forever, or at least for another 10-15 years. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a good friend. And it’s only right to give that friend a proper burial. I’m so glad for my best friend in helping me with that part.
It is the hardest thing to do to leave a pet and walk away. But somehow I feel as if he served a purpose in my life and now it’s time to move on. Seeing an empty cage is not easy, and nothing could ever replace his love and personality. But all good things must come to an end.
We buried him at Hoyt Arboretum near the Redwood Deck behind one of the redwoods. It’s a very quiet and peaceful place and one of my favorite areas of that park. If you sit and listen you will hear all the wild birds singing to him all day long. It’s bitter sweet.
I like that it’s a place I can visit over and over even though it’s not easy.
RIP little Peaches…
A day in the life of Jeni... 