My Friend Henry

midgewilkins

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Jan 12, 2015
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A story about my Henry.

I decided to get my baby Henry, a blue english budgie, from a breeder near me, and I loved that little bird more than anything. He was so special to me. He was allowed to fly around the house freely once he mastered the art of flying, and he would always come to me when I called him back. He would sit on my computer while I typed papers and dance to music. He could say a few muffled words and do a few tricks (when he felt like it). He would always chirp when I came home and cuddle into my neck whenever he got sleepy. After having my Henry for about a year, one day I came home from work to find that Henry had passed away in his cage while I was gone. I was so devastated I just held his little body and cried and cried. For weeks I had hated myself and couldn't figure out what I had done to hurt my baby. I still can't figure it out. He was always so playful and sweet and energetic. He didn't get any different treatment than my other two parakeets (a bonded male pair that I rescued who aren't terribly fond of human interaction but love each other). I went over and over in my head anything that could have possibly killed my Henry, but I still don't know what happened to him. No one understood why I was so upset over "a little bird" but he was also my friend. Its been months and I still cry when I think about him or see a picture. I miss having a friend like Henry, but don't know if i should ever get another little bird. I'm afraid. But my heart feels so empty. IMG_0078ed.jpg

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It feels sort of freeing to talk about Henry in a place where someone might care since everyone in my life didn't really think much of Henry other than "just a stupid bird" I love you, Henry. I still don't know what to do without you. :blue2:
 

Terry57

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I am so sorry for your loss of Henry. You have come to the right place for people who know that he was not just a bird...they become our family, and their loss is devastating. My heart breaks for you. He sounds like such a wonderful boy, and I know he would not want you to blame yourself as he was obviously so loved. Please don't let his loss keep you from welcoming another into your home.
 

Taw5106

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You definitely came to the right place. I am so sorry to hear you lost your baby. They are family for sure. Hugs!
 

Allee

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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
I'm so sorry for your loss of Henry. Many of us have suffered similar losses and know exactly what you're going through. We do care very much. Give your heart time to heal and you may find there is another special bird waiting to meet you.
 

sonja

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Jul 31, 2012
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Oh my goodness, there are so many homeless little parakeets who would be thrilled to have a home as full of love as you gave Henry. What a great way to honor his memory - to save another.
 
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midgewilkins

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Oh my goodness, there are so many homeless little parakeets who would be thrilled to have a home as full of love as you gave Henry. What a great way to honor his memory - to save another.

I've had 4 rescue budgies and 2 currently. My only issue with them is I have never gotten a rescue budgie to "like" me despite my best efforts. I love getting them toys and watching them play, and hearing their beautiful songs, but unfortunately they just don't seem to like me. They (and my past ones) will tolerate me, but would never choose to be near me like my Henry would. This may be just because I've always rescued in pairs, but with Henry, I had him in a separate cage in a different room. Here's a picture of my two rescues Ringo and George (who are brothers, and very handsome) When they very unwillingly had to be caught to have their nails clipped. Once they are out they will let you pick them up, but only because they are scared and will start "panting" so I usually put them back at that point. When I clip their wings they are allowed to sit on top of their cage but never venture much further than that. IMG_0397.jpg
 

Scott

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I am very sorry for your loss of Henry. It is so difficult to predict or understand the nature of the closest bonds with our feathered family. That they choose us is beyond dispute, and you certainly returned the privilege with your love.
 

RavensGryf

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I'm so sorry to hear about Henry :(. As close as it sounds like you were, I know it's devastating. I've been through it too, as many of us here have. Henry was such a cute little guy. At the right time, I think you will open your heart to another very special bird who needs you as much as Henry did.
 

strudel

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We understand how you feel. Most of us have been through it, and if we haven't, we can imagine how hard it is because of how much we love our pets. I'm sorry you lost Henry, I understand how special he was to you.
 

Ann333

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I am so sorry for your loss! I have never lost a bird, but i have lost other pets, one in particular, a dog named Sinister that i rescued from the pound died 3 years ago in March and i still miss him dearly, but it does get easier. Just try to remember all the good times and the fun and love you two shared.
 

DoodlesMom

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Nov 25, 2014
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I'm very sorry for Henry's passing. We all understand your grief. I lost my 15 yr. old Iguana, Charlie
In Oct. I was devastated. I still miss her terribly....I also got the "OMG...it's JUST a stupid lizard" Unfortunately ALOT of people view pets as a possession, like a couch, disposable or easily replaced,to them I say "piss-off"!

Never let their indifference to your sadness change how ya feel about Henry...feel sad for them....they'll NEVER know the unconditional love of these wonderfully precious pets.
 

dragontao

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Dec 30, 2014
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My sincere condolences, before my Grey I had a beautiful budgie for many years growing up. Gorgeous little birds and so loveable.

While many people don't seem to understand the loss you feel, there are also many who do. Any person worthy of having a loving pet, be it bird or another species, will have total empathy with you and many of us know your pain.

As Doodlesmom said, anyone indifferent to how you feel is far worse off, because they are missing out (not to mention often emotionally stunted). I don;t feel sad for them, I pity them.
 

Robin

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I understand your pain. We lost Robin suddenly on Sunday and I feel like I let him down. I rushed him to the Doctors a week ago, she sent him home. My husband already wants to go look for a new baby to fill his void and I can't. I spent my whole day with him and we had a routine. He took a nap when I went to the gym and would help put groceries away by standing on the fridge door. He kept me company when my husband travels and the kids go to their dads. I'm devastated and I think everyone thinks I'm crazy to be so sad over a bird.
 

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