Sherbert's Passing

Sherbert.the.Bird

New member
May 12, 2017
31
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California
Parrots
Lutino Bourke's Parakeet
I made the hardest decision I've ever had to make and I still regret it even though it was for the best. After over a year of dealing with PBFD, Sherbert's fight is over. She was put to sleep by a CAV after our vet visit today. This past month was rough from getting the diagnosis to seeing more and more signs of her disease show through. She had lost approximately 20% of her body weight this past month (47.8 grams May 21st to 38 grams today) and I could tell life was getting more difficult for her. Part of her beak broke off during the vet visit and I didn't want her to suffer anymore. I can't help, but wonder if I did the right thing. I know she was a fighter and it only makes what I chose to do that much harder. The silence in my room is deafening. All I know is she's no longer suffering and hopefully returned to her fully feathered glory in the great beyond. She touched my heart in ways I never thought possible from such a little bird. I'll always love you, Sherbet.
 

Flboy

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Dec 28, 2014
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Greater Orlando area, Florida
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JoJo, 'Special' GCC, Bongo, Cinnamon GCC(wife's)
I am so sorry for the pain you both went through! I do believe you made the right decision! Your baby is in a better place now!
 

MonicaMc

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Sep 12, 2012
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Mitred Conure - Charlie 1994;
Cockatiel - Casey 2001;
Wild Caught ARN - Sylphie 2013
My last bourke was quite the fighter as well... I, too, had to make that decision, although for different reasons.

My condolences for your loss.
 

Jottlebot

Member
Aug 29, 2012
507
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Shropshire, UK
Parrots
Orange-winged Amazon - RIP Charlie,
Spock - Common Mynah,
McCoy - Alexandrine
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and that you are doubting your decision. Having the power to make the decision to end the suffering of an animal in our care is the most important part of inviting any animal into our lives and homes. It shouldn't be an easy decision.

Don't doubt yourself because it feels difficult and painful. Your choice was to end obvious suffering or to keep Sherbert with you and watch while she got weaker and weaker and sicker and sicker. Just imagine how weak and awful you would feel to lose 20% of your body weight in a month! You had the ability and the love to end that for Sherbert. You 100% did the right thing.

The silence will be deafening, but it is a reminder of how much love your tiny bird gave you. When it's not so raw you'll dare to remember the good times. Take care.
 

T00tsyd

Well-known member
May 8, 2017
1,256
862
UK
Parrots
Green cheek conure - Sydney (Syd) Hatched 2/2017
Better a week early than a day late. That was the advice my vet gave me for my dog for whom I had to make the same decision. I have had to make this decision several times with dogs and when you look into their eyes as they leave us the trust is palpable. They know that we are doing our very best for them. I have yet to loose a bird and dread the day but believe that they know better than us when the day is come. Take heart - you did the very best you could and take comfort that you made the best decision. .
 

Kentuckienne

Supporting Vendor
Oct 9, 2016
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Middle of nowhere (kentuckianna)
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Roommates include Gus, Blue and gold macaw rescue and Coco, secondhand amazon
I’m sorry to read of Sherman’s passing. What a fighter! Sherman likely relief from his suffering, and it’s the kindest thing you could have done for him. I wish I knew some words to relieve your own pain. Thank you for caring for Sherman so long and so well.
 

GaleriaGila

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
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Cleveland area
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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
You have my deepest sympathy.
I admire you for making that hard decision. You saw Sherbert out in style, loved and treasured. Thatextends into eternity, I believe.
If the situation arises, I want to do the same for the Rickeybird.
Thank you for sharing. Your story will help others make brave decisions if they need to.
 

Terry57

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Nov 6, 2013
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Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
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Hawkhead(Darwin),YCA(Dexter),VE (Ekko),OWA(Slater),BHP(Talli),DYH(Calypso),RLA(Kimera),Alex(Xander)CBC(Phoe),IRN (Kodee,Luna,Stevie),WCP (Pisces),CAG(Justice)GCC (Jax), GSC2(Charley)
I am so sorry for your loss of Sherbert. You did everything you possibly could for your sweet girl, and gave her so much love. She was able to pass in peace, with you by her side, and is now flying free without pain.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with her, my heart goes out to you.
 

wrench13

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Nov 22, 2015
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Yellow Shoulder Amazon, Salty
PBFD is a really nad way for any parrot to go and You helped make Sherberts days less so. Really sad to hear this news.
 

Jen5200

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Mar 27, 2017
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I’m so sorry to hear that Sherbert has passed. She was much loved by you and she knew that. Feathered hugs.
 

Jen5200

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Mar 27, 2017
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Washington State
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Baby - Sun Conure;
Tango - GCC;
Bindi - Sun Conure;
Stanley - Pineapple GCC;
Screamer “Scree� - Cockatiel;
Tee - Pineapple GCC; Jimmy - Cockatiel
I’m so sorry to hear that Sherbert has passed. She was much loved by you and she knew that. Feathered hugs.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
My deepest condolences for the passing of Sherbert. With PBFD, there are no easy answers, no "best" therapies. Your decision was supremely compassionate even as you are left with grief and memories. I hope in time the latter will shine far brighter than the former.
 

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