Timmy crossed over the Rainbow Bridge last night.

mh434

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Oct 28, 2014
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Yellow-naped Amazon "Sammy"
Love birds (4)
Green-cheeked Conure "Skittles" - now, sadly gone from my life
Blue-Crowned Conure "Tequila"
African Grey "Reno" - sadly, now gone from my life
Those of you following my list of recent tragedies will understand how difficult a time I've had recently.

Last night didn't help. Little "Timmy" was our (my) only budgie. He was a rescue as he had a club foot, and the store couldn't/wouldn't sell him, so his future would have been extremely short. I named him "Timmy" after little Timmy in Dicken's "A Christmas Carol", because he was tiny and crippled, but had an indomitable spirit.

Despite being smaller than he should have been, and having a bad foot, he did well in my flock, chirping & singing with the rest of them & getting around just fine.

Last night, he had a bath, had something to eat, sat on his perch & whistled a bit, then sat quietly while the rest of the flock did the same. A few minutes later, I heard a soft "thump" from the living room, and even the dog recognized it as unusual and not normal. After a few minutes of investigating, I looked in Timmy's cage, and he was on the bottom, gone. If he'd even moved at all, I'd have heard him as there's paper lining the bottom of his cage. I think it was instant - one second he was happy & chirping, then next second he was gone.

I buried him next to the others who crossed over before him, with his own little slate marker & a tiny name plate I made for him on it. It may seem silly, but I visit them all from time to time & remember how much I loved them, and how much I miss them.

More tears.

He's the second of my flock to cross the bridge in the past couple of weeks, and the second grave & marker I've had to prepare. Recently, it seems like everyone & everything I've ever loved are leaving me.:(

Fly free, little Timmy. You may have been tiny, but you had big-bird love. I will never forget you, little one.
 
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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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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 your loss of Timmy. You provided a loving refuge and ensured the best possible life.

I am saddened by your recent chain of tragedies and losses, please know you are a cherished and respected member of the ParrotForums family.
 

GaleriaGila

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Thank you for sharing him with us. You were wonderful to him, and he returned the joy and love a hundred times over, just as the original Tiny Tim did for millions over the years. What a beautiful story. I'm so happy that we can help you celebrate and remember him.
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
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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
Deepest condolences for your sad loss, I’m so sorry. Timmy’s story is beautiful, thank you for giving him a happy home in your flock and thank you for allowing us to help you remember him. I hope your sweet memories will comfort you in the days to come.

Fly free, Little One, you will be remembered.
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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DYH Amazon
Huge warm Amazon Feather Hugs and comforting prayers for you good friend. Life provides us years with too much grief than seems fair. Know that you, in your loneliest moments, are surrounded by friends that care.
We have a like place that is named Amazon Hill. A place that provides smiles, happy memories and warm tears. On the bad days, I remind myself that when its my turn, the greeting party will be comforting and that brings a smile to my face.
 

LaManuka

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“I will lend to you, a bird” God said, “and teach you all you have to do,
And when I call him back to Heaven, you will know he loved you too.”
(Anonymous)

I’m so sorry for your loss of precious little Timmy!
 

wrench13

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Our house too wishes Timmy Godspeed over the bridge. and condolences for you. You gave him the best possible life.
 

Laurasea

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Aug 2, 2018
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Full house
Oh so very sad. Hits you in the gut! I see a quick passing as a blessing, no suffering for the bird, we suffer the loss.....
 

Terry57

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I am so sorry for your loss of Timmy. Bless you for giving him such a wonderful life, he passed knowing exactly how much he was loved and cherished.
It is so devastating when the losses come close together, my heart breaks for you.
 

Betrisher

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Jun 3, 2013
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You loved Timmy and he knew it: he was a lucky little bird to be found by you and he chose to bring happiness to you in return. Even though your time together is over for now, the love is still there and you have the joy of knowing you shared little Timmy's life and made it a happy one. Try to think of the happiness and don't let grief overcome Timmy's memory, OK?

Sending warmest hugs tonight. XX
 
OP
mh434

mh434

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Oct 28, 2014
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BC, Canada
Parrots
Yellow-naped Amazon "Sammy"
Love birds (4)
Green-cheeked Conure "Skittles" - now, sadly gone from my life
Blue-Crowned Conure "Tequila"
African Grey "Reno" - sadly, now gone from my life
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Thank you all for all your caring! It's so hard when your entire personal life & future crumbles around you, but losing two of my beloved fids in just a couple of weeks makes it all the harder. I have a tough road ahead (lawyers, divorce, crippling debt, etc.) and my beloved flock dwindling makes it all the harder.

Little Timmy has a pretty slate marker. I've placed his favorite mirror there, too. Somehow it's comforting to know his most-loved toy is with him.

I hope the tears will stop soon. All these things pile up on you, and it's hard to see the sun beyond the storm clouds.

You are wonderful, caring people! It's comforting to know there are folks in my corner despite all the bad things that are happening around me.
 
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fuad

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Dec 31, 2018
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I so sorry for your losses, sounds like they were angels

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
 
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OP
mh434

mh434

New member
Oct 28, 2014
473
9
BC, Canada
Parrots
Yellow-naped Amazon "Sammy"
Love birds (4)
Green-cheeked Conure "Skittles" - now, sadly gone from my life
Blue-Crowned Conure "Tequila"
African Grey "Reno" - sadly, now gone from my life
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The tragedy of adopting rescue birds is that they almost always come with baggage. Many are sick, or have unknown genetic issues, or may be far older than we think.

In the past 6 months I have lost 5 of my birds. In every case, they were happily chirping & squawking away, eating, pooping, playing etc. and then a short time later they were gone.

It's heartbreaking, but what's worse is that when it happens often enough, we start to lose our sense of loss. I suspect it's our mind's way of stealing ourselves against the frequent, abiding pain of loss.

Just a few days ago, I lost a pair of Lovebirds. Yes, they were old, but it still hurts. They were a mated pair for many years. I found the two spooned together at the bottom of the cage when I got home from work. She had obviously died many hours before as she was cold & rigor had set in. He was still slightly warm, and still loose, so it's clear that when she passed he laid down & cuddled up to her....and died, hours later.

Who could NOT be moved by that??

For my part, I'm not taking any more rescues in. The pain is too great, the loss too frequent. The graveyard of little graves in my yard is completely full, and has been watered with my tears for too long. I'm too old myself to carry on this way.

Kudos to those young enough to pick up the torch and carry on. Your efforts are solid gold, and the world of parrots needs you desperately.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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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.
The tragedy of adopting rescue birds is that they almost always come with baggage. Many are sick, or have unknown genetic issues, or may be far older than we think.

In the past 6 months I have lost 5 of my birds. In every case, they were happily chirping & squawking away, eating, pooping, playing etc. and then a short time later they were gone.

It's heartbreaking, but what's worse is that when it happens often enough, we start to lose our sense of loss. I suspect it's our mind's way of stealing ourselves against the frequent, abiding pain of loss.

Just a few days ago, I lost a pair of Lovebirds. Yes, they were old, but it still hurts. They were a mated pair for many years. I found the two spooned together at the bottom of the cage when I got home from work. She had obviously died many hours before as she was cold & rigor had set in. He was still slightly warm, and still loose, so it's clear that when she passed he laid down & cuddled up to her....and died, hours later.

Who could NOT be moved by that??

For my part, I'm not taking any more rescues in. The pain is too great, the loss too frequent. The graveyard of little graves in my yard is completely full, and has been watered with my tears for too long. I'm too old myself to carry on this way.

Kudos to those young enough to pick up the torch and carry on. Your efforts are solid gold, and the world of parrots needs you desperately.

So sorry to hear of your two passed lovebirds. Their courtship was complete to the very end, an apparent broken heart linked them forever.

It takes a special person to endure repetitive loss, thank you for a lifetime of dedication to birds in need of a good home.

A dear friend shared the following Washington Irving quote during a time of need:

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love."
 

Noahs_Birds

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Oct 24, 2019
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Yellow Sided GCC's, Rosa Bourkes Parrots, Full Red Fronted Turqoisine Parrots, Quaker Parrots 'Scomo PM' 'Jenny PM's wife', PLUS: Rare Finches, Doves and Quail
You gave that little fella a second chance in life, a debt to that gorgeous little Budgie that was repayed by him through love and affection towards you
We all feel guilt when a pet passes on, nobody can ever deny that, but the positives should be kept as close to your heart as possible
Also, think about it, Timmy had the most positive experience before he died, he had a bath and a good feed, obviously a Budgies favourite things to do, before dissapearing quickly and peacefully
My deepest condolences for yourself and the rest of the flock
Thanks
Noah Till
 

Terry57

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I'm so sorry for the loss of your lovies. His love for her brought tears to my eyes, he just couldn't imagine being without her.

For my part, I'm not taking any more rescues in. The pain is too great, the loss too frequent. The graveyard of little graves in my yard is completely full, and has been watered with my tears for too long. I'm too old myself to carry on this way.

Kudos to those young enough to pick up the torch and carry on. Your efforts are solid gold, and the world of parrots needs you desperately.

Thank you for all of the rescues you have taken in over the years, whose lives were completely changed because of you. You made a real difference in their lives.
I'm so glad you brought up the pain of the losses that happen far too often when taking in rescues. When it happens in waves it doesn't even give you time to catch your breath. Our hearts can only take so much.
With the exception of a couple, all my rescues I have lost were also fine, and then they were suddenly gone. In all three of my bird rooms, there is at least one older bird who I hold my breath every single day until I see they are okay. I am also where you are, I can't take in anymore. I have felt guilt over that, and your post made me feel better about it, knowing I am not alone.

Thank you for highlighting this aspect of rescues, the rewards are much greater than the pain, but there comes a time when we can't do it anymore. I also give kudos to those who are picking up the torch and taking in birds in need, so many lives will be transformed. As their lives are changed for the better, ours are as well by having the privilege of knowing and loving them. To the next generation of rescuers, I say that even when the pain is overwhelming, what was gained made it all worthwhile.
 

Chrissiejingles

Active member
Nov 21, 2019
71
220
ENGLAND
Parrots
Mr Jingles OWA.....RIP
I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Amazon, Mr Jingles, two weeks and five days ago. I went back to work today but I struggled with this huge, constant ache in my heart. I am as heartbroken now as the day he died and I am finding it very hard to cope. I feel the pain is never going to end. The guilt is stopping me thinking about all the happy times. I miss him so much.The only thing that has kept me sane are all you kind,caring people across the world. You have all kept me going because you know how I feel. I know how much you all do for these cherished feathered friends. I have found two comforting poems that I would like to share,both called Remember Me. They are seen from bord and human point of view:
Remember Me
Remember me with tears and laughter
Remember me though it hurts to do so
Because the pain you have is equal to the live we share.
There is no goodbye if you carry me in your heart.
Remember all the joy we shared,
Because there was so much of it for both of us.

Remember Me
Remember me when you can't go on.
Remember me when all hope is gone.
When you're all aline and no one seems to care
I will always be there.
For I am everywhere
I have always been there
Since time began I am, and I will never leave you,
for I am your friend.
Just look inside your heart and take my hand.


Remembering all our best feathered friends.
 
OP
mh434

mh434

New member
Oct 28, 2014
473
9
BC, Canada
Parrots
Yellow-naped Amazon "Sammy"
Love birds (4)
Green-cheeked Conure "Skittles" - now, sadly gone from my life
Blue-Crowned Conure "Tequila"
African Grey "Reno" - sadly, now gone from my life
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I read somewhere recently that we are never truly gone until our name is spoken for the last time. I live by that, and recite the names of all my little lost ones often, to keep them alive in my memories.

The way I see it, one day my name will be spoken for the last time, and that will be the last time all the little ones' names will be spoken too, but on that day I will be once again reunited with them.

It is so difficult in the meantime. We grieve, we suffer the pain and sorrow, we miss them every single day. They have passed - they feel no pain, they do not feel the loss, or the passage of time. We who are left behind must do that for them so that, one day, we can be together again.

That is both the joy, and the tragedy, of our caring.
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,646
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Over the many years and the many Amazons that have made their spaces in my heart. Each had made a special place for yet another. In my younger years it was comforting. Like you, at this point in my life Amazon Hill has more markers than open spaces and time has allowed me to smile far more than in the past. To remember good moments.

But of late, the fingers are less willing to accept the bites common with a new member and the want for my current overlord to live at least as long as I have become common. A life time of opening our home and hearts to the 'Yesterdays Trash' of others. Those older Amazons, seriously ill, abused and with no want to ever trust another Human. Those rescues that no one wants!

I understand your heartaches. I understand your pain. I understand the darkness of loss. The reality that I have come to is that one never gets past the deep pain of the loss. Yes, the new arrival steals time and busies itself opening a new space in our heart, and that helps. But it never eliminates the remembrances, and that defines us as Loving Companions.

The greater the number of those who have crossed-over Rainbow Bridge, I have come to see as the likely larger the gathering when it is my turn. I find as I age, I am more interested in bring to others the Love that I have been blessed with from our many Amazons, Family and Friends who have past. It is worth the suffering of the Losses to have provide and received Love. It may seen such a tiny thing, but to not have those memories, in my belief would be an empty life.
 

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