Our parakeet just died

[derby378]

His name was Petey, and he was a sweet little parakeet with a powder blue belly and a beautiful little face. He was the first bird companion ginbarn and I had together.

We've had him since 1996. That's when ginbarn adopted him, and we moved in together the next year. Over the years, we'd learn to refer to him as Popcorn Pete and Mexican Jumping Pete for his seemingly boundless energy, hopping all over his cage, hanging from the ceiling by one foot (and sometimes one toe), and taking his favorite bell in his grasp to have meaningful philosophical discourses with the bell until he got pissed off and started squawking at the bell, which was a fairly frequent occurrence.

Petey was a sweet little guy, and he was probably at least 10 years old tonight. Despite the fact that he was still eating, he had wasted away dramatically over the last 18 hours, and his keel was plainly visible. He died in ginbarn's hand about an hour ago.

We're going to have him cremated along with his little bell so that he'll always have it with him, and we'll keep his ashes along with our other beloved critters, because ginbarn fully intends to take them all with her when she goes.

Rest well, Petey. We love you very much.

[GainesT1958]

1. I'm very sorry to hear this

May God bless Petey!

B-)

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. I'm so sorry, derby.

It sounds as if he brought such joy into your lives...and I'm so sad that he's left. :( :hug:

[flamingyouth]

3. I'm sorry

:hug:

[CottonBear]

4. I am so sorry. Your post brought me to tears. RIP Petey.

Petey was so very lucky to have found you and Ginbarn. :cry: :) :cry: :)

[Gloria]

5. Oh, how sorry I am....

I'll never forget how I felt when I lost my canary Chippy. Petey will be with you forever.

[Floogeldy]

6. Now, my heart is breaking.

My first pet was a parakeet. I guess my parents got tired of it or someething and took it to my grandma's house. Then, grandma started relating to me accounts of the bird calling my name, apparently mimicking my Mom.

His name was Perry. Perry the Parakeet. And I loved him.

[lavenderdiva]

7. I am so very sorry to hear your sad news...

We become so attached to these little ones don't we? I fully believe that we will see them again though... Sending these in the meantime: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Fiona]

8. I'm so sorry...

I had a cockatiel years ago. I know how endearing birds can be.

[SoCalDem]

9. RIP Petey

:(

[derby378]

10. You're all very kind. Thank you.

We still have a parakeet named Lady who's a little saddened and confused by Petey's death. She's been having a quiet conversation with herself since about an hour ago.

There's also a cockatiel named Piper, who isn't quite as fazed as Lady is.

[Spock_is_Skeptical]

11. I want to extend my condolences

on your loss. I know what it's like to lose a longtime feathered friend.
Rest in peace, Petey.

[derby378]

12. ginbarn will read everyone's condolences tomorrow

Her eyes are a little red and puffy right now. She wanted you to know that she feels privileged to have cradled little Petey as he slipped away. A little part of her heart went with him.

:cry:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

13. I'm so sorry....

[swag]

14. Condolences.

My best to you and yours.

[u4ic]

15. He was lucky to be loved so much

RIP Petey...

[ChickMagic]

16. Thank you all my beloved DUers

I couldn't bear to read the messages last night, but I read them this morning and I'm trying to type through my tears. When I was sick a couple of years ago and had to be home for a couple of months, I had stomach tubes and IV tubes everywhere. The home nurse said my cats were verboten. So, okay, I locked them up when she was around. I would take Petey out of his cage and put him on my chest where he'd groom my hair and make me beautiful.

He was so gregarious and so much fun. He and Lady Bird would call loudly to each other whenever their cages were separated. I put Petey in her cage for a short time after he passed. She looked for the longest time, and when I moved his cage, she didn't call for him anymore.

Thank you for the good wishes and hugs. I needed that. :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

17. My condolences on your loss.

:hug:

[In_The_Wind]

23. I'm so very sorry for your loss of Petey.

there really is nothing that can compare with the love from a feather-head :hug:

[arwalden]

18. Aww. I'm Sorry.

It's always difficult whenever we lose one of our animal family members.

I had no idea that parakeets had such long lives. It sounds like he was a very lively and entertaining fellow. You guys must have really pampered Pete... it's obvious that he was lucky to be a part of your lives.

-- Allen

[Flying Dream Blues]

19. RIP Petey, you sound like such a sweetheart!

Hugs to you. I'm sure he's in birdie heaven ringing his bell for you.

[derby378]

20. Morning kick

[blondeatlast]

21. As a bird lover myself, I mourn your loss. Wonderful, sweet creatures.

Bye, Petey. Have fun with my precious Rif-Raf when you see him.

[Mutley]

22. I'm so sorry!

:hug: He sounded like such a sweet little boy.

[ChickMagic]

24. Thank you all so much

I'm trying to work, but it's not going very well. All the hugs and love you've given to me and Petey mean so much. :grouphug: