Hi thanks for reading my story. I had 2 ##atiels a pearled female- Pearl and a Lutino male named Peter. On 8-15-05 Pearl suddenly passed away. I awoke and she was already gone. My 4 yr old daughter (who found her) and I cried for a little while holding Pearl and saying our goodbyes. I called a friend who immediatly came over and comforted us. Then I remembered Peter...I picked him up and held him close to my chest. Normally a nervous and bitey bird(due to not being touched by previous owners) he acted totally subdued, cuddling under my chin. I took as if he was grieving and spoke to him softly. He was crazy about Pearl and I've had a wonderful 3 yrs with her. When we first got her my daughter was 2 and still in the transitional bed phase( no longer in a crib but not yet in a toddler bed). Pearl would always holler to let me know my daughter was up and also when someone was at the door. We sometimes spent early summer morning outside on the balcony before everyone got up for the day. I had trained Pearl to stay on my shoulder when outside. Sometimes I'd bring my bible and cup of coffee out with me and she'd just perch on my shoulder looking around and chirping every now and then at the wild birds. Sometimes we'd spend the hour with me talking about the plans for the day and she'd chirp to me and look down sidways. The vet said it was pneumonia brought on by a week of hellish weather. I never knew... God I could've done something to help her.

I've always loved ##atiels, and Pearl sounds like such a sweetie. I was amazed at how she would let you know when your daughter was up and when someone was at the door. She was a sweetie and a smartie!

I had tears in my eyes as I read about you comforting Pearl's companion, Peter. You, your daughter, and Peter must miss Pearl so much. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Hugs to the three of you.
Kathleen

I'm so sorry about your baby Pearl. She sounded like a real sweetheart! I was crying so hard picturing you with Pearl, and then with Peter after her death. I've never had pet birds, because I've always had lots of cats and outdoor birds, so I can only imagine how much your heart is aching right now.

Please try not to think that way. I'm sure by reading your post, that if you had known, you would have done anything to help her. But, you didn't know, so don't blame yourself. It's amazing how much we love our pets and how much we beat ourselves up with thoughts of what we did or didn't do, it's those "what ifs"... that make the grieving process so much more intense. I know you are just doing it because you want her back so badly, but I just wanted to tell you that it's not your fault.
I feel so bad for you, your daughter, and Peter, this is such a tough time. The level of grief that you all have will take over for a while, but it does get better with time. Make sure you take all the time you need to feel your pain and heartbreak, it is the only way that healthy grieving can take place.
I'll be praying for you and your family during this time, and sending you comfort for your healing.
Love,
Michelle