Lost my companion bird of 12 years

[julellenau]

Lost my companion bird and best friend Sid just over 1 month ago. I live alone since my mum moved to a nursing home a few months before. Sid was my only company since and always a great comfort. Before mum moved he was always my little lovebug, ready to play and cuddle. He had biggest personality and known as little boss. I am not coping without him and mentally broke down. Feel so lost. I don’t know what to do to heal. Any advice greatly appreciated.

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[vmsteph]

Thank you for reaching out @julellenau and telling us about your beautiful bird Sid. He sounds like he was an incredible character, who brought a lot of comfort and joy to your life, both before and after your mum moved into aged care. Losing a beloved pet can be devastating, especially one who provided such solace and affection as your Sid. It is completely understandable that you would be mourning his loss and feeling lost without him. I wonder if you have family or friends who knew Sid and how much he meant to you, who you can speak to about how you are feeling? Sharing memories of a loved one who has passed – including our beloved pets – is one way we can honour their memory and acknowledge how important they were in our life. And spending time with people who care about us can help us feel less alone in our loss.
I also know there are many others on our forums who have lost a companion animal, and who would understand your feelings of grief. You may find solace in reading some of their posts, knowing that how you feel is valid and important. And you may find some helpful advice in the following resource from our Griefline resource centre, as there are several posts regarding the loss of a pet, including: https://griefline.org.au/resources/losing-a-pet/
Thank you for trusting us with your grief. It can be difficult to share how we are truly feeling, and we are honoured to sit with you in your grief. I hope you will keep talking to us and know that you are not alone. I am thinking of you and sending you healing energy

[julellenau]

Thank you for your kind words. I spoken to a friend today about all the things Sid used to do. He was very special. I will check the link provided. Thank you for the healing energy also.

[julellenau]

Still feel very lost and grief stricken over loss of Sid.

[leighstott]

He sounded like an amazing bird who had a loving home Julellanau. Best way to heal is get another one. Won’t be like Sid, but will create new and exciting experiences.

[julellenau]

Thank you Leigh.

[vrmaggie]

Hi @julellenau

It is easy to see from your sharing that Sid was ‘a one in a million’. With pet bereavement I always believe they give us much more than we can ever repay. I hope Sid passed peacefully. It would also be nice to hear how you celebrated his life. What kind of ceremony/ritual did you have? Even if it was only you and Sid?

I have a Spoodle dog, she is in love/besotted with my Neighbour’s Electus parrot. Birds are unique, intelligent and curious. And loving. Not everyone understands that, but you did through your long connection to Sid.

It would be lovely to hear how you first came to connect with each other.

[julellenau]

Hi Vrmaggie,

Sorry for late reply.

We had a simple funeral in backyard. Buried him under a beautiful cross and said some prayers. He was the most beautiful bird.

He loved to connect by cuddles, kisses and singing to my foot!

[vm-sam]

Hi @julellenau,

Thank you for sharing that beautiful personal moment of how you sent Sid off. I can hear the longing even as you recount how affectionate he was and all the moments you shared. He certainly sounds like such a special bird and I’m glad you got to send him off in such a meaningful way with the cross and the prayers said for him. He was so loved.

Grief is so varied for each person and I know for me losing my dog last year, it often hit me when in places and during times when I least expected it. I wanted to check in to see how you’re doing? We’re here to listen and hold space whenever you need it.

[julellenau]

Thank you Vmsteph. I am getting by. There are times I feel desolate like coming home and no cheery voice to greet me. It gets easier as time goes by and with the help of 2 new baby coxkatiels. They can never replace Sid but they help.

[aksp]

I’m so sorry for your pain. I know the agony. Have you been able to still feel a connection to him in anyway?

[Author]

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