Monday, December 8, 2014

Life Is Fragile

We humans take so much for granted, but those of us who live with animals know that life is fragile and things can change in an instant. We know our pets have lives that are much too short and that we need to make the most of each day.

This afternoon I was in the kitchen making dog food for Noah and Fudge, an activity we do every four days. I had several dogs hanging around hoping I'd drop something. The others were in the back yard enjoying the first sunshine we've seen in almost two weeks. The four birds were singing and  chattering as they watched the activity.

When I finished chopping and stirring I walked into the living room and sat down to read emails. I heard some strange soft chirping sounds from the bird area and went to see what was going on. Stanley, Calder and Norris were on the top perch making the strange noises and Elwood was lying on the floor of the cage. She had died in the seconds that it took me to walk out of the room.
Rob is cremating her in the chiminea now and the dogs are standing around him, aware that something has happened. The remaining three birds should be fine, they have each other, but it'll take me awhile to stop looking for Elwood when I glance at the cage.

Sometimes they can be annoying or we can be too wound up with our lives to stop and give them attention, but we are so fortunate to be entrusted with these precious lives and must never take them for granted.


13 comments:

Marjie said...

I'm sorry for the loss of Elwood. People think parakeets are inexpensive pets and we can't expect them to live long, but I love it when my daughter brings her parakeets here, because their songs are so cheerful. And I don't even mind the feathers and seed strewn about; that is what the Dyson is for! I hope the rest of the flock and the pack stay well for a long time to come.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely right, they are dependent on us for safety and food and just being there for them, we tend to take them for granted.

We thank the Lord for finding and rescuing Susie every day, she is such a sweetie, and would have not survived to live a year!

Mom & Dad

kathy b said...

Oh Im so so sorry. Birds can be so fragile like that........treats for the others....I do believe they grieve

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

So true. RIP Elwood.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

I'm so sorry. This has been a bad year for you guys! Fly free, Elwood!

Taffy said...

I'm so sorry you lost Elwood. Your post is perfect and you couldn't have said it any better. Sometimes we need a reminder about how precious these lives are. Thanks for the reminder :0)

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

So sorry to hear about Elwood. Birds can be so fragile, especially in the colder weather. mom says it is very hard to watch a bird get sick and die slowly. Maybe Elwood saved you from that.

Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.

Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh nose are so sorry
Lily & Edward

SissySees said...

What a pretty bird. Thank you for taking good care of Elwood and all of your pets. We'll cross paws and hope the other birds adjust and live long, healthy lives.

How Sam Sees It said...

We always had birds growing up - I'm so sorry for Elwood's loss.

Monty and Harlow

Matilda the Boxer said...

I'm so sorry. He's flying happy and free at the Rainbow Bridge now!

Molly the Airedale said...

Oh no. We are so very sorry to hear about Elwood. Fly free, Elwood.

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

Lapdog Creations said...

Oh no... I know birds are so fragile, we had parakeets growing up and my parents have 2 cockatiels now... so very sorry to hear about Elwood. Fly free pretty girl!