Thursday, November 10, 2011

When a Pet Dies

This past week has not been fun for Amy.  Usually healthy, she caught one of the  “bugs”  going around school and missed three days.  Yesterday, finally, she was able to go back to school.  She made it through the day, but was pretty tired yesterday afternoon and evening.

And then this morning, Amy really didn’t want to go to school again.  She woke up tired, and the thought of a full day of classes seemed overwhelming.  I gave her the option of staying home-and it helped her rally herself and make the decision to go to school anyway, and finish out the week.  I promised her a nice long and relaxing weekend to completely recuperate and catch up.

And then, as I was saying goodbye to Amy this morning, we noticed that Amy’s pet parakeet Coral was not looking too good.  She didn’t seem to be able to fly, but clumsily maneuvered around  her cage using her feet and beak.  The slightest exertion seemed to exhaust her, and she would pause, close her eyes and rest, all the while trembling.  Amy was visibly upset when she headed out the door to school, but I told her not to worry.  I promised I would take good care of Coral today.

But as I write this, Coral is sitting on the bottom of the cage, and I  know what is coming.  Coral is going to die.  And even though  Amy is a “big” girl now-she’ll be 16 in just under a month-she is going to be very, very sad when she gets home.  Because the loss of a pet, no matter how small that pet may be, is still a loss. 

It’s one of those things that happens in life.  I just wish it didn’t have to be this weekend.

15 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about Coral. I remember when my little parakeet Tuffy died. He was my pet through high school, and he knew how to whistle a few songs and jump over my play pony jumps. I was so sad when he died. I know that once he did get ill and we took him to the vet and did an antibiotic in his water - and he got better. Do you think that might be an option for Coral, or is it to late? Amy is in my thoughts!

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  2. So sorry to hear about this. Poor Amy.

    Losing a pet is so very difficult. Wish I had some better words of comfort. You're in my thoughts, and so is your dear daughter.

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  3. Oh, I'm sorry for poor Coral. I'll bet she had a wonderful life, and friend, with Amy ...

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  4. Thanks, all of you. Coral is still hanging in there, and I'm trying to make her as warm and comfortable as I can:)

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  5. :( So sorry! Poor Amy, it's difficult to watch your pet suffer.

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  6. What a rotten week for Amy...I'm so sorry.

    "...the loss of a pet, no matter how small that pet may be, is still a loss"

    Indeed...and Amy is fortunate to have a good Mom to help her through the loss.

    Good thoughts sent your way...
    Ann

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  7. Love to Amy and Coral. Losing our creature companions is so hard, no matter our age.

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  8. Thanks, and love, to each and every one of you:) xx

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  9. Poor Amy. When it rains, it pours doesn't it? And the loss of a pet is never easy. Sending love to your family. So sorry about Coral.

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  10. When our dog died a few months before Deaglan was born, I wasn't sure I'd ever recover. It took me a good year before I could drive down the streets we used to walk him. It is heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. My heart goes out to your beautiful girl. I know she will find comfort in your loving Mother embrace.

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  11. Wow. This is tough one. My old dog just died recently and even though we knew it was coming, I still really grieved.

    My sympathies go to you and to Amy. You are right the loss of any pet is felt keenly.

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  12. Thanks Sara:) I know how hard it was for you to lose your dog-big or small our pets are pretty special, aren't they. Amy really appreciated all of these comforting comments:)

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