Marvel_ous
Sprinting down the street
I've been on this forum for several months now, and I'm finally writing a proper tribute for Sky. He passed back in February, but his loss still hurts just as much, albeit less often.
You had humble beginnings, just a face in the crowd at my local PetCo. I was an immature child, heart set on a leopard gecko. I ended up impulsively choosing you, not because of your health or personality, simply because you had the same pattern as a bird I saw on TV. I brought you home, with a small cage and some seed. Completely unprepared. Unknowing of your potential. For the first few months of your life, I treated you like a toy, playing to my wishes sometimes, and ignoring you others. It's not your fault you were afraid of hands, it was mine. I ignored you for two years, save changing your food and water every few days. There were inch-high mounds of droppings on your newspaper. Looking back on how I neglected you, I can't even express how sorry I am in words. Two years ago was our real turning point. For the first time in my life, I got off my lazy butt and researched, taking in all the information I could. I tried to get you to eat some veggies, and succeeded somewhat. I learned that you loved to dance and sing, and that you were fine on my arm if I covered up my hand with a long sleeve. We actually spent time together. I used the model/rival method I borrowed from Pepperberg and taught you to ask for your beloved mirror. You were gone much too soon, five years is so young, even for a budgie. Looking back, I miss our dances to your favorite songs. I miss the quiet nights we spent together, me reading you stories. I miss waking up to your cheery chirping, waiting to be uncovered. You taught me patience, endurance, kindness, forgiveness (especially after a hard pinch!), how to work hard, and so many other things. If only we could have been together a little longer.
Sky, fly high and happy, and one day, may we meet again.
You had humble beginnings, just a face in the crowd at my local PetCo. I was an immature child, heart set on a leopard gecko. I ended up impulsively choosing you, not because of your health or personality, simply because you had the same pattern as a bird I saw on TV. I brought you home, with a small cage and some seed. Completely unprepared. Unknowing of your potential. For the first few months of your life, I treated you like a toy, playing to my wishes sometimes, and ignoring you others. It's not your fault you were afraid of hands, it was mine. I ignored you for two years, save changing your food and water every few days. There were inch-high mounds of droppings on your newspaper. Looking back on how I neglected you, I can't even express how sorry I am in words. Two years ago was our real turning point. For the first time in my life, I got off my lazy butt and researched, taking in all the information I could. I tried to get you to eat some veggies, and succeeded somewhat. I learned that you loved to dance and sing, and that you were fine on my arm if I covered up my hand with a long sleeve. We actually spent time together. I used the model/rival method I borrowed from Pepperberg and taught you to ask for your beloved mirror. You were gone much too soon, five years is so young, even for a budgie. Looking back, I miss our dances to your favorite songs. I miss the quiet nights we spent together, me reading you stories. I miss waking up to your cheery chirping, waiting to be uncovered. You taught me patience, endurance, kindness, forgiveness (especially after a hard pinch!), how to work hard, and so many other things. If only we could have been together a little longer.
Sky, fly high and happy, and one day, may we meet again.