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We recently reported on the death of a very famous bird…Alex the African Grey. This story still saddens me, as I have been following the progress of the research of Dr. Pepperberg and her staff, and new of the death sort of hit me.

This got me thinking about all the birds I have lost in the past, and in some cases how devastated I became. And now I think about how the loss of the few pet birds I have will effect me…..

How do you deal with the loss of a pet? Can you deal with the depression? Can you function enough to think things out and not be totally devastated by the loss? It’s not possible to answer this. But maybe you will find yourself in a position to help counsel someone who is going through this.

Over the years we have been in this position. Pet owners have called me, inquiring on buying a replacement bird, and they end up talking to me for hours about their pet and how much they miss them. I would take the time to listen, give some gentle advice, and try to help them through this period of grief.

YOUR PET HAS DIED. WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

It may not seem obvious, but if you have more then one bird in your home you need to investigate the cause of the birds death. Failure to immediately identify the cause of death could end up costing you even more birds.

The only good way to find the cause of death is to take your bird to a qualified avian vet and have an avian necropsy (autopsy) done. This will help to identify any disease that may be transmitted to the rest of your birds, poor diet, or other health issues.

If the bird died as the result of an accident, be sure that the problem is corrected so it won’t happen to other birds.

DEALING WITH GRIEF

I am sometimes amazed at the attitude of people. They do not seem to understand how attached people become to their pets. After spending their day with them, caring for them and playing with them, a huge bond develops. The loss of that pet is devastating!

The entire grieving process is no different then losing your parents, children, or best friend. First, there is the shock of their death. Time freezes, nothing is important any more. They become bewildered and depressed.

Then anger sets in. How did this happen? Who do I blame? Was this the cause of something I did (or didn’t) do? Guilt and fear take over your life.

Depression sets in. They feel saddened by the loss, drained of energy and overwhelmed with emotion.

After some time passes, acceptance takes over. They realize that their life will never be the same, but they must move on. But they will certainly never forget. And with the help of friends, they will eventually recover from their loss.

HONOR YOUR PET

A pet owner will never forget their loved one. And there are a number of ways to continue to honor them.

Make a donation to local agencies that help pets. The Humane Society, a rescue agency, or even for research. There are several organizations that do research into various bird diseases that can always use the support.

There are several websites that have set up memorial sites for your pet. At http://www.rainbowbridge.com has a virtual pet cemetery where you can post pictures and other information about your pet. They also have a grief support center if you just want to talk.

Plant a tree, shrub or flowers to honor your pet. Keep pictures of your pet around your home.

But never, ever forget your pet.

SHOULD YOU GET ANOTHER PET?

That has to be done when you area ready. Don’t rush out and get one the day the pet dies. You must first honor your deceased pet before moving on. You will know when you are ready.

Understand that when you get your new pet, it will not be the same bird you had. The personalities will be different, and you will have to go through a new learning phase. Be patient, things will work out.

DOES THE BIRD’S MATE SEEM DEPRESSED?

Some birds won’t handle the death of a cage mate. Other birds will get along fine. There are many tales about birds mating for life, such as the Lovebird or Doves. This is not the case. They will take on new mates. But they are also capable of feeling the loss. This is also true if they lose their owner. We have taken in a number of rescue cases where the owner died and nobody wanted the bird. The bird was in obvious depression and showing signs of health problems. After a few weeks of giving the bird love and attention, they have fully recovered. They were later sent to a new home.

So keep in mind that the pets may need some grief counseling just as much as the owners.

[tags]pet bird death, parrot death, bird death[/tags]