Our cockatiel is dying

[yardwork]

She's been with us almost ten years. My kids can't remember when she wasn't part of our "flock." She has an enlarged heart and fluid in her lungs. She's been in and out of the vet hospital, on meds and interventions, for the past two weeks. The vet keeps bringing her back from the brink but tonight she's in really bad shape.

My kids are distraught. I wish I knew what to give her to help with the anxiety she must be feeling as she tries to breathe.

[Swede]

1. Some sad news to hear.

My dog recently died,I know what you are going through.

[flamingyouth]

2. I'm so sorry to hear this

I have a cockatiel, Buster, who's lived with me for seven years. They sure have a special place in our hearts. I'm sorry for you and your kids as you go through this.:hug:

[yardwork]

3. Thanks!

Gosh. When I posted this I wasn't sure anyone would see it or respond. It does make me feel better to get your nice responses. Thank you!

The hardest part is figuring out how to be the parent. When I was a kid I just cried when my pets died. Now I have to be the grown-up. One of the hard parts about being a parent.

[flamingyouth]

5. I bet that is hard

I'm a blubbering baby when animals are sick and die. I don't think I'd be much of a stable rock if I had children! They'd probably end up having to comfort ME! :hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. It will help your kids

if you share your grief with them. If you don't have a place where you can bury her, take the family to some spot where you can have a little funeral. It will mean a lot to all of you. :hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. Poor birdy...

I'm so sorry. Is there a 24 hour vet who could give advice?

I would think she'd take great comfort in simply having you there.
:hug:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

6. Aww..they are such wonderful birds

My condolences...no matter how big or small..animals are our families too... :hug:

[Lex]

7. Sorry to hear that.

It makes me sad to think of any animal in distress.

Hugs to you and your family.

Lex/Res

[Misunderestimator]

8. Oh no! So sorry to hear that.

[alphafemale]

10. cuddle and hum "Rest your head close to my heart"

Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine

Little one when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine

If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you

From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine

[blondeatlast]

30. Okay, now we are all blubbering...

I can't even watch "Dumbo."

[jdj]

11. I continue to be amazed at how much personality my adopted

cockatiel has. I didn't have much experience with birds when I got him, and he is just a tiny little ball of preferences and quirks. He is my only 100% inside pet, so I can't imagine life without him, he is out of his cage all the time except during the night.

My heart goes out to you, I hope that she goes peacefully and doesn't suffer. I suggest a funeral and burial for the kids' sake, it will help them with their grief, or maybe a cremation. As a child I wish my parents had made some small ceremony when a pet passed.

My thoughts are with you.

[barb162]

12. I will say a special prayer for your little birdie.

This is so sad, I know. PLease give her a little pet on the head for me.

[yardwork]

13. Thank you, everyone

I can't tell you how much it means to see these nice responses, and the comfort avatar.

Lex, I know you went through something similar yourself. It's hard to see a fellow creature we love suffer.

We have a very committed vet, and if I call him he might even have me bring her over to the office tonight, but all it will do is prolong the inevitable. We talked about this a few days ago, and he told me that we would know when it was time to let her go.

I just checked her and she is resting comfortably. I can here her gurgling breathing but she isn't panicky anymore. Poor little bird. She is so sweet. Just a really gentle, loving animal.

[faithnotgreed]

17. such a sweet dear one who has loving family with her all the way

God bless you all....

[BurtWorm]

32. That breaks my heart.

I've never witnessed a bird dying, let alone a beloved one. It must be painful to watch. They're wonderful animals.

[Lefta Dissenter]

14. Oh I'm so sorry

It certainly sounds like you've done so much for this tiny little family member. We have a cockatiel, and I know how funny and goofy they can be.

Speaking from many years of experience with many pets, though, don't feel like you have to be a rock for your kids. It's ok for them to see you grieve - it's a natural part of life, and it helps them to learn how to deal with loss.

Best wishes to you and your sweet little bird and your kids. :hug:

[miss_kitty]

15. i am so sorry to here of your sad times with your cockatiel

I think it's toughest because you can't explain, you don't want them to suffer and you just want them to get better.
i hope your fabulous flock member gets better. i will keep a thought for her, you and your flock....

[LisaLynne]

16. I'm so sorry. nt

[Gloria]

18. I had a cockatiel who arrived in our home the morning my father died...

We had been talking about how we needed life in the house and we finally acted on getting a bird. She was named "Solly" (after the Sun/Sol) because it was the Winter Solstice. That afternoon, my father died, but we felt Solly was there for a reason...

Because of allergies we had to give her up several years later, but my cousin took her and she lives with their cockatiel. She even laid eggs.

Cockatiels are so sassy...if she's still drinking perhaps a little Rescue Remedy in her water or in a dropper can help calm her...

Prayers for your little girl..........

[virgdem]

19. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your little friend...

It is so hard to lose a loved pet. I know the pain of losing two beloved cats in the past year and a half. You will know when the time comes to end her suffering. I hope she goes peacefully. I had my two loves cremated and they are both with me at home right on the fireplace mantle. Whatever you do, it helps to have some kind of memorial service.

[tibbir]

20. I'm so sorry to hear about your pet.

My son and I had a dog who'd become a part of the family. About 3 years ago she developed some kind of cancer that just goes crazy and sweeps through the poor animal in almost no time. I took her to a specialist who diagnosed the problem and started talking about extreme treatments we could follow. I'd already found out it only put of the inevitable by a few months. I asked him what he would do if she were his dog. He stopped for a moment and said he'd take her home and feed her steak. Best advice we ever could have gotten.

It was horrible to lose her but I'm glad she didn't suffer. Don't be afraid to cry with your children. In my case I cried more than my son did.

Like so many people have already said, be sure to have some sort of memorial for her. It'll help everybody begin healing.

[faithnotgreed]

21. thats very sweet tibbir.

im glad you and your son have each other. and your dog had a wonderful family!

[BlueJazz]

22. I'm terribly sorry for your family's loss...

I hope her passing is swift and painless.

[sffreeways]

23. My chocolate lab Bailey

is 12 years old and going through the same thing. She's been sick with CHF for about 3 months now. She's taking all of the meds I can't imagine how difficult it is for a bird to go through this. I'm so sorry for your pet. I know watching my beautiful dog go through this is breaking my heart and I feel so sorry for you and your family.

Your little friend is in my thoughts and Bailey's too.

[Trish]

24. After drying my tears....

I can now write you. From someone who has 6 rescued parrots, my thoughts are with you. Please be strong for yourself, your birdie and your children as you go through this difficult time....
:(

[binaryline]

25. Aww, yardwork... sorry :-(

I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles. Give that bird an extra rub for me & make sure that your kids know that it's okay to grieve over a pet (if such a thing should come to pass, etc.). Luck to ya, yw :-).

[scarlet_owl]

26. I'm so sorry. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

:hug:

[eyesroll]

27. I'm sorry, yardwork

:hug:

Keep her cage area warm -- that should help make her more comfortable.

We lost our cockatiel at 2-1/2 from kidney disease. This was a few years ago, but we still miss her.

[johnnie]

28. I'm sorry to hear this

My cockatiel Vinnie passed away only after a year because he got poisoned. Even after that one year it was sad.
I just recently got two more Elvis and Cash. They are pains, but they seem to be getting better. I love animals, but I find these birds to be such great pets.
I hope your bird doesn't have to suffer much. Take care,
Johnnie

[blondeatlast]

29. Oh, I'm so sorry. I love 'tiels, love them.

Take care, friend.

:hug:

[ChickMagic]

31. I am so sorry to hear that

Our tiel, Piper, is near and dear to our hearts. I know how you must feel, and you will be in our thoughts.

[mvd]

33. Very sorry to hear that

:hug: