A Heartbreaking Farewell

[Birdmom4ever]

Yesterday was a terrible day because we lost our most treasured pet. We love our pigeons, yes, but our favorite was Romeo, a Pilgrim gander. It was crazy to have geese in the suburbs in the first place, I guess. But we got Romeo and Juliet as day-old goslings in March of 2000 and they imprinted on me. The whole family loved them.

We lost Julie in March of 2004, just a day after their 4th birthday. Romeo fell ill a couple months later, by which time we had taken in a rescued goose as a replacement mate for him because he was so lonely. But Ashley, his second wife, isn't friendly.

Tests at that time revealed Romeo's liver was enlarged and not functioning well, but the vet wasn't able to determine the cause. He tested negative for diseases and parasites. With several medications to help his liver, he amazingly pulled through, though at that time (May, '04) the vet didn't expect him to survive.

I guess he was living on borrowed time. He never regained his previous vigor after being so sick last year. He's lost weight recently and a couple days ago he became very weak. His feathers were dirty and disheveled because he was no longer able to get in the little pool. He was barely eating. We took him to the vet and x-rays showed a big mass even we could see on the films, before the tech pointed it out. Our vet told us it was causing a blockage and Romeo was probably in a lot of pain. We asked about surgery but the vet did not believe it was an option as it's iffy on geese at best and Romeo was very weak.

We made the wrenching decision to euthanize him. We wanted to let him go without hastening his death, but the vet gently told us there was nothing we could do to make him comfortable. We took him home and spent the afternoon with him and all said goodbye and cried over him. The vet was so kind, he came out to our house and administered the shot here. I held him in my lap as he went to sleep.

We are heartbroken. Romeo was as loyal and faithful as any dog. He trusted us completely and we loved him unconditionally. We promised him yesterday that we would not leave him and we didn't; we stayed with him until the very end. He leaves a very big hole in our hearts, but I'm so glad I had the privilege of knowing him.

[Pigeonpal2002]

Awwwww, I'm so sorry Cathy


That is just tragic that this happened, birds whether they are pigeons, cockatiels, finches, ducks or geese etc can be just as dear to us humans as any dog or cat. The bond between bird and human is as strong as any of them and it's such heartache when these things happen.

My heart goes out to you and yours over this very difficult loss

[Pidgey]

I can't think of anything to say other than I'm so sorry for you!

Pidgey

[Trees Gray]

I'm so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine, but you did what was best for him, keeping him from suffering.

When you raise a bird from its very first days, it does creat a very strong bond of nurturing and you feel like a mother and worry about them for the rest of our lives.

I have discussed the inevitable loss of my pet pigeons with my family (raised since 4 days of age), and I myself don't know how I'm going to handle it. They are like my human children and I worry about them like they are my human kids.

I'm sending you a BIG STRONG hug from me and everyone and you are in my thoughts and prayers. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. What a handsome noble picture of Romeo.

[Birdmom4ever]

Thank you so much Brad, Pidgey and Treesa for your kind thoughts. I knew you guys would understand.

-Cathy

[TAWhatley]

Cathy, I am so very sorry for the loss of Romeo. I know how attached one can get to a goose or a duck. I commend you and your family for your decision to stop the pain and to stay with Romeo until the very end. I know so very well that it wasn't an easy decision.

Terry

[Lady Tarheel]

Dear Cathy, I know it hurts so bad and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful vet you have to do this for you.

maggie

[pigeonmama]

Cathy,
The loss of a beloved pet, a good friend, a creature who loves you and trusts you like that goose loved and trusted you is so painful, I know. All my love and strength to you along with many mental hugs.
Daryl

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Cathy,

I just re-read your post and it's impact was even greater the second time around I know, that each and every one of us understands how you feel over the loss of your dear Romeo.

There is nothing that any of us can really say or write that will change things or alleviate your pain, but we really do understand and feel for you over this.

I would suspect, other than a liver problem, that Romeo was greiving profusely over the loss of his mate. This in itself can cause birds of all kinds to go rapidly downhill because they are very similar to us in how they react to a loss.

I'm really not an expert on geese or what problems ail them but it does seem like a case of a "broken heart" All these things can have an effect on birds and many people refuse to acknowledge this fact-being that species are highly monogamous by nature.

Take comfort in the fact that you provided the best possible home, care and life for Romeo and his mate than he would have ever received otherwise. Seek consolation in your other animals that you are a special person that goes way above and beyond what any animal needs from any human.

Sorry for the ramblings but I'm sincere in this

[cyro51]

I am so very sorry Cathy. Romeo must have felt very warm and comforted by the love that surrounded him.

Cynthia

[birdlover000]

I'm so Cathy!! )))Hugs(((

[Birdmom4ever]

Thanks all of you for your kind thoughts and comforting words. I swear I can feel those hugs! This loss is so painful to me that I'm kind of wandering around today, getting nothing done, and I keep coming back to the computer. I so appreciate you guys. I know that each and every one of you knows that deep attachment we have with certain animals and the pain when we lose them.

Brad, you may be right. Romeo accepted Ashley as his new mate, but it wasn't the same. He and Julie had been together since Day One and they were tightly bonded. They displayed a level of affection for each other I never saw between Romeo and Ashley. When Julie died Romeo searched and called for her for days. My mom and I were just talking about one of her horses who was best friends with another mare. When the friend died, the second mare was dead within a year of her friend, though she was still young. Broken hearts affect animals, too.

Whew. I just miss my Big Goose so much.

[Trees Gray]

Birdmom4ever,

Animals & birds share bonds that are as real as people have.

We have to understand and recognize those bonds are real. I have heard the same about horses bonding to other animals other then horses, too. I can't imagine losing one of them either.

Since Romeo & Julie were so bonded in this life, perhaps they are together in spirit, God willing.

Take comfort in the fact that they had the best life they ever had with you, and that neither is suffering now.

Take care and may God bless and comfort you on this day and always.

[Birdmom4ever]

God is definitely my comfort. I look forward to the day when "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4)

I also believe, because it came to me this morning, that love is stronger than death.

[TerriB]

How sad for you to have to part with such a wonderful individual. Geese seem to relate very strongly to their people. His picture shows a soft, peaceful eye. Romeo was lucky to have such an understanding and supportive family. I am so sorry for your loss.

I agree with you that "...love is stronger than death...". I think we are privleged to share the lives of these creatures and hope that we support them in their journey as they do in ours.