Bernadette has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

[maryjane]

My dear little Bern passed away today. I noticed he wasn't feeling himself the last few days and staying in his nest basket but Buddy (his mate) laid new eggs so I thought he was just nesting on the dummy eggs. They live inside my room and always have the heating pad on so he was plenty toasty. But today I left for a bit and when I came home he was in his basket and had gone on to heaven.

For those of you who don't know, I got Bernadette almost three years ago at the feed store. He was a sweet little brown Satinette with feathered feet and an eensy weensy mini beak. He also had some benign growths on him and the feed store owner said he was so ugly no one would take him, so he gave him to me and it was love at first sight. From day one he has never been in perfect health and always prefers to just hang out in one area.

He met his mate Buddy after a nesting basket turned over on Buddy overnight, so I brought her in for the day to make sure she was okay. Bern was already in with me and they fell in love and have been together ever since. Buddy always takes care of him and preens him when he doesn't feel well, she is such a good wife. They are the only pijies that are allowed to live indoors so they were always very spoiled. Now Buddy will join her friends in the little aviary and hopefully find a new hubby soon. I hate to see her looking all around for Bern, though I know she won't grieve long so that helps.

I am somewhat relieved for Bern that he doesn't have to suffer anymore, as he never was 100%. I sure will miss that sweet little guy so much.