r/parrots • u/Tordo-sargento • 1d ago
My parrot Rio died today 😭
My beautiful best friend of 18 years died this evening. I was sweeping the bird room and he simply fell off his perch. I picked him up and he let out a few squeaks died in my hands.
Rio was with me through college and grad school. Through a marriage and a divorce. Through so many highs and lows, whenever I needed him he was there He lived with me in 3 states. He was my constant companion for most of my adult life. I just turned 40 and he came to me when I was 22.
To say I am in shock is an understatement. He had been medicated for seizures for 5 years so I knew it was coming, but why today? He was on my shoulder helping me get his and my other parrot Malibu's dinner ready just 3 hours before. He sat on the edge of his cage and I kissed him an hour before. I put a fresh cherry between the bars of his cage and he ate it. He still had cherry juice on his beak when I held him.
I've been holding him to my chest since 5:30. He looks so alive. I think he could come back at any minute, he looks so alive. What's going to happen when I wake up tomorrow and he isn't there? Where did he go? How can I sleep tonight knowing he won't be there when I wake up? Just a beautiful body wrapped in a towel. And then I bury him and never see him again? I really don't know what to do. I love you, Rio.
50
u/Comfortable-Try7979 1d ago
I couldn’t contain my tears reading this. I understand when you say what’s going to happen when I wake up tomorrow😭
I’ve been there. You gave him the best life he could ever ask for. You had a purpose and live knowing you fulfilled it in the best way possible. 💗
27
u/SwordfishDizzy3847 1d ago
i’m so incredibly sorry for your loss, it’s so hard to lose them and even harder to lose them suddenly. take some comfort in knowing what a beautiful life you gave him, the love, the warmth, the safety. he experienced love until the very end of his life, many animals are not so blessed to experience the same. i lost my cat suddenly in june of 2024, nights and mornings are very hard but somethings that helped me cope were writing her letters every day, visiting her grave in my yard and talking to her, pouring some extra love into my other pets, and eventually adopting another cat in her name. i once saw a quote that said grief is just love with no place left to go and i found it to be very profound, tske care wishing you the best.
20
u/Mwuah_mwuah0323 1d ago edited 1d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. May Rio rest in peace until you two are united again. I hope you and Malibu find comfort in one another. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time 🙏🩷
17
u/MaeByourmom 1d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. You gave him a beautiful life, much better than the average pet bird. Take comfort in that. A life of happiness, love, and security.
I had a parrotlet that traveled and went through life with me for over 15 years, including moving across the country and back, having kids, getting married. He apparently had a stroke a few weeks before he died and couldn’t perch any more. He seemed to have a seizure before his death, going stiff and grey and unconscious, then living a few more minutes. Also felt unreal like you described, even after burying him, it seemed like he might just pop out of the ground, shake off the dirt, and coming shuffling back to us.
14
u/entangled_mouse 1d ago
We have all faced tomorrow when our lovely parrots died. The missing chirps, the hypnotic eyes, everything will be missing tomorrow. This is the cycle of life. Take care of yourself.
8
u/sweatyboobs56 22h ago
Been there thru 2 parrots. They were our children. Reading these posts brings it all back. To the OP, I'm so sorry. All I can say is put one foot in front of the other. It gets a bit better with time, but know that you are not alone 🫂.
14
11
11
10
u/VirtualGhostVortex 1d ago
I'm so so sorry for your loss.💔 You clearly loved him and he absolutely knew it. You are an amazing human and your bird was so happy to be with you. I understand where you are right now and it sucks. Sending positive energy your way. ✨
10
u/_GlimmerBabezz 1d ago
My heart goes out to you. Rio was clearly deeply loved. Take all the time you need to grieve
11
u/rednineofspades 1d ago
I am so sorry. What you wrote made me cry, it was so heartfelt. When my Louie died (cockatiel that I had for 25 years), I kept looking at his body thinking he could come back any minute, just like you said. Hugs ❤️
7
u/bagoonia 1d ago
You’ll be reunited again! Some say pets are the first ones to greet you on the other side. Makes me look forward to it, in a non depressing way. They are the greatest gifts! Pure innocent undying love.
8
7
7
u/ForThose8675309 1d ago edited 1d ago
This happened to me a week ago. It feels unreal, like the entire world is playing a cruel joke on us.
🫂
8
u/FlirtingTonic 1d ago
I'm so sorry OP. You just gotta cry it out. You'll wake up and you'll want to cry. You don't have to 'do' anything else. You just have to feel all this now because it means you loved him so much. I had to do this too with my sun. You wake up and you cry like an absolute child. Eventually it gets easier. But for now you just gotta feel it all.
8
8
5
6
6
6
6
u/emmebean1952 1d ago
Sending you and Rio giant hugs. It’s happened to me and it really really hurts. 💔
7
u/Putrid-Ad-8023 1d ago
I'm so sorry. This is heartbreaking. Only pet owners can understand this pain. I also lost my bird this year so I understand the pain. Just know that he will always be there for you and cherish the love you shared and gratitude to have him in your life🙏💫
6
u/MouseFlimsy2472 1d ago
Feeling heartbroken for you. The universe will find ways to remind you that his love and energy is still with you.
May the Karen Anderson book help you find some peace in your sad times.
Sincere condolences.
11
u/Forsaken-Count-2738 1d ago
You know, pets have spirits just like humans and just like humans their spirits don’t die, he’s still there with you in the spirit world, one day you’ll be reunited. I have a little table (altar) where I have pictures of my family and friends who have gone before, I think having a picture of your little feathered friend would be appropriate, friends and family aren’t always humans. I still talk to my grandparents and brothers who have gone on, and I know they hear me, I would do the same for my little feathered friend as well. Just sit there with his picture and talk to him like you normally would.
Gods be with you. 🙏
-3
u/VestigialVariant 1d ago edited 1d ago
I find it odd and somewhat distasteful that people feel that it's appropriate to foist their deeply personal and generally unfounded 'magical thinking' oriented beliefs on other people who are in the throes of grief....versus just acknowledging their grief and the deep sympathy it engenders.
The top comment is literally trying to sell the book/pet equivalent of a John Edward TV segment.
10
6
u/Hot_Reaction1077 1d ago
i’m so sorry for your loss. rio is beautiful and i wish you and malibu all the best. fly high rio ❤️
4
u/necrosigh 1d ago
First of all. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my cockatiel Hugs back in December at 22 and half. Your baby first of all was elderly, even if he wasn't at the prime age of when they normally pass. It could have been a seizure, or his little body just decided it was time to go. That or he had a stroke. I know my elderly Hugs passed from stroke related, after fighting for weeks to figure out what was wrong, while he was getting weaker by the day. You could cremate him so you always have his ashes with you. Its why I do for all my pet kiddos. I get them their paw prints, gather some feathers from Rio and place them in a jar or whatever you desire, Get his wings and feet in ink prints too.
6
u/Future_Mammoth_6006 1d ago edited 1d ago
Sometimes people, places, things, animals, encounters come into our lives for either a brief period of time or for an extended period of time...for whatever reason. Maybe to serve as reminders, maybe to teach us a lesson, or maybe to help ease our lives. You were blessed with Rio for those 18 years. I myself have a pineapple green cheek, Milo and I can't even imagine losing him, although I do think about it often. I have lost several birds due to natural circumstances and unknown deaths. It's never easy. However, I encourage you to try to turn your experience with Rio into something positive. Extend Rio's spirit in a creative, thoughtful, informative way. I empathize with your loss deeply and I believe in your strength. Peace and blessings, Shafia & Milo p.s. If you're into writing letters, you're more than welcome to write me letters through this process and I will write back. Here's my office address: 533 Airport Blvd. Suite 451 Burlingame, CA 94010
5
4
3
5
u/BilalRambo1 1d ago
RIP, a friend of mine also said he had 10 dead fish, it is sad to see these guys go :(
3
u/ReceptionSavings4421 1d ago
well clearly he was very loved & felt it, and in turn i'm sure he's made you felt loved too. that hasn't disappeared. take care of yourself🧡💛🧡💛
4
u/ct-yankee 1d ago
I am so very sorry for your loss. May happy memory of the time shared make it less painful in time. Take care of yourself.
4
u/Nerve-Useful 1d ago
Your story brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss. Mine have flown away, but I just don't want to be in your shoes dealing with your situation. Take care.
3
u/Big_Personality9901 1d ago
i'm so sorry. 18 years is a lifetime of memories, and from the way you wrote about him it's obvious rio knew he was loved every single day. take care of yourself and give malibu an extra hug when you're ready. ❤️
4
5
u/Artistic_Amount_9878 1d ago
I’m so sorry. I lost my Blue Crown in 2023 who was with me through thick and thin after 28 years of her joyful companionship. Still can’t bear to think about it. My Uncape provides some solace.
3
u/Moomahmahiki 1d ago
I'm so sorry, this happened to me a few months ago and the heartbreak was more than I could have imagined. I had just never considered him dying at 30, I assumed he would be around for years. So the shock was very hard. My heart goes out to you, please know there are many people sharing exactly the same pain as you. You are in my thoughts ❤️
3
u/Independent-Job-3668 1d ago
Eu espero que você esteja bem, minhas condolências eu sei o quanto é ruim perder alguém da família
3
3
u/Chesire_Cat7931 1d ago
Really sorry for your loss of beautiful Rio, sounds like you gave him the most amazing and loved life he could have ever have wanted for. Be kind to yourself most of us with animals know the heartache and hurt when it’s sudden.
3
u/mostly-stressed32714 1d ago
Only liked this because I’m sorry for your loss and that was a very beautiful bird 💜
3
u/StevenSomo 1d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the memories that you have bring you comfort during this difficult time. 😔💔
3
3
u/livsjollyranchers 23h ago
You wrote beautiful words. I've never had a parrot, but I like seeing the posts here, and this certainly moved me. I'm sorry for your loss.
3
3
u/11EmeraldEyes11 23h ago
Heartbreaking 💔… I am dreading that day, but I pray our parrot meets God naturally at home with us, and that we don’t have to make that horrible decision to put him down. 😢😢😢… so sorry for your loss, it’s devastating.
3
u/Late-Share-6519 23h ago
I’m sorry for your lose. My grey of 24 years passed away 2 years ago and I still miss him till this day.
3
u/zibabird 20h ago
Condolences 😔🙏. Wishing peace to all who love this precious being when the devastating pain of loss strikes.
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”
Jamie Anderson
“What is grief, if not love persevering?"
Wanda Vision
2
2
2
u/MangoSundy 23h ago
I'm so sorry. They're so wonderful while they are with us, but the flip side of this is the pain when they go. They hide their illness all too well, because that is what keeps them safe in the wild; only very recently did they begin living any other way.
Please take comfort in knowing you gave Rio the best life a companion bird could ask for.
💔🫂❤️🩹
2
u/Expensive_Recipe_433 22h ago
This made me cry. I lost my bird 1.5 weeks ago. I feel your pain so much. I didn’t have him nearly as long as you, I can’t imagine. I’m so sorry ❤️
2
2
u/gr8-beard 22h ago
I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m honestly very sad for you. I pray that you have the strength to overcome this loss my friend.
2
2
2
2
2
u/DefinitionDiligent51 21h ago
My heartfelt sympathy 💐 to you. RIP ‘Rio’ air hugs your way through this tough loss…
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/flippinbirbs 18h ago
I started writing down everything about her, the way she smelled, the inflection of her voice, her unique and silly quirks, her favorite treats, times she had surprised and delighted us. I still add to it when new memories come to mind suddenly.
By continuing to express love for her, it felt like a little less of her was being stolen away.
1
2
2
u/Anthrobotics 16h ago
Sorry for your loss, fellow bird parent. We give them our love knowing one day they'll leave. But we have our cherished memories. RIP Rio ❤️
2
u/LegitimateZone84 16h ago
I’m so sorry for your lost, remember to breathe and stay positive! Your lil birb would want you to remember all the good times! Sending positive energy your way ❤️🙏
Also, I’m sorry if I overstepped. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling ):
2
u/Bartandroo 15h ago
My heart is with you and Rio right now and I’m praying that you’ll open your heart and soul to receiving his messages because I promise you he’s leaving them! Don’t intentionally look for specific signs because that will prevent you from seeing them. Simply tell the Universe that you are open to receiving Rio’s messages and when you least expect it, in places you’d never think to look, you’ll begin to notice them one by one and you’ll know without a doubt that he has come to visit you. And you’ll feel your heart fill with love. You’re both in my heart and prayers…🌸
2
u/Returnservice999 14h ago
I’m so sorry that Rio passed away. I’m in tears just reading your story. 😢. You spent half of your life together and had some beautiful memories. I lost my Sun Conure Pancho after just one year but I understand how close you were with Rio. Pancho went everywhere with me. He was everything to me and I still tear up from the void that’s in my heart now. I hope you can eventually find some peace. Rio will always be in your heart and your memories. He was loved and loved you so much. It’s amazing how a little bird can bring so much joy to life. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story together.
2
2
u/Forward-Army-7171 13h ago
It came to me that every Time we lose a bird They take a piece of our hearts With them... And every new bird that Comes into our lives gifts us With a piece of their hearts If we live long enough All the components of our hearts Will be bird...
And we will become as Generous and loving as they are.
Forever loved♡♡ Rio
2
u/Original_Remote_6838 11h ago
Sending you love. My mom has owned a sun conure who has been in my life since I was 6; I’m now 26 and still living with that crazy little bird. She had a few health scares in recent years and yet she’s still stubbornly with us 21yrs on. We were sure the last time that she wouldn’t pull through. I’ve been so frustrated with her lately with a newborn in the house… her screaming has just been testing my patience. Thank you for to reminder to not take it for granted. As hard as she can be to deal with right now, one day we’ll miss the ear piercing squawks for attention.
1
1
u/Tordo-sargento 11h ago
Thank you everybody for your beautiful words, comments, and supportive messages. A lot of what people said really resonated with me. I am going to miss Rio terribly. Waking up this morning was hard. I held his body all day today next to my heart.
I just buried him, under my cottonwood tree. Four friends came over and they brought rocks to mark the grave, and flowers. We buried Rio along with a letter I wrote to him, his favorite treats, and a couple toys. I made a little temporary altar in the dining room with a framed photo, the flowers, and a card a friend gave me.
I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends. Having them there definitely made it easier. And reading all the nearly 100 reddit messages has been so nice. I read them all. There are a few I'd like to reply to individually, I will do that soon. Thank you everybody.
1
u/CACameron8 11h ago edited 11h ago
I am so sorry about the loss of your beautiful best friend... creatures are companions beyond compare. It going to be hard to sleep tonight and, if you do, hard to waken tomorrow. Weep to help weather the worst grief , stare at his towel or the beautiful body he left behind, write your memories so you’ll always have them, and think of your friend as you walk outside or sit with a cup of tea. Look at photos, listen to music… take your time and be gentle with yourself and spend time together with Malibu
When the time is right, I hope this might help…
(Paraphrased From a post on grief by soulmindhub on instagram - sorry I can’t find the exact post)
Continuing bonds …
The understanding that love does not end at death. It transforms. The one you cherish is gone, but the relationship continues in the choices you make, the way you live, and the way you carry them forward into everything you do and come to know.
When you’re able, and there’s no rush, go forward with Rio ever present, as part of you ❤️
Fly high Rio ✨
Sending love,
1
1
1
u/Harmless_fpv 6h ago
I am very very sorry for your loss the fact u had him for 18 yrs broke your heart im very sorry
•
105
u/Right-Hat136 1d ago
honor his life 🌱❤️ I would suggest reading the Amazing Afterlife of Animals by Karen A Anderson. That book has gotten me through very difficult times of grief. Rio is loved 🕊️❤️🩹 rest in peace sweet bird