Thursday, June 10, 2010

It's time

I've had Dusty for almost 25 years. When I got her she was young enough that she had to be bottle fed. She's been a pet and a family member for a very long time and she could potentially live another 75 years.

She sits with me outside when I tat. She sits with hubby when he waters the lawn. She goes on bike rides with us. She sits with us at lunch time and plays with hubby.
However circumstances change and I know that I'm not giving her the care she ought to have. So, with great sadness the time has come to say good bye. The vet has found a client whose son is interested in having her. He's been over to see her with his Dad and a couple of days later he was here with his girlfriend and Mom. Saturday he's coming over so that my hubby can help him making a free standing play area for the bird. Something that she can climb on and off of from her cage like she does now climbing from her cage to the 6 foot swinging branch we have hung from the basement ceiling. Something that she can climb around, but not climb down from. Her cage is too small, but she isn't locked inside it, except to sleep. He's decided that it's better to make a stand than to buy a really big cage and have her locked up all day. I agree.

I've been on and off weepy for days knowing that she's going. I know it's the right thing to do. I can't give her the time and attention she needs. Hubby can't handle the sound of her screams when she doesn't get the attention. Meniere's can make him fall over if he hears loud noises and her screams ARE loud.

It's the best thing to do, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about this heart breaking change.

Bye Dusty.

11 comments:

Fox said...

I'm sorry. Hang in there, Sharon.
♥ Fox

Cindy said...

You've given her a fabulous 25 years and you are doing the best thing for her. THAT's love!

Maggie B said...

Dusty is very beautiful. Dusty is very lucky that you love her enough to make decisions that are in her best interest. I am sorry you are having to say goodbye to her.

Bonnie said...

Dusty is very beautiful!

She looks happy, and that's most certainly from having you and your husband as loving friends. Now she is broadening her horizons with another friend, What a lucky bird she is.

BSOTF said...

I know it's never easy to have to give a bird away. However you love her enough to make sure she goes to a good home. That speaks mountains about the person you are. Dusty will know you done the right thing for her & that you truely do love her. You are a wonderful person! Yes, it's a sad time, but you are doing the right thing for both of you.

IsDihara said...

Big hugs to you for having the courage to do what's best for Dusty. She is a glorious, gorgeous bird and I'm sure will make the adjustment well.

Suztats said...

To do what's right for your pet, even though it wrings your heart, shows the depth of your love. I know you shall miss Dusty. What you are doing is not easy, but it is selfless, and takes a strong person. Bless you.

Kathy Niklewicz said...

I was relieved that she is OK - and astonishingly she can live another 75 years?!!! Wow!! I recall how she survived that bike accident of yours! You've really been through thick and thin!

It truly is the best thing for all concerned, though. It sounds as if Dusty will have a loving home. Can you have visiting rights? :)

Seriously, it's going to be sad for awhile, but also freeing for you. You're both so busy, and I'm sure it's been difficult to leave the house for any length of time.

Is there any possibility of your getting away from all your obligations and taking a vacation? It's wonderful to have a change of scene.

You are to be commended for doing the right thing.

Nancy G said...

Wow...what a blessing to have had her for 25 years! Such love! How awesome that you have found someone who will love and care for her as much as you do!! Just know you all are in my thoughts!

Alan Kolodny said...

My heart goes out to you, I had to find a new home several years ago for a Nanday Conure I'd had forever!
I can't imagine how hard it is to part with pet that has been with you 25 years, it must be like giving a child up for adoption. Even though its hard, you should be comforted that you are doing what's best for Dusty as well as your husband. And there will be someone else to care for him and love him. Besides you could always visit or birdsit.

StringyDogs said...

When I had to put down a beloved dog with cancer, the vet's assistant said, "This is the hardest part of love."

Real love means you want the best for that individual. Often, it is all hard. Bless you for doing the right thing.