A Tribute To a Dying Pet
I come to the realization that life is very temporary as I watch it slip away.
A pet quail struggles to stay alive, burdened by some unseen force that fights to claim its life
The fight seems unfair that something so small and frail should have to endure the unknown force that creates pain and confusion in an otherwise simple life.
As I watch helplessly, I understand that life and death are part of the grand scheme of things, but the knowledge doesn't ease the pain I share with my dying pet, which I have taken care of all of its life.
From egg to the end, the attachment I feel to this small life cannot be measured and I only wish I could give it some of my strength to give aid and comfort in its time of need, but I realize I am helpless as it is and can do nothing but watch, wait and hope.
A great amount of good memories seems insignificant to the small piece of my life which is lost with the passing of a pet.
I wait as the fight continues, knowing nothing lasts forever, hoping that peace will end the pain...at least for my quail.
Wilma was the last of the hatchlings I had raised from the first breeding pair of quails.
I had spent time with her, and taught her to enjoy the experience of being held and taking bits of food from my fingers. She loved to walk around my desk when I worked, and would "talk" to me with her little chirping sound.
It seemed as though she enjoyed my company as much as I hers, and would eagerly await to be taken from her tank to walk around on my bed while I watched TV and give her bits and crumbs, or gently stroke her head, eventually falling asleep.
It is now 10:44, Dec. 16, 2003 as I type this, and she is almost gone. She is cold and starting to become rigid, I have made her as comfortable as I can in her final time. Her companion calls out to her, awaiting a return call she hasn't the strength to make.
It is as though as the time grows near, animals become aware that time is running out, and they prepare themselves for the inevitable in their own way.
It amazes me that the loss of something so small, can leave such an immense pain and sorrow behind. The memories and photos will bring a smile to my face, but will never replace the joy of the time spent with my feathered friend
Wilma
passed at 11:15, Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Her body was still warm as I held her for the photo. I found her with
her head up and as if she was sleeping. I feel she went with dignity at
the end, head held high. I hope she will remember me...
I will miss her.
More photos of Wilma and Kai, two unusual friends.
click here
Wilma loved the heat from the computer monitor
In death as she was in life