This morning was the most horrible one.
I had to say goodbye to my best friend.
Spike was with my for ten years, since I was about 8 years old. I was told the average life for a cockatiel was 7 years, so I guess I was priviledged to have him for another 3 but eventually he died of old age.
Spike had some great qualities that I’ll never forget. He was the only bird I knew that could dance. As my dad would whistle he would across his perch and move is head right around and open his wings. He was a really character. During his time he only learn two words which was alot for his type of bird, is favorite was ‘poppykat’ and I did hear him say ‘Spike’ on rare occasions, but he never repeated any of those words in his old age. He was most famous for the sounds and wistles he made which he could pick up very quickly!
The thing that made him famous in this down was the story when he flew away. It really was a remarkable story as it doesn’t happen often. Spike flew out the window one afternoon when I was doing my homework in 2001. I was distraught about this but even at about 11 years old I knew I was going to find him. Spike was lost for 3 days, which happened to be the coldest 3 days of the year. During this time he was noted flying over a primary school (which I didn’t go to) squarking and as everyone thought looking for me.
Everyday after school I went out in the street sending out flyers and calling for my Spike. It was only when I gave up hope on evening and was walking home when I gave one final call for him, and out of the blue he answered.He was in a big tree in next door!
Spike was been through half of my life with me. He’s seen me go though some primary and all of my high school years. He’s always been there through everything and is still and forever will be a cemented part of the family. And I want to thank him for that. He put up with everything, moving house and even the new arrival of the (idiot) african grey parrot.
He was been an awesome friend and my heart breaks with having to let him go, even though I knew it was for the best.
So I leave with this quote:
“Friends are the sunshine of life.”
— John Hay (1871)
and I believe that with all my heart.
I love you Spike; you will be in my heart forever.
| Spike |
| Roxanne Cross |