Chewy by Lynn

I rescued this wonderful Cherry Head conure from the Humane Society years ago while I was a volunteer there. Chewy had been neglected for several years by his previous owner and showed massive behavioral problems when I took him into my home for rehabilitation. No one wanted to give him a chance because he was a handful. He was a bitter bird and a loner not wanting to be around people at all because he had been so abused and neglected by one. I stuck by him everyday until one day became another and another and before too long instead of biting my finger and drawing blood he hopped up on it and took my heart. I knew then that I could never take him back to the Humane Society where I had gotten him so I proceeded with an adoption.

I recently lost my best friend Chewy to age and it broke my heart. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I could ever get so attached to a bird that I would rush home every night so I could hear him say “Hello” and “I love you.” I miss whistling the “Andy Griffith Show” theme and watch him dance. I miss that “Shave and a Haircut” knocking that he would do on his cage in the morning to wake me. He always waited until I did it back on the headboard of the bed and then he would laugh. I know that birds only mimic what they hear but I would like to believe that he said “I love you” because I made him as happy as he made me.

Since his death I dread coming home at night because I know that he won’t be there to welcome me. It has been over a week and I still can’t bare to clean his cage one last time. I cry myself to sleep every night knowing that I won’t wake to his tapping and his laughter. A friend of mine sent me this poem and it did make me feel a little better. I am so greatful that we found each other and were able to spend this cherished time together but it still hurts alot.

“Bird Memorial”

I’ll lend you for a while a bird of mine He said. For you to love while he lives and mourn when he is dead. It may be six or seven years or maybe twenty-three. But will you till I call him back take care of him for Me? He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and shall his stay be brief You’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay as all from earth return But there are lessons taught down there I want this bird to learn. I’ve looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love – not think this labor vain Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again. I fancied that I heard them say “Dear Lord Thy will be done.” For all the joy this bird shall bring the risk of grief we’ll run. We’ll shower him with tenderness and love him while we may And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay. And should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

Lynn