Cassie - disabled but such a strong little girl

[KDK241]

I got Cassie on 8-11-08 and when I saw her I couldn't believe my eyes. Here was this poor thing with no tail, a broken and overgrown beak, drooping wing, crooked toe and really bad limp. I had no idea what her history was and I know most people would have said no but I just couldn't leave her like that. She was semi-tame but did not like to be taken out of the cage or picked up, she just let me give her scritches for the first time 2 weeks ago and was finally learning to step up. She had a hard time getting around sometimes but she never let any of the other birds bully her and never let her disabilities keep her from doing anything. She was the boss in that cage and made that clear from the first day.

This morning I noticed that she was just sitting on the perch and didn't go down to eat breakfast like she usually does. I watched her and she just slept and still didn't go eat so I picked her up and she was really light. I weighed her and she was 73g, down from 89 a month ago. I immediately called the vet and brought her in. They couldn't find any reason for her to be sick and since she was drinking water the tube fed her and basically said to wait for the rest of the tests to come back. I had to leave for a couple hours and when I left she was sitting on a perch in her hospital cage but when I came home she was on the bottom of the cage in the corner. I gave her mash and tried to entice her to eat and she would take a couple bites and that's it. I finally tried to hand feed her to get something in her but she wouldn't swallow the food. I called the vet back cuz she was getting weaker and her breathing was labored and she said I could bring her in but she didn't think there was anything more they could do. I chose to keep her home because I didn't want to stress her out for nothing. I have been sitting here all night just talking to her and watching her get weaker and weaker until she had to prop her head on the cage side just to stay upright. She passed away at 1:00am, 4 months and 1 day after I got her.

I feel so guilty. I didn't pick her up very much because she would run from me and with her disabilities she was clumsy and I was always worried she would fall and hurt herself. I just keep thinking if I only would have picked her up a couple days ago I would have noticed she was losing weight but she was eating and playing and acting completely normal until today.

I'm having a necropsy done and I'm praying that it's nothing to worry about with my other birds. I will be keeping a very close eye on them for quite awhile.

I tried to give her the best life I could and make up for whatever happened in her past and I hope that she knew she was loved.

[chirpy]

Don't feel guilty, you gave her love for the whole time she was with you, as you said, many people wouldn't have even taken her in. It must've been heart breaking for you to watch her slowly fade away.
Fly free Cassie x

[kellywess]

Dont blame yourself, you did all you could do. I am very truly sorry for your loss.
She knew she was loved. Fly Free Cassie!

[donnakris]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I'm sure Cassie knew how much she was loved and you can know you made her last times ones filled with love and caring. Fly free Cassie withy my little Casey.

[MaryG1959]

I've had special/disabled birds, and what you have to remember is for 4 months and one day you gave her a better life where she knew she was loved....

[catschair]

Thanks so much for providing a loving home to such a brave soul in a damaged body. People like you restore my faith in mankind. Cassie was so lucky to have you and you have NO reason for regret. She is free from pain or handicap. Fly free, Cassie!

[Lisa B]

Yes, you gave her peace in the end. Thats what you need to remember. She left knowing someone loved her. We should all be as lucky.
I am sorry for your loss.

[pippy]

RIP Cassie

xxxx

[BLC]

you did so much in taking her in and giving her a home even when she was diabled. You gave her love and a place of protection. Her last few months were a blessing to her I am sure, and now she rests in peace. RIP Cassie