Farewell Cujo

[mgood66]

My sweet little cockatiel Cujo passed away yesterday afternoon. He was close to twenty years old, and had been with my partner, and then me, for close to 15 of those years. He was an adorable, affectionate little bird and will be truly missed.

We had been on vacation for the last week, arriving back on Saturday evening. The bird-sitter didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, and Sunday we had a nice day with him and our other bird Zoey (BFA). He had a healthy appetite, and was obviously delighted to have us home.

Yesterday morning when I uncovered him I noticed a little runniness around his right eye, he wasn't eating (which is VERY unusual for him), and he just wanted to sleep, even while sitting on my finger. I called the vet and made plans to take him in that afternoon. Around noon I looked in and he was sitting on the bottom of his cage, never a good sign. We rushed him to the vet. Once we got there, the vet started his exam, and Cujo started regurgitating what looked like his own weight in undigested food. The trauma of all this was just too much for him, and I think he likely couldn't breathe. That was the end. A very tearful farewell in the vets office, and back home for more crying. Even Zoey was making crying noises, and was obviously picking up on the energy in the house.

We had a necropsy done, and it turns out Cujo had stomach cancer, a very large tumor in his stomach that was apparently leaving very little room for any food, so most of it was just sitting in his crop. I hope he wasn't too uncomfortable for too long. The sentimental fool in me is believing that he was hanging on until we got back from vacation so he could say goodbye.

He had a great, long life, and we're really going to miss him.

[becca623]

I'm very sorry for the loss of Cujo. (((((hugs)))))) To you, your partner, and Zoey.

[mgood66]

Here is a pic of Cujo.

[Tom Lawless]

Cujo was very handsome. I love the grey cockatiels. I don't think you are being sentimental at all. When I was reading your story I thought the same thing, he waited to be with his family. Nearly twenty years old...he had a wonderful life with you. I hope that brings you some comfort and happiness in the midst of your grief.

[Dana64]

My sincerest condolences. I, too, have a Grey Cockatiel. He is 15 yrs old now, he was one of my last babies, just before I gave up breeding 'tiels. I am dreading the day I lose Julio...

I, too, believe Cujo was waiting for you to come home...

[chirpy]

I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a gorgeous bird and what a great life span he had.
Fly free Cujo x

[Maegen Sue Persing]

Thats so sad...I even shed a tear. It breaks my heart to see people lose their beloved family members. Time will heal all wounds! He is in a happy place now! Be glad for him!

[bethn]

I am so sorry for your loss. You are right, he did wait for you to come home.
Fly free little one.

[MusicalFeathers]

Death in a whole is always traumatic but when so sudden, I know that it is much more painful. Cujo will always be flying free and never too far away. My thoughts are with you.

[Voslover]

Just know that Cujo is flying free and that you will meet again some day.