Thursday, October 11, 2012

Goodbye Tweeky

Tweeky, you were truly amazing...RIP. 

Maugli grieving on Daddy's shoulders...

A farewell column....from Maugli


Do you see a spirit, a soul that loves you, forgives you for all the trespasses of prior wrong doings. I see it, after my birdie-friend left me recently… love remains, even when the soul has run free to a distant land. It has been one of the worst experiences of my life to part with my last companion. Maa doesn't want to bring in any more pets. The smell of death scares her now...

 It took us quite a while to write this farewell column for our beloved Tweeky—  who left us on this date exactly a month ago. My playmate, sibling (if you may call)  had a sudden stroke on 11th of September...We'd never heard of a bird having a stroke until we saw it. Our Avian vet Uncle confirmed it later. Apparently this malady is not so uncommon in birds. I'm immensely sad that he is gone, but Maa says, she’s relieved that he didn't have to suffer much...Tweeky was perfectly fine the whole day. He ate and drank, had a few interactive sessions with me; sang, played with his bells and toys ...but, around 10 at night, all of a sudden he fell off his perch & started shivering, wheezing, gasping for air...he looked terribly distressed.


Daddy pulled him out gently, covered him with a cloth...gave a light rub of his fingers on his head, the way he loved... he could feel his right side was going limp. His condition deteriorated...Maa immediately called up Uncle Vet, my heart was pounding. Sadly, before Uncle Vet could see him, he drifted off and was gone… 

Tweeky--- my little birdie-friend, none of us could sleep that night. I was trying to be the brave soldier, but I also felt the dull sense of loss. Maa was sobbing; both me and Daddy were deeply bereaved, though we were dry-eyed. I lay close to Maa to comfort her. We were awake the whole night, waiting...

And just before dawn, we slid out of the house with you in a shoe-box. It was drizzling outside. We reached the pet cemetery. The pet graveyard reminded me of my earlier mates ---Bibi, Misha, Bozo, Mick who were all buried in the same yard. And here, I was mourning for you again... A small hole was made and you were laid to rest wrapped in a white muslin cloth. Ma plucked some beautiful white flowers from the garden and sprinkled them on your grave. Daddy lit a candle for you.  

Now, as I write this column let me confess….I was jealous of your wings. At times, when you flew around the house, my cavernous mouth wanted to chew your wings like a wad of chewing tobacco. One day, I attacked you wildly, my jaw snapped at the thin air but I did manage to pull a few feathers from of your tail…you winced, squeaked, and waggled your butt for a few minutes. Ah, how you must have hated me. It  peeved everyone. And then, it was time-out for me…while you enjoyed your special time with Maa on her cupped hands…  No, I am no more jealous of you now. On the contrary, I think I should have cradled you on my paws that day to say ‘sorry’….Argh, there's so much to say...Life without you is no more the same. I miss you ...getting old is no fun. No fun at all...

There’s a lot more to share about your antics, my friend. I shall come with another blog soon…

Always playful...Tweeky!

Curious and alert Tweeky..♥

Needless Departure...
Along with the dogs, there are a few cats and birds sprinkled in there as well.  But it's not just the size of the cemetery, but the care and attention paid to it.  It's beautifully maintained and those headstones are no joke.  They're all marbled and tiled, and most have the pets name, time span and unique epitaph.  

MICK is sleeping in peace-- (A white Samoyed )
Our other siblings--Bibi-Misha-Bozo-Mick and many more friends are all with you...Feel safe and Rest in Peace.


64 comments:

  1. RIP Tweeky. Sorry for your loss Panchali ji

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  2. awww:( Tweeky seems to be such a chirpy name, exactly opposite to the sadness which envelopes after the departure.

    Sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

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    1. Indeed, he was chirpy...so we called him Tweeky! Oh, we are recalling the good times we all had together. Thank you, Akanksha for being here.

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  3. Oh my God. What a void this creature has left in your lives. May its soul rest in peace and I pray that you too find peace in this sadness.

    Regards

    Jay
    http://road-to-sanitarium.blogspot.in/

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    1. Yes Jay, it isn't easy. But, your kind words and generosity are so appreciated.

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  4. Heartfelt condolences to you and all bereaved....
    You take care Maugli

    Bozo
    and all at home.

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    1. Dear Bozo,
      I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to receive your note. Thank you very much...

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  5. So sorry to hear about this. Panchalidi, how sad you must feel. I remember
    how you felt when your last pet had died. Sob Sob. Please take care.

    Tweeky I am sure is free and happy in another world ~

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    1. Ghaz...yes, we are heart broken!But, I’m so fortunate to have good friends like you. Thank you so much for the comforting words...

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  6. Oh my..you almost made me cry by the end..Such a cute birdie..Such a heartfelt post. Never knew pets too had cemeteries. What a wonderful way to respect them. You all take care... :(

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    1. Thanks FIF....Things are still difficult and we're taking it day by day. The Pet Cemetery is beautiful...not many people know about it. Hence, I decided to post a few pics.
      Thanks for your comforting words...

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  7. Oh, :'( that's so sad. I know. When a pet departs it can be very, very painful. Hugs to maa and hugs for Maugli too. May the little birdie rest in peace.
    So nice that these friends of yours have such lovely resting places (and epitaphs too--how nice.)

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    1. Thanks Divya...yes,this is a place where life and love both fade so unpredictably...! Often I visit that place to give toys, stationary, chips etc to the orphanage they have there. Mostly the children are the Ayela victims of sundarbans...It feels so good. Some day I want to write a blog on that....
      Thank you for your touching comment. Hugs back from me and Maugli.♥

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  8. there's so much of love in your post that Tweeky would feel happy he was a part of your family! Grief is so painfully real, regardless of its origin.May the beautiful memories of the happy times you shared with Tweeky be a comfort to you now and through all the days ahead.Hope time will help to ease your sorrow.

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    1. Awww...li'l princess, He was like my baby...after my dotty got married and left my nest, these little fellows kept me busy n kicking. I am grateful for having him with me for so many years...but, he could have lived for some more years re..

      With many thanks,


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  9. I have read about and slightly experienced Agape (superior love and much more... not getting into details here), but, have seen in your words. could say only that much; you made me sad.

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    1. Sathish...Have always had a much easier time expressing myself on paper, I found myself at such a crossroad this time...sorry to make you sad. I am a sentimental fool you know...do forgive.
      But, I appreciate your thoughtfulness and caring more than I can say...Thanks much !!

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  10. It's really sad when something like this happens .... but then, you got to be strong !!! and I guess Tweeky is now happy and safe in a new world !!!

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    1. Yes,Speck! I know...but, it is hard, this fellow has been with me for more than fourteen years! Memories flash through the head as his flesh of life fades gradually..:((
      But, it gives me much comfort to know that my friends are thinking of me...I am sure, he's in safe hands! Thank you.

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  11. I know how devastating it is to lose a pet, so I can completely sympathize with you Ma'm. I have had my cats who I treat them like my babies, go missing, never to come back again. Till date I don't know whether they are still alive or not, I pray for them everyday. Although tragic, at least you know Tweeky will rest peacefully along with his mates Bibi-Misha-Bozo and Mick. :)

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    1. Akshay..Given the intense bond most of us share with our pets, understanding and coping with grief is always difficult. But, I understand the worst thing is when they go missing..I am sure, your cats are safe.Oh, the grieving process happens only gradually...
      It was very nice of you to share with me your side of story in this time of sadness.Thanks so much, Akshay. I am touched...

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  12. That must be sad.
    I know how it is.
    We had a Mynah once.

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    1. Haddock, Grieving is such a personal experience. Coming to terms take time as they become a member of your family..thank you for a condolence message.

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  13. Thats exactly why i am scared of pets. I know i will love them as my own and the parting is just too much to handle... I am really sorry for the loss. It must be hard without the flying companion.

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    1. Meoow...I have gone through it four times with my dogs...this time it was with my cockatiel.. even years after a loss, a sight, a sound, or their birthdays spark memories that trigger a strong sense of grief.
      Your words of sympathy are timely and very, very helpful indeed.
      Thanks a ton!

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  14. They really upset you when they leave. I have not kept one since I last lost mine.

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    1. Thank you for your words of sympathy, Indrani. and thanks again for taking the time to write. I really appreciate!

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  15. you wrote it with so much ...like the heart is in the words....touched!

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    1. Sreeja, our kindness and compassion mean a great deal . Thank you..

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  16. tweeky RIP .....condolences to you all ........sorry for your loss panchali mam :( :(

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    1. Vinisha, Often, it feels good to say something real.Thanks for your kind words of sympathy...Thanks a lot!

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  17. Right from the heart, I can feel it, One of my frn too had gone through it :(

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    1. Khusbu, thank you for taking the time to read. Your message made me feel good!!Thank you:)

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  18. Replies
    1. Thank you, Rajni for your kind words...

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  19. Very sad. I know it is not easy.

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    1. Grieving is never easy...Rajesh. It's difficult to write meaningful thank yous for everyone, though I would love to...
      Thanks so much!

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  20. Ah!...touching post!...shows how much you love your Tweeky...Its true that pets are so forgiving...forgiving than we humans...May her soul rest in peace....

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    1. Valli, Sorrow and grief are normal and natural responses to death. Like grief for humans, grief for animal companions is equally shattering. Thanks for your comforting words..

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  21. sad to hear about the loss ..

    I did comment yesterday too

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    1. Thank Bikram. But, where did your comment vanish...I didn't read it :((
      Just read a few of your hilarious posts. Thank you for giving me the kick, boost to get the brain functioning again in the right direction..Reading them were truly therapeutic :)
      Thanks very much...

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  22. Loss of a pet is no less painful than the loss of a near one. My condolences. May Tweeky rest in peace.

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    1. Thank you, Anupama...As we age, we experience an increasing number of major life changes, including the loss of beloved senior family members, friends and pets. The death of a pet hits more..as they become your companions..
      Thank you..

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  23. बहोत सरे मौको पर हम इंसानों से ज्यादा किसी पालतू प्राणी से लगाव महसूस करते है, जमीनी तौर पर देखा जाये तो हमें न उनकी भाषा आती है न वो हमें समज़ते है! फिर भी उनसे जो हमारा दिल का रिश्ता बन जाता है ये बात ही बहोत मायना रखती है, अपनी कहानी हम सब के साथ साजा करने के लिए धन्यवाद्

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    1. Lucky...itna sunder message parkar anshu chalak gaye. Thanks for your outpouring support...means a lot!

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  24. for an animal lover like you and me its a v painful experience ...could feel the pain that you poured out through this post.

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    1. Alka....It meant a great deal to us to see you there. Thank you.

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  25. Panchali Di, So Sad to know about Tweeky, RIP...

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    1. How kind of you to be so thoughtful, rupam :)

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  26. Beautiful, heartfelt, deeply touching tribute to the winged friend. Rest in Peace, Tweaky!

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    1. Umashankar...At times like these, the company of friends is incredibly comforting. Thank you.

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  27. Panchali - my condolences ...RIP tweeky

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    1. Thanks Sangeeta, for your comforting words of condolence...means a lot!

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  28. So sad...I know how it feels...:(

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    1. Saru..I am truly grateful to have such a good friend.
      My deepest thanks...

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  29. Oh dear! I am sorry Panchali di. I know how that can feel. May her soul rest in peace.

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    1. Thanks Jayashree for your comforting words...

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  30. Sorry for your loss. Always liked that picture.

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