Looks Like We’ve Made It I Hate Visitors From The Bird Cage to the Dog House Family Squabbles Bird Dance Party

Jack, Melissa's guinea pig, enjoying a tasty green treat.

Sadly, my guinea pig Jack passed away Easter weekend. He had bloat, so it was a painful passing. He chirped in pain and shrieked when he died. He was in the same room as the birds, so they watched and heard this horrible passing of their roommate. (Yes, Jack was being treated by a vet and we did everything we could to save him.)

Although they lived together for two years, I don't know what kind of affect any of this has had the birds. Carlisle always chirped hello to Jack anytime I held Jack up to his cage. He and Natty always watched Jack, but I never witnessed any kind of camaraderie.

After Jack passed, I removed his cage from their room, and moved some of the furniture around. I kept an eye on the two of them but all I noticed was Natty sitting at the front of his cage more than the back for a couple of days. I wish that we spoke the same language so I could talk to them about what happened to Jack, so they could understand in some way rather than just bearing witness.

However, birds might be much more pragmatic than humans and being prey animals, understand the shortness of life with a black and white clarity. I've heard of birds seeming to mourn the passing of a dog, other birds or humans. I just haven't noticed mine. That makes me both relieved and kind of sad.

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Death In The Family

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Poor Jack! Our thoughts are with you! Stephanie, Kilbride, ON Posted: 4/9/2008 2:31:08 PM It's always hard to lose a beloved pet. Sadly, I've gone through it many times before, too. I wish you and your cockatiels the best of luck, though. I hope they have long and happy lives. Kate, Woodbridge, VA Posted: 4/6/2008 6:36:12 AM Melissa--so sorry for the loss of Jack--every pet we have is like our child, so I understand how you feel. I had two "pigs" several years ago, and they were such sweet pets--take some time to remember the good times! Roberta, Enola, PA Posted: 4/4/2008 3:52:57 PM Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about your little one. I'm sure you are incredibly upset. It will take time to feel better. I think one of the most heartbreaking aspects of losing any animal is witnessing their trust and innocence throughout their lives and when they pass, you cannot help them except to comfort them. It's a road they have to go down by themselves, as we all do. All we can do is be there when they go. You did what you could and rest assured, he knew you were there. Again, I am sorry for your loss. With Respect, Patricia Sund Patricia, Hollywood, FL Posted: 4/4/2008 11:28:45 AM

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