Birdbrain

I haven't posted in a while; so much to do, yada, yada. However, I do think that it is appropriate to mention that the biggest "birdbrain" was found in his cage 2 weeks ago having passed away in the night of unknown causes - Alex the Grey. Congo African Grey parrots are the most incredible birds in the world and Alex and Dr. Irene Pepperberg and her research gave so much information about language and learning to the world - he will be missed. Below is the letter I was finally able to write to the Remembering-Alex@yahoogroups.com. I was very upset at his loss since I learned of it 1 day before the anniversary of the loss of my first CAG, Smokey Soo.

To all who knew and loved Alex,

When I read online of Alex's passing last week it was one day before
the the anniversary of the loss of my Smokey Soo 9/9/2001. The pain I
felt that day returned as I read of Alex who indeed led me to the
wonderful world of African Greys many years before. I am a
pediatrician interested in Dr. Pepperberg's methods of training, but
the joy and love I have received from my parrots have far exceeded
any scientfic expectaions I may have had. Even today I grieve for my
Smokey, she added the Soo herself :) After six years I don't cry
daily for her, but I take out her little box of feathers and pictures
every so often and remember her wonderful spirit. I kept her cage for
a year but had to move it out of sight or I could not function for
the better part of a day. Alex's impact on the world was far greater
than my one little grey and he was truely loved by those around him.
I hope that the pain of his loss will ease a bit in time - I know
that it doesn't go away - ever. For me, I find solace in the little
things, donations where I can (I have donated again and several times
in the past),doing my fiberart and incorporating something about my
feelings in this work. It's ironic that my current knitting projects
are all in "Alex" colors - greys, red, etc. I think that I will
continue this through out this next year and with every stitch think
about Alex, Smokey Soo, and my new sweetie Porsche who just turned 2
years old in July. Thanks for this site and the chance to express my
feelings about Alex and my own loss.

Sincerely,

Krista GG

Comments

[Maria]

I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets certainly leave little foot prints deeply embedded across our hearts.
I went through that with our pets and I still cry for them.
My heart goes out to yours.