Ralph

Awww, I am so very sorry , such a sad day. Our thoughts are with you.

Thank you. Of the three parrots I've had and have lost, this hit me the hardest. Maybe it's because Ralph never lived with anyone besides me and we had such a strong bond. Scooter had a previous home and she came to accept and tolerate me, but she never completely bonded with me. Even the bond with George wasn't quite as strong. He had a few previous homes and was adaptable, but our bond was strong too.

Looking at Ralph's empty cage was too much to take so I dissembed it. Eventually I may see if the local parrot rescue might want it. I don't think I'll be needing it again. Right now I don't even want to think about the possibility of another parrot and I'm not sure that it would be the best idea.

I also reclaimed Ralph's shelf in the cupboard and rearranged the dishes. I have very little cupboard space and it was inconvenient having to clear off his shelf, but he enjoyed it so much and was so happy playing in there, I wasn't about to deprive him of his special play space. 

I feel sad doing these things but they're necessary and might even help me through the grieving process. 

Thanks again for you sympathy and support. Even if they haven't lost a parrot themselves, parrot people still understand what losing one means better than anyone.

I belong to two other parrot related forums, and in my memorial posts for Ralph, this is what I wrote at the end:

In Ralph's memory, please let your parrots know how special and important they are to you, and maybe spoil them a little too.