Sweetheart

I don’t pass this along because I think it should have any special importance to anybody, but because I brought it up a few days ago. Sweetheart, Judy’s pet cockatiel of 22 years, died this afternoon. As she’s been doing for several weeks, Judy took Sweetheart to her office, and Sweetheart died there in her traveling cage. She was a trooper to the end. In one way, it was Sweetheart that brought Judy and me together. When she got Sweetheart, Judy had never owned a bird before, so she subscribed to a bird magazine to learn more about them. Before I wrote Wild Parrots, I had an article published in that magazine. Judy read it, and it interested her as a subject for a film. But at the time I wrote the article I thought I was about to move. I said so, so she didn’t bother to look me up. A few years later, when someone suggested that Judy do a film about me, she already knew what I was up to.

Sweetheart’s decline was gradual and without any major complications. She went peacefully. The house does feel different. There’s one less mind in the room now.

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17 Responses to “Sweetheart”

  1. Thoma Lile Says:

    Please extend my condolences to Judy. I have experienced a similar loss before. I know how she feels.

  2. Chandani Diaz Says:

    Deepest prayers and sympathies for Judy & you both. It hurts so much to lose any living creature, especially one we’ve bonded with. Our prayers tonight will be that Judy’s grief will be assuaged.
    God bless,
    Chandani

  3. Kathy Says:

    Blessings and loss are incalculable…

  4. Leslye Erickson Says:

    Fly free, little Sweetheart, fly free. You & Judy have our deepest sympathy for your loss. My small flock & I know the sadness.

    Be well….

  5. Sarah Says:

    Mark and Judy, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Give yourselves time to grieve and to take care of your memories. Rest in peace, Sweetheart. You are forever blessed. xoxoxoxo

  6. Shelley Says:

    Certainly not as special as it is to you and Judy, but meaningful to those of us with birds (pets) we love because we understand what it is to love beautiful creatures and be their voice.

    Sweetheart had loving and caring voices. It doesn’t get any better.

    So sorry for your loss.

  7. margaret Says:

    My condolences to both you and Judy on the loss of Sweetheart.
    I do know the loss of a long-time bird, but memories linger and can comfort. Your home probably does feel different, as mine did when my 18 year old Sun Conure, passed away three years ago.

    I too have a 22 year old — Doc-bird – a Gold cap conure that I have raised since he was 7 weeks old. I hope that when it is his time, that he has a gradual, peaceful passing as did your Sweetheart.

    My thoughts and sympathy are with you.

  8. Aurelle Says:

    Mark, my heart is with you and Judy in this time of sadness. Words can’t touch the emptiness that such a loss leaves, but may you and Judy find comfort in recalling the joy that Sweetheart brought to you both. May her legacy of love be forever enduring in your lives!

  9. linda Says:

    I am so sorry, I feel your loss, having lost a number of animal friends over the years,there is little more to say that doesn’t sound trite,

  10. David Holt Says:

    Yes, Sweetheart played a role in bringing you sweethearts together. That is a great story.

  11. Laurie Says:

    Judy and Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that she brought you both together. There are no words for the loss of a dear pet and family member. My heart is with you both, keep strong.

  12. Frank Says:

    So sorry for your loss. Losing a long time friend is hard.

  13. Brad Says:

    Judy & Mark, I’m very sorry for the loss of your long-time friend. Sweetheart is now flying free with all of our bird friends who have passed on. God bless.

  14. kathie Says:

    Such bright and loving birds. What a loss for Judy and you as well. Our pets bring us so much joy don’t they? Its heartbreaking when it’s their time to go. I know you both must be so sad right now. Sigh…. What can you do? Remember the love because it was real and it goes on. I am thinking of you both right now.

    Kathie… Carbondale, Colorado

  15. beysshoes Says:

    Mark & Judy, How very blessed Sweetheart was to belong to you and your family … as well as blessing your lives. May you find your way to celebrating the joy of her life with you at such a sad time. Cuidadte … Toma senos`, Loralee

  16. Steve Lackow Says:

    Sweethearts by sweetheart
    Alive forever one moment
    Then to the river

  17. Cally Underwood Says:

    Very sorry for your loss. I believe she will see her Sweetheart again.

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