Farewell, Riley

On Friday evening we said goodbye to our Smiley Riley.
She had been ill and had been in and out of the vet’s office quite a few times (including an overnight stay) in May. Lab tests showed an infection, an elevated white blood count and kidney issues. Our vet also determined that she was an older budgie. Riley was losing weight and jut picking at her food. She was put on various medications, but continued to lose weight (despite hand feedings). The night before she passed away, she seemed to turn a corner, but then crashed the next day.

Although we only had Riley in our lives a short time, she was a treasured member of the flock. She overcame so much in her life, from the horrible mite infestation that she had previous to our adopting her to her frequent vet visits for her overgrown beak to her recurring facial “bump”. But she never let any of her physical ailments prevent her from being one of the flock. She loved shadowing Emmy, taking baths, and flying around the room with the budgies. Every day she was becoming more curious and adventurous. She didn’t let her small size prevent her from keeping up with the flock and was even becoming a little bit of a bossypants.

I wish we had more time with Riley – a year was not enough. She was a tiny little bird, but she left a huge mark on our hearts. Rest in peace, little love.

5 thoughts on “Farewell, Riley

  1. I can’t believe what I’m reading, I’m heartbroken to learn about her passing. Thank you Michelle and Harry for adopting Riley and giving her the safe, loving forever home that every budgie deserves. At least, she was surrounded by her family before leaving for the Rainbow Bridge. Rest in Peace sweet Riley ❤️

    • Thank you for the kind thoughts. Every bird, no matter their size or length of stay makes a huge impact on our lives.

  2. No matter how long it is always too short. But having lost our sweet Rollie a little after a year I know how especially frustrating it is. ( We ever got Rollie as a Baby ) Glad Riley had a loving family around her.

    • I’m so sorry to hear about little Rollie. <3
      I agree, no amount of time with our wonderful birds is long enough.

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