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.