Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.                 Anatole France

I don’t mind telling you that I am a little sad today.

My daily companion and our feathered  family member went to sleep this morning. Although, one my say it was only a little budgie, pets have a way of not only taking over a place in the household – they quickly take up a place in our hearts. When a pet dies, as individuals and as families, we experience a loss. As a society, it is often not spoken of and can be a source of ridicule should one find the need to grieve for a much loved pet. In many instances. the death of a pet is a child’s first experience with the dying process and it is important that their feelings are not lessened. Sharing memories and being able to express their emotions are an important part of healing and the grieving process.

Each family member interacts with a pet differently. I could never walk past his cage without stopping to have a chat and will miss his little chirp in the morning.  My children liked to play with him, letting him nibble at their hair  or jump onto their fingers. My little bird has been my sounding board for ideas, has heard me rehearse for many a ceremony and didn’t even complain when I would sing at my loudest. Pets love us unconditionally! Pets don’t care if we have a bad hair day, whether we sing like fingernails being scratched on a blackboard or are in a grumpy mood. It is often the interactions with a pet that can be for many people – the highlight of their day.

So this afternoon, as a family we will say good-bye to our little feathered family member and friend -  Boy. Our house may be a little quieter now without -  Who’s a pretty Boy! Up Boy! Here Boy! Oh Boy!………………………………………………………………………….Vale Boy!