Friday, January 21, 2011

My House Is Too Quiet.

I've been dreading having to come up with a clever post this week. Not only has my normal mostly witty sense of humor gone on an extended vacation as of late, but I also said goodbye to my little cockatiel buddy, Muko, who passed away on Wednesday. Muko made it to the relatively ripe old age of 20 and had lived with me for 10 years.


It's been a tough couple of days... but I take comfort in knowing that he didn't die alone, but in the hands of my husband who he always preferred anyway, so I guess that was fitting. I'll spare you the details, but when I came home from work to see the cage gone, I immediately knew. This wasn't my first bird loss...

Mr. Latchkey sweetly cleaned out the cage and put it in the basement before I got home. Muko is currently on ice waiting for the spring thaw so we can give him a proper burial. Even though Mr. LKW was hoping for more of a Viking-style send off - my mom wondered if it would smell like chicken. My family is sick.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of owning a pet bird knows you come to enjoy their musical talents even if they're just squawking away in their cage. My house is eerily quiet now. There is no constant chitter-chatter to drown out the dog snoring in the corner. There will be no singing along to any whistly commercial that comes on TV. Muko was a better watch dog than the dog. He would alert me to a visitor before they even got out of their car. My mom once said when I called her, she would hear the bird before I ever said anything.

His talents included singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" at any time of year. And he only knew that one line to whistle... over and over again. If you moved your index fingers like an orchestra conductor, he would dance on his perch while he whistled the song. He also wouldn't hesitate to tell you he was a "pretty bird." But my favorite thing was the way he would tilt his head to the side and chatter at me like he was telling me all about his day... that's what I'll miss most.


So raise your glass and toast Muko... he was a pretty bird. And thanks for giving me a place to express my grief.

xoxo

49 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for you and Mr. LKW's loss.

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  2. I am so sorry for your loss. Muko sounds like a wonderful family member.

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  3. Sorry to her about Muko passing.

    Remember, you don't have to be witty ALL the time. The clever, witty posts may have brought us together, but there is more to Twitards than just demanding to be entertained.

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  4. Sorry to hear about your pretty bird. ((hugs))

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  5. So sorry for your loss, LKW.

    TwitardedMom said it so well, we're a community & we're all here for you.

    xxx

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  6. I had a cockatiel growing up, for some reason she used to love to rub her butt on my toes when I wasn't wearing shoes. She also barked like a dog...she was without a doubt the strangest pet I've ever had.


    I'm sorry for your loss. *hugs*

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  7. Dearest LKW

    I have been told that I lack empathy (it's a British trait). I'm not good with the lovey dovey smothering stuff but girl, I feel for ya as you know. Pets are a big part of the family and when they go, a piece of your family goes too.

    Keep your chin up. I'm thinking of ya.

    X

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  8. I can't imagine losing any of my current pets. They are family. I am so sorry!

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  9. {{{sniffle}}}

    i did have the odd yet distinguished pleasure of being on the phone with you one night as you arrived home from work, and i can attest to the fact that he was quite vocal (and very happy to see you)! i am so sorry - it's so hard to lose a beloved companion, always. we're all here for you bb! big long-distance hugs from NJ...

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  10. So sorry for Your loss! My little boy just lost two goldfishes and He was just out of His mind sad
    :-( Hang in there!!!

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  11. I'm sorry. My mom had a bird for several years, and although I lived with her just sporadically during that time, I really came to love her bird who also chattered a lot. They have so much personality and are so aware of things that they really add a lot to the atmosphere in the house. I'm sure the silence is sad. He was a real beauty, by the way. :-)

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  12. I wish I could hug you right now, bb.

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  13. Pets are such a critical part of our lives and losing one is hard.

    Hugs ()()

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  14. So sorry for your loss. Muko was a very pretty bird. Take care.

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  15. Awwww I'm SO sorry for your loss, babe. I know how it feels to lose a pet so there's really nothing anyone can say to ease the pain but we all love you and just remember the good times you had with Muko.

    I'll admit birds kinda scare me. I LOVE them because they're gorgeous and so entertaining but I'm always afraid if I ever got one, it would be the one who is going to get loose and peck at my eyes. I think this stems from the fact that my best friend growing up had a hamster so I wanted one but I got the asshole hamster that bit me every chance he got. What a dick.

    The closest I ever have been to owning a bird was at my old job, there was the same Crow who would sit by our dumpster and open bags/boxes of food and eat the leftovers. We named him Mr. Belvedere. @amandakmelby really wants to get a bird and I was iffy about it at first but after reading this blog, I really want one because they sound like a joy to be around. I don't think we can have one because our cats would be a threat but it's a nice thought.

    Once again sorry for your loss bb. Hugs!

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  16. Sorry to hear about the loss, but it sounds as though he had a great long life! Did he cuss or maybe say "I want to suck off RPattz?" I know birds are known for mimicking their owners...

    Love ya!

    xo J

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  17. {{HUGS}}
    It's hard loosing a beloved pet. We are here for you bb!

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  18. I am so sorry about the loss of your little family member, Muko. Hugs to you!

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  19. One way or another, you Twitards bring me to tears - my heart goes out to you, LKW...

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  20. Awww, I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure you gave Muko a great life. My very first pet was a parakeet named Ricky. I was 5 years old & will never forget him. We've had to put more than 1 dog down over the years and it never gets any easier. I feel your sadness. Much love to you, LKW. xoxo

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  21. I'm so sorry for your loss. Muko sounds like he was a wonderful family member. Thank you for sharing, may your happy memories bring you comfort. ((HUGS))

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  22. Awww man, I just love you guys. The support and compassion that comes from all of you is what makes being a part of this community so fucking great! Today I will be vacuuming up seeds and feathers for the last time...

    Thanks for all the hugs. xoxo

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  23. Sometimes its almost amazing how much of an impact these little critters make on our lives.

    Big hugs to you, LKW.

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  24. I am so sad for your loss LKW, I also have had to deal with the loss of a pet this year..my Sheba..sometimes I think I still hear her collar jingling and expect a warm furry greeting comming home..And like that, I'm sure you will miss the sound of Muko chattering away..I'll be sure to give you a extra big hug Monday...I love you.
    ps..It's weird, but my verification word is "misty"

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  25. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet Muko. My thoughts are with you.

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  26. ((((HUGS)))) Losing a pet (our little furry friends) is hard. I'm sorry for the loss of your little pal. I'll pour some out for Muko tonight.

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  27. So sorry to hear about Muko. My dog died almost 5 years ago and we still tear up about it now and then. Especially when we compare him to the dog we currently have who is completely insane. And not in a good way. Ugh. What was I thinking. Anyway, I am very sorry for your loss.

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  28. I had a cockatiel growing up who still lives with my parents. He too brags that he is a pretty bird--typical guy. He also used to say "Maaamaaa!" because that's how my little brother would summon my mom so he could tell on me. He's 26 now (the bird, not the brother . . . well the brother is too but I'm referring to the bird) and I know one day I'm going to go over there to a too-silent house. Those little birds have so much personality that they feel almost like having a tiny, feathery family member. I'm sorry you lost your little guy.

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  29. Awww. So sorry to read of your loss LKW :-(

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  31. I'm so sorry:( *Lots of hugs!*

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  32. LKW - as a fellow parrot mommy I am sorry for your loss. I loss my sweet Sammy 2 years ago and I still mourn the loss of that little shit (it was a love hate relationship- I loved him, but hated that he was a smart and manipulative - he learned to say "mama's angel" and would say it to get me to give him treats night and day.)

    Big hugs to you and Mr. LKW. Muko sounds like he was a cool little guy.

    xoxo

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  33. My sympathy goes out to you and your husband. The loss of a pet who is such a part of the family is a real punch to the gut. I know what you mean about a "too quiet house". You get so in tune with these little critters you swear you know what they're thinking. I guess that must be even more so with a bird that talks.

    My suggestion, for what it's worth, is to give it some time and then bring another bird into your life again. I think it's a way to honor your old friends' memory. Muko gave you joy and friendship, you give it back to another bird who would greatly benefit from it.

    Please know that this Twitard is thinking of you and sending you an eHug. Friends are there for the ups and downs!

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  34. Cheers to Muko! I have never owned a bird, but I've been around them. Amazing pets.

    Today I homebrewed. Since you always drink your last homebrew with the brew you are in the process of making, I shall continue my drinking in his honor.

    ::raises glass:: TO MUKO!!

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  35. Oh, I'm so sorry. My guinea pig died just after Christmas and I really miss the noisy little bastard squeaking for food every time I go near his cage. He was cuddly too, mostly because he was too fat.

    I always wanted a cockatiel when I was a kid, but apparently birds don't make good pets for asthmatics :( Sounds like your Muko was a real character.

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  36. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. My parents got me a cockatiel when I was about 10 and he's now ~18 and ornery, but I still love him and love seeing him when I visit them. We always marvel at how much personality those little bodies contain, and how big a presence they can be. I can imagine how tough it will be to have a silent house, a floor that isn't covered in seeds and feathers, and no chirpy greeting when you walk in the door. It sounds like Muko lived a long and song-filled life. Go Google the Rainbow Bridge poem; it's one of my favorites and really beautiful. You're in my thoughts. *HUGS* xoxo

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  37. Dear LKW: as a fellow pet lover, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your really "pretty bird" Muko. (He knew what he was talking about.). Growing up I had a little pet bird called "Pancho", his favorite thing to do was messing with us. He learned two things, my brothe's name, (cause he was the troublemaker and was the only name on repeat constantly), and the sound of the key opening the door, he did just seconds before the actual door would be open so it took us a while to catch him. One day, anyone owning a key to the house, was sitting at the table for dinner and we heard the sound of the door being open, little to say, we freaked out trying to figure who was at the door, who gave away an extra copy to whom and so on, in the middle of the comotion with all of us standing at the door, the little shit did it again, just to prove how dum we were. I was a kid but I swear I heard him laugh at us. I bet Muko and Pancho are breaking havoc in heaven right now. God bless them. With love, Islesme.

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  38. I totally feel your loss..I had a sweet boy named Shogun! Shogun aptly named for the markings similar to your buddy Muko. I found him in a bathroom of a neighbor locked in a hampster cage on the back of a toilet.Never having shared life with a bird previously, I knew this bird deserved something better than this fate, I took him home. I found out that he was an escape artist as I had to rescue him more than once from the L.A. river near my house! I learned that clipping his wings a bit would at least slow him down to the parameters of the house and garden. His whistles, head bobbing,the way he looked at me sideways kept me entertained and humble. I especially loved to kiss the top of his head to secretly indulge in his powdery sweet scent. Shogun and Muko are perhaps reincarnated, but for the present, their memory is felt and appreciated.
    By the way, you want some noise and confusion, I'll rent you my teenage daughter!!! hahaha!

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  39. Here's to Muko LKW, a beloved member of the LKW family. They ARE a part of the family and their loss must be mourned. Sounds like he had a good old life, but its never long enough is it?

    My thoughts are with the Latchkey Family for their loss.

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  40. LKW - my sympathies. I too have owned - and lost - a pet, and I know that the big wide world out there doesn't always 'get' it, when people mourn their pet's passing in the same way they would the passing of a human companion.

    As humans we can do this. We can transcend the boundaries of species. Nobody can tell us how the animal world mourns - but as far as I'm concerned, species doesn't even come into it.

    You're missing Muko, and that's what matters.

    We, your Twitarded community, feel with you.

    Hugs to you hun - I hope you and Mr.LKW feel better soon.

    CC x

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  41. I am so sorry LKW - what a 'pretty boy' he indeed was. I love cockatoos and cockatiels but, alas, my cats would make a little bird's life a living hell (as they do mine from time to time!!!) Also, when you bring a bird into your home, you have to know that they are sometimes very long lived and at my age the would surely outlive me. So, I'll leave the pleasure of the company of these wonderfully smart, personable loving bird companions to you and others. Again, my heart is aching for you and your hubby.

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  42. *Lifting my glass to toast you 'pretty bird, Muko!* "You loved and were loved back, that's all there is, all that's really important."

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  43. I hope Muko and my sweet Scully dog can keep each other company on the other side...until we can join them someday. So sorry bb. Big hugs to you. Mwah!

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  44. "Pretty bird, prety bird". Now I'm going to be quoting Dumb & Dumber all day.

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your companion, LKW. I know how you feel. It sucks, plan and simple. Our buddies come in all shapes and sizes, furry, feathered and scaled. When you're ready, I hope you find another feathered friend to join your family. It'll be a new song but it will be just as sweet :)

    Cheers to Muko!!

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  45. I just want to say Thanks again for all your wonderful words and virtual hugs. Makes me more thankful for the place I've found in this wonderful Twitarded community.

    @Old School Brand - "I especially loved to kiss the top of his head to secretly indulge in his powdery sweet scent." --> definitely my favorite of all pet smells EVER!

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  46. Cheers to MUKO!! He was obviously loved. I had no idea that kind of bird could live so long. He had a long & happy life sounds like. Much love to you & your hubby!

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  47. I'm very sorry for your loss. It is so hard when they leave us. I'm glad that he got to go being held by someone who loves him. We never stop loving them, even when they're gone.

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