Cockatiel Jack

Why, Jack?  Why the sudden and un-expected parting??!  Was it Old age? Disease?  Neglect? Stress? a Broken Heart? our new Dog?  because you happen to be male? Did you miss your true nature --- being outdoors, free and  clear to go wherever you please, whenever you please? Why, oh why, our beloved Jack?

Our  memories of you:

As a helpless baby whom we had to pick among at least 10 others.  We couldn't tell whether you were a girl or you were a boy, and we WANTED a boy.  It was tough having to leave you at the Pet Store till you were older.  But you were hand-fed while we waited, with the added benefit of you being quite used to people.  Thus, it was no problem for you to perch on our fingers.  Exhibiting no panic, no fear.  Overall, just an acceptance of us, your Humans.

You easily learned the tune to the theme to "The Dick van Dyke" show.  On and on you'd belt it out, as your pitch got higher and higher.  We LOVED it! (Oh, why did we never record it?)  Memories of you gliding down the bars of your cage to get closer to us.  Your screams of greeting; your piercing squawks.  Your vicious and well-aimed pecks when you were irritated. You were strong; you were active, you were loud, and you were regal.

Damn, you looked good in this picture!