It is amazing how those critters who live with us, touch us. Your words for Aristippus were beautiful.

I euthanized my old cockatiel, Georgie, yesterday. He was 16 years old. I have been ready for his death for a month now. He suffered from a slowly progressive bone cancer. I kept the old boy comfortable and fed him his favorite treats. He loved to whistle and tell us "I'm a good bird". I kept hoping he would go down quickly and die without my intervention.

I have always wondered, that if by chemically killing someone, you prevent them from experiencing the glory of death. Those people with stories of their near-death experiences, describe something peaceful and wonderful. Of course, maybe it is like childbirth; some women find it magical and others want the drugs.

I killed him. He wasn't whistling or talking. He couldn't groom himself and he hated me to do it. He was weak and not interested in his favorite treats. I really hope it was a good death, because I find myself whistling and looking for him all the time. We had a ritual of greetings and farewells. I really hope he was ready.

I miss the old boy. He was a good bird.