My dear, sweet Mudge

[Duddles]

To my darling Mudge,

I can’t believe that the time has come for you to be put on rainbow bridge. I guess I thought you’d live forever, Mudge. Maybe I just thought that because I could not imagine life without you, my dear.

I remember when I brought you home. You were ten weeks old, and I was 13 years old. We got you from a breeder, who agreed to see us even though he had a wedding to go to that day. He asked me which budgie I wanted, and I didn’t even see you, Mudge. There were so many budgies there, I didn’t even know where to begin. He was in a rush, and I guess he just wanted to get out of there rather than wait for me to choose, so he just picked you randomly, and suggested that I take you. He said that his brother had taken your brother home, and that your brother was already talking at 10 weeks of age. I’m pretty sure that was a lie. But how lucky I was that fate would have this stranger choose you for me. Since he was on his way to a wedding right after we left, he went into the flight cage in his tuxedo to get you. You were delivered to me in gentlemanly style! On the way home, you chirped from inside your box, and that nervous little tweet melted my heart. I’ve been hooked on you ever since.

I love the way you have always been kind to your bird friends Pez, Mary, Dudley, Sid and Bird. In all relationships, you have always been such a giver and a lover. You seldom receive, but that never stops you from giving all of your love. You have a wonderful, sweet nature that warms everyone’s heart. I love your beautiful songs and chirps. There is something so warming and comforting about your presence. I have sometimes thought that if I were confronted in a dark alley by some shady characters, I would want my Mudge with me, to protect me. I have always thought that was a silly thing to think, but I only just now realize why I’ve had this thought. It’s not physical protection that you offer, but emotional comfort, which you can always be counted on for. As much as I have tried to comfort you through your troubles, you have comforted me more than you will ever know.

Although we have been closer in your golden years, I have vivid memories of you in your youth – strong and active. You were a great flyer in your younger years. I remember looking up to you as you flew around our home, landing on the highest ledges to show your stature. You had a naughty side too as a yougster, Mr. I-like-to-chew-on-antique-lamp-shades.

I am in awe of the strength, courage, stubbornness, and love of life that you exhibited during your final years, even as your body began to fail bit by bit. You have remained cheerful and loving despite your problems and your discomfort. Through your positive example, you have taught me how to appreciate everything that I have, and not think about what I can’t or don’t have. This, you have taught me, is the secret to growing old gracefully. I don’t fear old age anymore, Mudge, and that is thanks to you.

I thank you for giving me the tremendous honour of having your trust. I feel privileged to be close to you, to hold, pat and comfort you. I will miss scratching your little neck as you turn your head so I can get a bit deeper into those beautiful feathers. I miss kissing the soft little white patch of feathers on the back of your head. I miss your angry squawks that you make when I stop scratching you to kiss your little head!

It’s amazing how your mere 36.5 grams of beautiful budgie body fills our home to the brim with love and laughter. It’s devastating how empty and deflated our home is without you now. You have a great presence, and it will be greatly missed.

I will never, ever forget you, my little Mudge. I love you so very much. Rest in peace and in comfort, my love.

[Pootspete]

Duddles, I am SO VERY SORRY to learn about Mudge's passing!! Such a beautiful tribute you wrote to your beloved Mudge. I know your heart must be breaking and we are all here for you!

[Birdmad Girl]

Now that made me cry!!

Duddles, what a truely beautiful tribute.

Goodbye Mudge.

Our lives are all less without you. I never met you but I didn't have to in order to miss you. I know that wherever you are, you're spreading your unique brand of charm and wit with those who are fortunate enough to be in your presence.

Duddles, that was such a beautiful tribute to your dear Mudge. You even helped me come to terms with some of my own grief from years ago.

Thank you, to the two of you.

[kathy5]

that was beatiful

[melanieyeah]

i cant beleive mudge has gone. im so so sorry. u brought tears of joy and sorrow to me when u wrote that speech, joy for remembering the good times, and sorrow for his passing. he will never be forgotten, i still have pictures of him on my parents computer he will always b remembered. xxxlove 2u xxx

[paywoot]

There... there are no words to describe this tribute. It truley came from the heart. I remember losing my budgie. Such little things, purchused for 30$ and then in a flash they are gone. I think every owner who is on this board has sentimental feelings with their animals and birds and they won't ever lose them. Thank you

[tamaralynn24]

What a beautiful tribute!