I’ve had Milo my english budgie for almost 8 years now and he was truly my best friend. He would always cuddle with me,and out of all of my budgies, we always had the closest bond since he was my first baby. He would fly around the room in the guest room that I turned into the designated bird room filled with swings and playgrounds, and ever since he was a baby, his napping spot was always in my hair or on my shoulder. Milo even kind of went a little famous on instagram because I would document our daily lives every day and people always loved seeing his growth! He was my first baby and I never knew how lovable buddies could be. He was my everything. I can remember the first day I took him home like it was yesterday. 

We lost his best buddy a few months ago due to illness, and even though Milo was already showing signs of slowing down, losing Moby really changed things for him. I’ve spent the past few months spending as much time with him as possible and prioritizing us hanging out because I knew that made him happy, but I could always tell something was just off. 

I came home last night and found Milo on the bottom of the cage, he was still warm as if he had just passed away. The other 2 budgies did not seem to notice him down there. I’m not even really 100% sure what happened, but he actually looked really peaceful. I do think he just missed his buddy too much and was ready to go. I am completely heartbroken. I regret not coming into the room maybe 5 minutes sooner so that maybe Milo didn’t have to pass away on his own. The past few months I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for this happening because he was sleeping more often and would have very short bursts of energy. I chalked it up to him getting older since he didn’t show any signs of being sick and I had heard english budgies don’t typically live as long as American budgies. I tried everything to make him happy but I just am grieving and missing my boy so much. It really feels like a part of me is missing. 

Does anyone have any advice that may be helpful during this grieving process? I can’t help but to feel guilty or like there is something i’m missing. When Milo started slowing down over the past year or so, I asked him to stay with me for so many years to come, but to at least allow me to be there with him when it was time for him to go. Losing Moby several months ago was so so hard, but losing Milo feels catastrophic. He’s been with me from my transition from graduating high school all the way to finishing college and getting my masters and working countless jobs. He was always the one consistent thing in my life and I love him so much. I just wish I could hold him one more time. Any advice or wishes sent would be helpful. Please hold your babies close for me, and if any one has lost their babies, I hope Milo is up there flying around with them. 🩷 

Fly high, my baby boy Milo