Gandalf, my Citron

[Scott]

Gandalf, my beautiful and spirited male Citron Cockatoo, passed away suddenly on Monday. I did not learn of this until returning home Wednesday afternoon - my family honors a long standing tradition to not share bad news while at work as it would be untenably distracting.

Gandalf was last observed behaving perfectly normal and without signs of illness around noon, eating and mingling with the other birds. Three hours later he was gone, lying on a playpen absent signs of trauma. He was placed in a refrigerator for safe-keeping.

Upon arrival at home, I was beyond shocked and numb, but rushed him to the vet for a necropsy before closing. This morning the results suggest liver cancer, most likely adenocarcinoma. The liver was not "fatty" and all other organs appeared normal. No foreign objects were noted in any location.

Gandalf had a meaningful vocabulary for a cockatoo, and enjoyed hanging out with my Moluccan and four of the Goffins. We lost him far too soon, at roughly 20 years or so. I am numb and shocked.....

 

[Birdman666]

Sorry for your loss. I've been through this myself a few times... the unexpected loss of a bonded bird, especially one you've had for 20 years, is like losing a child.

 

[Kyoto]

I am so so sorry for your loss RIP Gandalf.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Oh Scott, I am so very sorry!

HUGS to you!

Rest easy, sweet Gandalf.

 

[thekarens]

Fly free Gandalf!

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[miloslave]

Oh no Scott! This is incredibly sad. I can not imagine how you must feel. My deepest condolences to all of you.

 

[Turk]

So sorry for your loss!

 

[PetoftheDay]

Our deepest condolences. I am glad you got answers, so you could know you were not at all at fault. He joins the gathering of loved birds in chorus at the Rainbow Bridge.

 

[Allee]

Oh Scott, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to your family and Gandalf's many friends.

Fly Free Beautiful Boy, you will be forever missed.

My thoughts are with you.

 

[Taw5106]

Oh Scott what horrible news to arrive to. Prayers to you and your family, and virtual hugs to you all.

 

[IRNMom]

I'm so very sorry.At the least,you can be at peace that he was a loved and happy bird.I can't even imagine how you must feel.

 

[labell]

Scott, I am so sorry to read this! My deepest condolences.

 

[EAI]

Scott, so very sorry for your loss.
Gandalf must be eternally grateful to have been under your care for those 20 years, may he be able to fly in peace.

 

[RavensGryf]

Oh I am so sorry Scott! That is so shocking and deeply sad to hear about Gandalf upon coming home
Condolences to you and your family. I'm sure his bird friends are mourning too. It's such a difficult time, I know..

 

[4dugnlee]

I'm so very sorry for your loss! Know that you gave Gandalf the very best life he could have asked for! Thoughts and prayers your way...

 

[Minimaker]

So sorry to hear that, really am Hugs to you hon, I hope you'll be ok in time.

 

[goalerjones]

Sorry Scott, how is the rest of the flock taking it?

 

[Scott]

I want to thank everybody for the kind thoughts only a parront can share during a time of loss. You are all very comforting!!

When I walk into the room it is noticeably more empty despite the presence of six other birds - Gandalf had an outsized personality and was the most vocal. That I can "hear" his gravelly intonations as a memory makes the grieving process a bit more difficult. Thankfully there are several iPhone videos with his speech, but it will be a while before any of us are ready to watch.

The other birds were quite subdued for a few days, though Big Bird the Moluccan was closest to Gandalf and remains a bit quiet, and all are eating well.

One closing thought IMHO is the relevancy of a necropsy for a relatively young and apparently healthy bird. I had so many questions of diet, ingestion of toys or other objects, insect bites, etc. The fact it was cancer with other major organs healthy is a relief on some levels, though it brings into question our food supply chain as possible precursor.

 

[goalerjones]

Water supply too.

 

[Betrisher]

I'm so sorry to hear of Gandalf's passing, Scott! I can't imagine how sad you must be right now, but I hope you remember Gandalf's great years were spent with you. He brought you joy and you brought him love and care. That's a lucky thing and I'm glad you were able to be friends for that time, short as it might have been. Gandalf is without pain now and I hope that soon your grief will turn into nothing but sweet memories of him. Sending love to you tonight! XX