Good-bye old Friend

This morning when I got up I found my canary, Mr. C,  had died overnight. Poor old guy, he was 14 1/2 years old. He was a Red Factor Melanin and was a beautiful red/bronze. We he was young, he was an absolutely amazing singer - he would sing loud and strong all day long, with a great repertoire of songs - it was truly amazing - but he had suffered some sort of 'stroke' about 4 years ago which stopped him from singing and flying.

What makes this bird even more special is the fact that it was one of the last canaries my parents bred before my dad passed on. My parents had carefully selected his parents, watched over them as they nested, laid eggs and reared their young. My dad had ringed his leg, and picked him out just for me knowing he would be a good pet. The last few years he didn't look so pretty and I'm pretty sure he was blind and most likely deaf as well. He spent his days eating, drinking and sleeping and occasionally chirping. He was such a fighter I couldn't do anything but provide him the best care I could for as long as he needed it. This is most likely the last canary left from my parents aviary.

Last night as I was laying down to sleep I had thought about taking him out of his cage today and photographing him as best I could, but I didn't get the chance.

That's just how life works isn't it?

 Mr. C - July 19, 2010