Sunny Bunches and a Meelee Update
Sunny is doing okay, and her chicken friends are doing well these days. Sunny gets a little frustrated when Olivia and Racquel L’Oreal stray too far from her, because she can’t keep up with them.
Thankfully, they tend to stick close most of the time, and they help her hunt for bugs.
Olivia even cleans the grass out of the sides of Sunny’s beak. They do this routine every day and it is very sweet how they care about each other.
Sunny unfortunately does not get around much at all. In fact today she stayed in the same spot all day long. I could tell when I got home that she had not moved because there was a pile of poop behind her, and that’s where I left her this morning.
It’s not good that she can’t get around, and I’m not sure how much longer she’ll be with us. I will need to make a “quality of life” decision for her pretty soon.
But for now, Olivia keeps an eye on Sunny and cleans her beak.
And Racquel L’Oreal keeps her company and talks to her about her day.
They are sweet kids and we’re happy to have them here with us.
In other news, Meelee is not doing very well.
She is about 15-years-old or possibly a little older. She was a rescue from the ASPCA so it’s difficult to know for sure. She has recurring GI tract problems that cause vomiting and diarrhea and pain. She has been feeling really crummy for about a week now, and she hasn’t been able to bounce back this time. Every day is up and down for her, but thankfully we have medications to keep her comfortable. Four nights ago she was really bad, but then the next morning she perked up. Last night she was bad again, but tonight she looked okay. She isn’t eating though, so her time is pretty limited. If she is in pain again, we will need to take her in to be put to sleep. It’s so hard to know exactly when the right time is for a pet, but I know it’s getting close.
She has been such a great kid for so many years that it’s hard to say goodbye. I’m grateful to have a few last days with her to make sure she knows I love her dearly. I sure hate to see her go, but I know that’s part of life with pets that don’t live as long as we do.
We’re probably not going to update the blog much in the next few days, but we’ll be back as soon as we can.
Quacks and purrs,
Tiff
11 Comments
My thoughts are with you Tif. When they stop eating and don’t perk back up, it’s a sign that it’s end of life; kind of like my mom when she died on Memorial Day. With animals they don’t last as long as us but i so love it when I have them around me. I just could not do it without my 3 cats.
Our pets add so much to our lives. Though their passing is so tough, having them for many years (hopefully) is so worth the pain of having to put them down. This is also ditto for Sunny. You gave him some wonderful days/weeks where he didn’t have to worry about predators. In his present state if he had been out in the wild, he would have been gone by now. You gave him happiness, peace, and more days with his beloved “chikin” friends.
My heart aches for little Sunny Bunches and Meelee, but a little more for Sunny. Meelee is elderly and has lived a good long life, whereas Sunny’s ailment/s stem from abuse and neglect. She is such a good little duck and it hurts to see her in pain and frustrated. I think it is so touching to see her chicken sisters take good care of her. Tiff, thank you so much for being an angel to them. I am sending you and the young ‘uns lots of wellness and courage vibes.
You always write so tenderly about them….. so my day gets off to a tearful start. I hope these next few days are not too stressful for any human or animal in your family.
You are such a good animal caretaker and Sunny and Meelee are lucky to have you in their lives. I hope you have lots of Flapper hugs and not many duckbites to get you through this hard time.
I had a duck who couldn’t walk (she was fed chicken feed at the store). Her best friends were the chickens and we had one chicken who would always snuggle with her. It was an awesome sight to see. I hope the forever home they go, they can all stay together.
I’m sorry about Melee. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope she bounce back, just once more.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful assessment of dealing with end-of-life issues. Caring for animals means doing the right thing for them, even though it may be hard for us. I’m glad that Sunny and Meelee have had such a wonderful stretch of time with you and your excellent care. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending you lots of love. I’m always amazed at how courageously you can handle this. I know that we love and spoil them for as long as we can and then we have to say goodbye, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. For me at least.
I know you will make the best decision for your little friends. They couldn’t find better care. Stay strong.
I will be sending my best wishes to them both, and I am absolutely certain that you will make the best choices for both of them. I hope that Sunny and Meelee can have some more time at Flapper’s house with you. I might be speaking for myself, but Flapper’s internet entourage is here for you.
Sometimes it’s so difficult to know when to let them go. Two of my three kitties made it very clear to me that they were ready, but one was more difficult. Ultimately all you can do is the best you can to help them go when the time is right…I think it’s one of the most difficult but compassionate choices we as sentient creatures can make.
My thoughts are with you all. I am struggling with an ill kitty at the moment as well, so I sympathize.
I too am always amazed at how courageously you deal with your animals’ end-of-life issues. I know you’ll make the right decisions for Sunny and Meelee. We’ll be thinking of you.
Sending you and all the critters warm thoughts and hugs.