The Anniversary of Zaffer Entering My Life

[plax]

As of yesterday, it's been two months since Zaffer left life, and me. Today, April 21, is the 18-year anniversary of meeting him for the first time at the air terminal. That evening, he was flown to me via Delta Airlines from the state of Indiana (where he'd been in boarding for the past year). April 21, 2005 will forever be one of the most cherished days of my life. It was the beginning of so much for us. We quickly developed an inseparable bond and would share many wonderful years together. Zaf needed a home... and I so very much needed him in my life. Acquiring him was the best decision I ever made. He was my perfect companion! I loved him immeasurably

I miss you, Kiddo!

[Dragonlady2]

What a beautiful picture of Zaffer! I know it’s hard to see any joy while grieving for the loss of Zaffer…but 18 years of happiness and companionship is something worth celebrating as well. It may help, to balance out some of the devastation you are feeling.

[PlaxMacaws]

On April 21 of 2005, I drove to an airport terminal in Portland, Oregon to meet a beautiful soul who would become my most cherished lifetime companion. He was a gorgeous, but homeless, hyacinth macaw who was in desperate need of someone to love and care for him. I named him "Zaffer." It was the beginning of an incredible, yet heartbreaking relationship.

The flight arrived around dusk that evening. I reported to the terminal counter just before it touched the runway. I then waited anxiously through the cargo offload period. The attendant eventually wheeled a dolly into view upon which I could see a striking blue macaw within a large transport crate. That macaw of course was my new companion, Zaffer... he was about to change my life forever (and I, his). I still remember the attendant's comment as they approached the counter. He said, "Now THAT'S a bird!" I could not disagree with the remark. Zaffer was quite an impressive sight!

Zaf's feet were tightly clinching the bars of the crate door as he surveyed the surroundings and gazed ahead. He was astonishingly beautiful to me! I enthusiastically uttered my first greeting to him as he observed me through the bars. He remained silent, maintaining a relative calmness. He seemed focused on merely watching the activity from his hanging post on the crate door. There was a dowel perch mounted in the crate, but he seemed disinterested in utilizing it.

Soon it became time for us to leave. I thus proceeded to sign the paperwork and load Zaf's crate into my vehicle for our trip to his new home. As they say, the rest is history.

It disturbs me beyond measure that grave pain and suffering became intertwined with all of the love and fun Zaffer and I shared through the years I adored my loving friend... to helplessly watch him fade in pain was an absolutely horrific experience. I miss him infinitely

Note:
Zaffer passed away 14 months ago. My dearly loved military macaw, Maynard, passed away 5 years ago. Maynard died on March 29, 2019. He took his last breath as I was rushing to transport him to the veterinary clinic to be euthanized. So disturbingly, Maynard experienced unimaginable agony before he passed away. He'd suffered a major stroke in 2011 and developed a severe seizure disorder that would eventually impair his ability to function (on multiple levels). I will be forever haunted by his severe suffering, as well as by the suffering Zaffer experienced during his final days. This year (2024), I spent March 29 at our local hospital's emergency department for my own cardiovascular issue. Naturally, Zaf and Maynard were on my mind (as they continue to be each day). It is a brutal world.

Some photos:

[Dragonlady2]

A beautiful memorial to two special birds. You are an eloquent writer…maybe you should consider writing a book about them?

Hope your health issues are not too severe. Life has a way of reminding us of our frailties. Please take care of yourself.

[PlaxMacaws]

A beautiful memorial to two special birds. You are an eloquent writer…maybe you should consider writing a book about them?

Hope your health issues are not too severe. Life has a way of reminding us of our frailties. Please take care of yourself.

Thanks, Helena. One problem is that I'd be writing about Zaf and Maynard more for myself than for them. Losing them has been extremely hard on me... which I've often expressed to others. I've found that among most folks, there's little to no interest concerning who Zaffer and Maynard truly were as individuals. I think the feeling is that each of them is just another pet who passed away - after all, many pets everywhere die each day. Even my siblings demonstrate a certain apathy about my loss and the associated deep feelings I have. I'm afraid Zaf and Maynard were only extra special to me, and to me alone. They have no legacy... other than that which lives on in my mind. I was the only one who truly knew them. Sadly, once I'm gone, who those beautiful individuals genuinely were - which I alone know - will vanish as well. So, again, I feel writing about my guys would be mostly for myself while I'm still here. I hope that makes some sense.

In any case, I do appreciate your thoughts and your concern, Helena. Thanks again.