Mom died a few years ago at 97. No dementia, but very bossy and demanding. I was supposed to do everything and am very burned out. Thoughts?

While I am sorry you lost your little bird friend, there seems to be more to this story, than you realize. Perhaps the death of your bird has now brought up feelings about your moms passing that you have kept buried until now. The fact that you say that you are still "burned out" several years after your mom's passing is concerning as well. Do you think your burnout could actually be depression instead? Perhaps it's time to finally once and for all deal with your grief from your mom's death, so you can move forward without the feeling of being burned out, as that really isn't normal this far out from her death. And then by all means, go out and buy yourself another cockatiel.

Who can blame you. You were exhausted by the care of an elder who was beyond difficult. It would be normal for you to be relieved upon her death, both for her and her own misery during her life, and for you as witness to it.
Then you got a dear a loving tiny companion that brought you nothing but joy and relief and smiles. There is nothing that is such a pure and innocent joy to us as our animals. The relief they bring us throughOUT our lives is beyond treasure. I mourn with you the passing of your sweet cockatiel. Pay it forward now, all that love and joy, and get another. My very best to you.

Sandra, so sorry your pet bird died. We love our pets, so when they die, we are devastated. But we don't love the miserable humans who cause us so much grief and who burn us out with their endless needs and their horrible treatment of us. So, when the miserable humans die, we feel relieved. What you're feeling is totally normal.

Please consider rescuing a bird. Check out https://bird.rescueme.org/

We lost our beloved Border Collie 4 years ago. I still get so upset when I think about her.

Our family (all grown up and moved away!) were beside themelves with grief. I tell you, if they cry/mourn 10% as much over me as they did over our dog I will know I was a loved woman!

Animals give you their all--people don't. No judgment, just unconditional love.

Do get another bird and make sure it's hand trained!! Mother has 2 feral cockatiels and they are absolute horrors. Ours was hand trained and loved to be out and part of the family. Mother's are filthy and disgusting--don't just grab any old bird---take time to look for one that matches your personality.

I'm really sorry for your loss.

I'm sorry about your bird. I had one named Woody & I so loved that cockatiel; I felt like he was my best friend. He lived on my shoulder and was just the sweetest little thing on earth. When I moved into my new house, the wood floors had just been polyurethaned and were very smelly. I did not realize it was dangerous for Woody and he died a few days later. I was beside myself for killing my bird. I still have a photo of him in my bedroom & he passed 17 years ago.

I suggest you go out and get another cockatiel, a hand fed one if possible, which is what helped me after losing Woody. Sending you a hug & a prayer for peace.