First off, this just happened, so please excuse me for being very brief, but my heart is hurting so much that .... anyway.

Mary wanted to play with Sofie, so I took the lock off of her cage, and was going to take her out. I then remembered that the toilet lid was up, and wanted to make sure that there wasn't anythiing that could hurt Sofie in there (that's where we've been working with Sofie since we got her). I went into the bathroom to make sure all was okay before taking her in there...

When I returned, I found Mary holding Sofie with both hands, and Sofie was limp. I cried out, but it was too late. I tried to see if there was anything I could do, but Sofie was almost gone. She did take a couple drops off water and swallow them from my finger, but there was hardly any other movement. She tried SO hard, though. She tried to flap her wings and right herself (she was sort of laying on her side), and she tried to move her feet, but in the end it was too much for her.

So, she has moved on over Rainbow Bridge, and our household is a somber one. My daughter is completely heartbroken, and I don't know how to comfort her. I just keep hugging her and telling her I'm sorry. She has cried herself out, and is now sleeping on my lap with her head on my shoulder. I can't believe this has happened. It's the reason that I had a lock on the cage in the first place... to protect her! I can't believe that I left it unlocked while I went into the other room. I feel so horrible... for Sofie, for Mary.... UGH!

One stupid mistake has cost Sofie her life, and cost Mary her very first pet, whom she was SO attached to

Nothing else to really say, except to tell Sofie how sorry I am

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Oh man, I'm sorry Stef. Try not to beat yourself up. Could Mary tell you what happened, did she squeeze her too tight or what? Give her a hug for us and tell her hat Sofie will always love her even over the rainbow bridge.

I'm so sorry for your loss and for your little girl's grief - many hugs to you.

She couldn't say much, but I think that's what happened, just by the way she was holding her with both hands gripped around her when I walked in. She was trying to put her on her playstand, I think. Sofie was still pretty whild when you tried to grab her from the cage, so I think that she probably got ahold of her with one hand, and she was wiggling out, so she grabbed her with the other hand. I've never left her unattended with Sofie before, so I'm usually there to remind her to be gentle, and not grab her. But, she's seen me grab her to remove her from the cage before, and she's so young, that she obviously doesn't realize that I hardly have a hold of her at all.

Poor little thing...I'm sure she feels really bad. I'm sorry. Still sending big hugs to you both

Oh Stef!!! I am so, so sorry! And poor Mary must be heartbroken! But you both need to remember it was a accident, which means it happened but not on purpose. And you can't beat yourself up over it either. I so wish I knew what to say to take the hurt away but since I can't sending lots of hugs to both of you instead. And maybe you could read this to Mary and tell her it was time for Sofie to go to her other home in heaven.

Lend Me A Bird

"I will lend to you for a while, a bird", God said.
For you to love him while he lives and to mourn for him when he is dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe for two or three.
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise that he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this bird to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folks that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love; nor think the labor vain;
Nor hate me when I come to take my lovely bird again?

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, thy will be done,
for all the joys this bird will bring, the risk of grief we'll run."

Will you shelter him with tenderness?
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay?

But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned;
Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

If, by your love, you've managed, my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him you've loved; be thankful; do not grieve.

Cherish every moment of your feathered charge.
He filled your home with songs of joy the time he was alive.
Let not his passing take from you those memories to enjoy.

"I will lend to you, a Bird", God said, and teach you all you have to do.
And when I call him back to heaven, you will know he loved you too.

(Author Unknown)

So sorry for your family- what a sad day. RIP beautiful little Sofie.

So sorry to hear...Hugs to you and Mary.

Poor kiddo and fiddo... My sympathies.

Well, my son, my 10 year old tenderheart, took Mary outside to play, so that she could get her mind off things. Evidently, she kept bringing up Sofie, so he drew this on the driveway. Talk about more waterworks!

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I am so lucky to be his mom.

Okay....that did it, got the tears flowing.....what a sweet little guy he is!! What a wonderful thing to do. If he's not at the "no hug" stage yet, please give him one for me.

I'm so sorry for your loss, hugs to you and your daughter.

Stef I am so sorry to hear this...Sofie is such a beautiful color....You and Mary are in my thoughts and prayers....God Bless..........

Oh im so sorry to have to read this. Thoughts and prayers are for you all now.

Oh Stef, I'm so sorry! Give Mary some hugs for me... Kyle is such a sweetheart to draw that beautiful tribute to comfort his little sister.

*Big Hugs to all*

Tell Mary from everyone here at QP.com that we are very sorry that she lost her pet. I hope she starts to feel better soon.

Her big brother was very sweet to draw such a nice picture in tribute.

If Mary is still upset later and you still have Sofie it might help to bury her in the backyard. I know there are a few members here that have done that. Let everyone say a few words about how great Sofie was and say goodbye.

It's hard to know just what to say except that I'm so very sorry!! Tell Mary I'm sending old grandpa type hugs. .... And, what a wonderful thing your son did for his sister!! That's one of the most touching things I've ever heard of. How extremely proud you must be of him!!

I'm so sorry about Sophie. The chalk drawing that Kyle did for his little sister just broke my heart! You must be so proud of him.

Rest in Peace sweet Sophie

i'm so sorry to hear about Sofie! i hope mary feels better soon. what an awesome tribute your son gave Sofie. it was beautiful. he must be a great big brother!

What a tragic event. So sorry for You and Mary as well . Kids are so resilient though and she is so young she will prob forget it fairly quickly. The most important part is that she doesnt feel like it is her fault and that no one is blameing or mad at her. Which im sure you are handling that end quite nicely. Prayers and hugs.

What a lovely and thoughtful big brother, my condolences to you and your family.

Oh No !!! How terrible for you all , sending hugs from across the miles .....I feel your pain...

I missed this! I'm so so sorry!

I am so sorry for your loss. What a great brother Mary has and what a great heart your son has. I shows.