I loved and appreciated my parents, both of whom were taken from us--one in the fullness of time, and one far too early. But the loss that left me breaking into tears at the oddest times, and the name that I couldn't mention for six months without sobbing, was that of a little yellow parakeet who loved opera and who rode around on my shoulder, cheerfully informing anyone who would listen that "Zippy is a pretty bird!"

Anyone who has ever fallen under the charm of an animal friend will understand and empathize with your experience.