Over the weekend I lost my beloved pet bird, Bobby. He provided a huge amount of joy to my late wife and I, and since Akiko passed away, he’s been a truly incredible companion. Always there with a chirp at just the right time, or chatting contentedly on my shoulder — both of us simply happy to be together. He was also a good listener, although despite being bilingual, his vocabulary wasn’t the best, so his responses were rather limited. But that was ok. He was always there. That was the main thing.
Time, however, can’t be stopped, let alone turned back, and despite being as tough as he was terrific, age finally caught up with the little fella. A long life ended, but one that was filled with fun, and no small amount of naughtiness, just like it should be.
A loss that got me thinking about many things, but it also made me realise how important pets are, along with animals in general, in a metropolis like Tokyo. The capital may well have a truly massive population, but it can be a very lonely city for many of its inhabitants. All that concrete and steel sometimes creates an unhealthy detachment from the natural world as well, so below is a series of photos I’ve taken over the years of Tokyo residents interacting with their non-human counterparts. Several of the moments are poignant. A few may even be deemed inappropriate. In one way or another though, I think they all show a connection and simple pleasure that it’s all too easy to lose out on.
Linda says
Sorry for the loss of your bird buddy.
A couple of my favorites here, but I don’t remember the pig with the pink mohawk! Meeting that one would certainly have made my day.
Lee says
Thank you very much.
A few of mine too, especially the pigeon one. The pig can often be seen in and and around the bars in Asakusa with it’s owner at the weekends, so next time you are here you’ll hopefully see him.
Denise says
I’m very sorry to read about your beautiful bird. He sounded like such a sweetie. Thanks for sharing your words and pictures. I adore the first one! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you very much, and yes, he was really was. A very special little soul.
You are very welcome. That first scene was genuinely lovely to see.
cdilla says
We are very sorry to hear the news about Bobby.
It is perhaps a mark of our humanity that we can empathise and form a bond with our pets and other creatures. The sight of the garden ornament that marks the last resting place of our unplanned and unexpectedly long lived fairground fish brings back fond memories of a time when their serene presence in our lives seemed so permanent.
It is nice to see some old favourites reposted and one or two I don’t think I have seen before. The edamame fed pigeon is an especially perfect capture of a special moment in someone’s life.
Lee says
Thank you very much, and yes, we really do. Bobby and I spent 13 years together, so that was bond was very strong. The apartment is very strange without him that’s for sure…
Cheers. Yes, a few I’ve never posted before. A couple of old ones. And yeah, the pigeon moment was special. One of my all time faves.
Craig says
Man, truly sorry to hear about Bobby (great name btw). He sounded like a true pal.
Lee says
Thank you very much. He really was. A real one off as well as incredibly friendly and affectionate. He is very much missed.
Richard says
My condolences for your loss. Must be especially poignant given that Akiko and you shared your affection for Bobby.
The photos demonstrate the bond which many in Tokyo have for their companions, some of whom are atypical. The expressions of the onlookers in some are more precious than those of the owners.
Isn’t it amazing how attached we can become to these ‘critters?!?’
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yes, that’s another element to his loss….
Yes, it really is. We can’t communicate in words, and yet emotionally there’s so much communication. Their honesty is always so refreshing too. Those bonds are very special.
Richard says
I had a dog for a few years when I was a teenager. And then a cat with my wife and daughter for about 10 years while the latter was growing up. Each one was a dear companion whose company I sorely missed after they had passed away.
PS I love your book!
Lee says
Yeah, they leave a really big hole, don’t they…?
Thanks a lot, that’s really good to hear!
Günter says
I’m sorry to hear about your pet. He sounded like a very good friend.
Lee says
Thank you very much. And yes, he really was. The absolute best.
john says
The critter proximity in most of your pictures is very noticeable, and in one case, perhaps by necessity is a bit overly ‘ in your face’. Even the less sociable iguana (?), watching out for traffic I hope, looks as if it is doing some mirroring on the posture front.
I think I recall Bobby checking up with you on your packaged books prior to their postage.
Lee says
Yeah, that’s a very good point. A real closeness in every way.
That’s right. He liked to be involved in everything, and ‘supervising’ the packing of books was definitely something he couldn’t resist.
Andrew H says
Glad to see the pigeon photo again! One of my favourites
Lee says
Thanks a lot. That’s really good to hear as it’s one of my favourites too. It was such a lovely moment.