My partner also lost their budgie a couple months ago, my condolences. As someone who grew up with dogs (and fostered a cat), I can’t understand why some people think birds are any less impactful. They are little bundles of chaos and joy, and they demand space in our hearts.

And, this may or may not help, but when I lose a pet, it soothes me to remember that I gave them the best life I could, and that the joy they gave me was born of their thanks.