ROAMING paddocks while people looked to point him out while driving past, Eddie the emu was a favourite among the Cessnock community and loved by all who knew him.
Sadly, the 20-year-old bird died after losing a battle to a severe infection with caregivers making the difficult decision to euthanize him on Tuesday, July 30.
Primary caregiver Carinne Phillips looked after Eddie for over 15 years and said everyone from Paxton, Bellbird and Ellalong knew him and would look out for him.
"He was my boy, but he was everyone's," she said.
Eddie was hit by a car three years ago, but survived with the love and care of the Hunter community.
"He would just roam around, living his best life," Ms Phillips said.
Ms Phillips would often call out to Eddie and he would come up to her for food and attention.
"He was such a good boy, he loved his rolled oats and fresh fruit," she said.
"I could feed him by hand and I talked to him everyday, I know that might sound silly but it gave me comfort talking to him after work."
"He loved all the attention from everybody and would poke his head into some of the neighbours houses to get food."
Ms Phillips and her neighbour Michelle Bowen were with Eddie when he died and held him until he took his last breath.
"I was with him and talked to him when he was passing, hopefully he recognised my voice," Ms Phillips said.
Ms Bowen has cared for local emus for over 20 years and said Eddie was the last local one.
"The hard decision was made that euthanasia was the kindest solution for him. I want to thank all the locals who have enjoyed his presence, kept me updated on the events in his life including being hit by cars and his location," she said.
"I feel broken."
Eddie was buried in Paxton and Ms Phillips is working on a plot to allow the community to grieve and say their goodbyes.
"I'm utterly devastated," she said.
