What Do Birds, Dogs, and Humans Have In Common?
My husband Roger and I (Teresa) have opened our home to 5 parrots and a female beagle because they all need to be cared for and more importantly, love.
We run a small rescue for parrots. We were to only be a foster home, but within 2 weeks of the bird being brought in, Roger would want to keep the bird because of the bond that he had with each and every bird.
There were 6 parrots until Sushi our Hahn’s macaw took a stroke and had seizures. We were ill-equipped to care for her. She required hand feeding and we were more afraid that we would be the ones to cause more problems due to our inexperience with hand-feeding. She was adopted by our Vet’s Tech Sue Delia. Sushi has thrived and now, though considered a special needs birds is doing great. We thank Sue for her love of animals and her willingness to take in Sushi though she herself has a big flock of her own.
Out of our other 5, Kiwi our peach-front conure is the only one that was not a rescue. We did rescue his sister Robin from a different flock, but because of nerve damage in her right foot was unsuitable for sale. They are not very big on talking, though they have animated conversations in their squaky voice.
Sebastian (African Grey) came from a great home only because of a new baby and was unable to stay. We gladly took him home with us. He is an entertainer. He loves to sing and dances his way into the hearts of everyone he meets. He laughs with and at you. His “love you” can be heard all though the house. When he decides to take what we call his “Australian walk”, he will come down his house, on to the floor and go visit the other birds, or takes walks into the bathroom so he can talk to himself in the tile.
Kazoo is a 5 year old Blue-Headed Pi onus who talks up a storm. They are not noted to be big talker, but she surely puts that myth to bed. Though she has a gravel voice, she loves talking in her bowl as she eats because her voice booms out. She is sweet natured and though she can give a good nip when she wants, she is not really an aggressive bird.
JJ is our problem child. He was abused the first 7 yrs of his life before being rescued by a family who eventually adopted two little children and was afraid that JJ would manage to bite one of them and then possibly the children would be removed. Roger and I decided to take JJ (African Grey) home with us, even though we learned that his abuse was by the hand of a female with grandchildren that aggravated and agitated him.
He loves Roger and will do anything he wants. Unfortunately, after trying to befriend him these past 6 years, all i can do is give him little rubs on his beak and the top of his head. Anything more, could result in a good bite. But I love him anyway, and told him when he came to us, ‘that he has a home for life’. I would be afraid that without understanding all of his nuances, he could become an abused bird again.
I can’t stand the thought of that. I am just as happy feeding him, standing by his house and talking to him, and on occasion, when he ALLOWS, giving him little rubs. That makes my day. It may take many more years before he will trust that I would never hurt him. That i love him. But that is ok.
Last but not least is ‘Prince Penny’ as my husband calls her. She was found wandering and Roger was asked if he would be interested in keeping her. Who Mr. Softy, of course he would keep her. That was a silly question. Though the person knew to go to Roger instead of me. i really was not interested in getting a dog as we Provigil online No prescription have birds and her particular species like birds. Anyway, she is pretty good around the birds, though she can get pretty worked up and it’s just a matter of understanding her ways. We are always professing that we can not change the nature of a bird and that has to hold true for her as well. I have said all along that she would make a great ‘Rehab Dog’ the way that she looks out after me.
Roger and I love all of our babies. Princess Penny has her own bog talking about her and her feathered brothers and sisters. Though it sometimes can be difficult when they all want your attention all at the same time. We just remember to put lots of love in all interactions that we have for our feathered crew, and Penny our trusted Beagle.
Well we thank you for taking the time to read our story.
You know it is true that we have a common connection to the animals in our lives. Love. It is truly sad to think that you can only rely on unconditional love from our pets. When it comes to humans, well that is another comment on someone else’s blog.
Our pets know us inside and out even the bad owners – those pets know to stay out of their way as much as possible.
Even when we correct or holler at our pets, they become contrite, but they are right there for kisses.
Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your (their) stories.
This is great. I think it would be good reading for all kids as well as adults. You are doing a great job. I will tell my friends to visit and leave a comment. I know they will enjoy reading it as much as I have. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you Helen I appreciate your stopping by.
Helen thank you so much for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed our little stories. I believe that your friends will get a kick out of it as well.
I do so appreciate your encouragement. Penny and I appreciate knowing our stories entertain and sometimes can be quite informative.
Again, Thank you,
Teresa (whitehawk)