Neglected Bird Pops Out of Box To Meet Rescuer and Begs for a Snuggle

http://www.care2.com/causes/neglected-birds-pops-out-of-box-to-meet-rescuer-begs-for-a-snuggle.html

by Laura Simpson May 13, 2014 5:30 pm

Editor’s note: This post is a Care2 favorite. It was originally published on December 3, 2011. Enjoy!

Written by Phoenix Morgaine of Texas

Several years ago I worked as a senior rehabilitator for a wild bird rescue organization. The local humane society didn’t have a bird rescue program, so they called us whenever wild birds were turned in by the public.

One night I received a call from the shelter’s receiving department. The clerk was so angry she was cussing and crying at the same time. “I know you don’t ususally take in pet birds, but this one is so sweet…and I know if I check her into the system, she’ll be euthanized because her condition is sooo bad. Will you please come and get her?”

Later, when I walked in the door of the shelter, I asked the clerk, “Where is she?” She pointed to the top of the file cabinet where she’d placed a computer paper box. Just as I looked up, the baldest, filthiest, most bedraggled looking cockatoo popped her head up over the rim of the box, looked at me and said “Eee-Yah!” As soon as I put my hand out, she stepped onto my finger and started rubbing her cheek against my chest.

She Came in the Way So Many Surrendered Pets Do

The clerk explained that two guys came in to say they’d found a parrot walking down the street. From their behavior, she felt they were making the story up. (Many people who turn animals in to a shelter will do this, thinking it makes them look better than admitting culpability.) The clerk finally lost her patience and told the guys, “Just bring me the bird!” Her suspicions were confirmed when one of the guys yelled out the door, “Dad, bring in your bird!”

FULL story at link.