So Empathetic

[Xtreme575]

My best friend, Jason, who Paco loves to hate found out that a very favourite family friend passed away unexpectedly this weekend.

 

Needless to say, Jason was horribly upset, and decided to hang out around my place this weekend for the company and distraction that both me and my parrot are able to offer!

 

Upon arriving at my place Jason came into the living room where Paco was busy playing on his playstand. I heard Jason say, "Hi Paco" sadly, followed by the quick pace of Paco's feet as he ran across the playtop to get to his cage door near where Jason was standing. I heard Jason talking to Paco as I've taught him to do to try to improve their relationship. In any event, I was astounded that Paco was standing on his cage door, letting Jason give him head scratches, and kept trying to kiss Jason every chance he got. I was really happy to see that Paco was being so nice, and felt a sense of relief seeing Jason lighten up with the interaction with this bird!

 

The next day, Jason, who was feeling considerably better approached the cage again. Paco immediately bowed his head, but I noticed it was his "fake-out" and told Jason that I would just enjoy the memory of the previous evening's interaction with Paco, but it would be best to let him be. Right at that moment Paco lunged at Jason in the usual fashion that has become the relationship between the two of them.

 

Paco knows he is top bird over Jason and puts him in his place with the odd nip if he gets to close. I place the blame on Jason for this, he is normally leery of Paco, and has issues with Paco's feet (looking to much like snake skin). However, the reason for the post was to put some emphasis on how amazingly empathetic he appeared to be towards Jason at his time of sorrow.

 

I know he sure makes me feel better after a hard day, but I'm glad he was able to brighten up a good friend's day as well.

[Joolesgreyuk]

Makes you wonder if they can tune in to our feelings as some suggest doesn't it? So funny how Paco had to put him in his place the next day :laugh:

[crossfit]

wow. I really think the emotional intelligence of these birds is way more than their intellectual intelligence - which is already pretty high. But I keep hearing stories this like. Its awesome.

[pearllyn]

I absolutely believe animals can tune in to our feelings, although I think some have a better ability to do it than others. I see it regularly with my dogs, and even my horses react to the way I'm feeling. I was in hospital for a whort while last year and when I came home Alfie was literally stuck to my neck for about 3 days. After that she relaxed to the back of the couch where I did most of my convalescing. She was an absolute angel while I was feeling poorly, but as I began to feel better she started to get up to her old tricks again - pinching things she shouldn't and so on!!

We have a charity in the UK called Pets as Therapy (I think there is a similar one in the US) consisting of dogs and cats which are taken by their owner to hospitals, nursing homes etc and the resident simply pat and cuddle them. I think animals are so theraputic because of their empathic abilities.

 

This is an excellenet thread to have started Xtreme575, I hope it throws up some more great stories like Paco's!

[Jayd]

How true.....Jay Karma

[Jingles]

oh yes, i think they are very in-tune to our feelings.

 

How sweet that Paco did that...