I am a Rescue Bird.

[murfchck]

I am not bright-eyed and brand new, I am not a baby that is adorable and immediately trusting. I have seen the world and had experiences that have become a part of me. People turn away from me. They don't want a bird who has "problems or issues." They don't want an "older" bird. They leave me behind because it is easier to have a "baby." It is easier to "start fresh." They don't know me, they don't really see me, they don't understand me.

 

I am not perfect. It is my quirks and my past that are a force to be reckoned with! Perhaps my feathers are a bit ragged and maybe I don't eat what you want me to eat, but all I need is for you to help me. Perhaps I may not trust you instantly, but the trust I give is something to be cherished and earned. Just because I may be afraid at first doesn't mean I don't adore you in my own way. I am a jewel, a diamond, a beautiful soul. Perhaps I am older, but love, respect and care have no age limit. Only give me a chance.

 

Do not turn away from me for fear of issues because so often I have none. My only "issue" is that I have no home and I am waiting for one. Waiting for someone to love me again. Waiting to be taught love and trust. Waiting for you. Love me for the life I have lived and the life we will live together. Because if you do, I promise I will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of my old life and shine in my new life.

[Ray P]

I love it and it`s so true !!

[katana600]

That is so powerful and appropriate. As I was getting ready for sleep last night, I was thinking about Gilbert and how I resisted thinking about him in the beginning. I knew he had issues, I knew his caretaker was on the fence to keep trying or to give him up and I just hoped she would keep him. I thought long and hard trying to convince myself that it was too much to take on. We had already lost two greys to illness and wondered if we were up to facing an unknown older bird already burdened with so many problems of his own. In a conversation with his caretaker when I learned it wasn't a matter of wanting to keep him and keep trying, it was a catastrophic health issue that was preventing her from keeping him. Yes, he has been a challenge. Yes he has issues. I soon discovered, so do I, LOL. In the long run, in grey time, I learned that anything worth doing is worth a total effort. Knowing where he has been, the many times he has had to change households through no fault of his own, it is a celebration when he chooses to trust and try again. Yes, it takes time. I think to myself, that time would have passed with much less laughter and pure magic of Gilbert making great strides to become just a normal grey.

[Luvparrots]

Oh so true. My Louie is my priceless joy. He is untouchable but so loving in his own way. I am older and he is only 5 years old. He is the one of my birdies that I worry about finding the right home for when it is time. Thank you for your post Murfchck.

[Parrot Lady]

true true and true , I'am sooooo glad we Adopted Smokey , he definitly has some bad habits but together we are working on those but he can be really sweet , he lets me scratch his head from side to side and gently rub around his eyes , I can tell he likes it he closes his eyes and just relaxes , and he loves attention , things are going good he is not at all like he was 32 days ago when we first met

[Greywings]

As the old saying goes "Anything worthwhile is not easy" all of our flock of larger birds and most of the small ones are "recycled" from previous homes and each one is special and beautiful in my eyes.

[murfchck]

That came from a website reccommended because of Gus and what we thought were issues he has. Turns out he is pretty normal, we have the issues!

[katana600]

Rise and shine Miss Gilbert. So many things have changed since she came into our lives three years ago. Every step of gaining trust, every moment of gaining insight and understanding has been hard won for this this little girl. When she finally, finally, closes her eyes and permits herself to enjoy a gentle scratch on her head, we are getting close to the goal of having her feel so safe in her new home that she unpacks the final baggage and shows us her shine. Shine on little Miss Gil Girl.