Save a Cockatoo!

[Disneyphile]

Hi Swankers!

I come to you with an important plea - a friend of mine who works for a vet's office just called. They need to find a home or foster for a cockatoo (the big white and yellow bird), with cage and all. It's free.

I would take him in a heartbeat, but he carries Polyomavirus, which is highly contageous to other birds. He has to take a daily medication, which the vet is willing to give a lifetime supply as well, and the bird is trained to do it - he sees the syringe and opens his beak. :) It is not contageous to humans or other pets.

He talks, he's quite a happy bird, and otherwise healthy, but must go to a home without any other birds.

The vet's giving him until the end of this week to find a home, otherwise they'll have to euthanize him, since he's taking up space in their isolation area. :(

If anyone's interested in taking him, please contact me ASAP. He's located in Westminster.

[Not Afraid]

If it was a pug, I would be knocking down the door of the vet, but I'm not much of a bird fan. Somehow, I can see Kevy with a bird.

[CoasterMatt]

I LOVE COCKATOOS!!

My sister used to work at a pet store, and we had all sorts of birds - including a very foul mouthed cockatoo.

Does he have a name?

[Mousey Girl]

I wish I could but I have 6 reasons I can't.
It would be a long drive to get the bird and then its medicine.
The other 5 would been seen as prey.

[CoasterMatt]

Can we get him Saturday?

[Kevy Baby]

Somehow, I can see Kevy with a bird.As much as I would love to have a bird, we have three predators in the house - we wouldn't EVER be allowed to let the bird stretch his wings.

That and we have too many animals already: three cats + 12 Beardies (the latter of which causes me to also be into cricket and worm husbandry - both of which we purchase a 1,000 at a time). We have a hard time keeping up with what we already have.

Hopefully CM and Rose can take it.

[Not Afraid]

Well, now that that is taken care of, is there anyone out there who would like to adopt 2 long haired chihuahuas named Lucy and Ethyl? I found out tonight one of my clients is surrending them to the Seal Beach Animal Shelter soon. They're sweethearts but he can't keep them because a) he's not home enough and b) the neighbour complains about their barking and has threatened legal action. They are really sweet girls.

[wendybeth]

CM's gonna have that bird swearing in six different languages by Labor Day.

:D

[Morrigoon]

No! Not the shelter! If you take your animal to the shelter they get euthanized quicker! :(

I would love to, but I can't even talk Talon into one extra dog, let alone two.

[RStar]

Perhaps we should start an Adopt A Pet Thread!

Lucy and Ethyl sound great! I'm up to my ears in dogs and cats as it is. :cool:

[RStar]

Perhaps we should start an Adopt A Pet Thread!

Lucy and Ethyl sound great! Even though I find chihuahuas to be a bit irritating most of the time.

I'm up to my ears in dogs and cats as it is. :cool:

[Disneyphile]

Can we get him Saturday?Yes!

The owner dropped him off, and didn't even give a name. :(

For now, the vet techs are calling him "Mel".

He's really sweet. I saw him last night. (I'll post pictures and video once I get to work.)

He's been through a lot, so he'll need some good attention. He doesn't bite, and is a real lover - he loves to be petted for a long time. Because of neglect, he is not yet hand-trained. He doesn't understand to perch on your hand, so that will take a bit of training.

But, he does talk. He says "hello", "I love you", and a few other words. He also loves bobbing his head while saying, "Hello, hello, hello!"

An important thing though - if you take him, Rose needs to wash thoroughly before handling any birds at the pet store, or not handle the birds at all. Although, most pet shop birds are immunized at the breeder before they arrive. It is contagious through the dust (dander).

Just let me know, and I'll PM you the contact info for the vet's office. :)

[Disneyphile]

Here he is! :) (Pardon the crappy cellphone photo/video.)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/Disneyphile/Cockatoo.jpg

Video 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6rGJqysyV4)

Video 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEc0owAAic)

[CoasterMatt]

Ok CM would be mad at me but hey he's logged in and i just checked the boards and this thread...tehehehehe this is his wife Rosie and yes definitely i usually don't handle birds etc at the store er work. Oh Not Afraid i would love absolutely love those dogs seriously. Last nite i was looking online to adopt a dog but two and now with the bird lmao....wondering if CM will look at this while he's working today. I don't know how to get online to IM ya or i would about the dogs. I've been looking to adopt and i really want smaller dogs. Ok honey if you read this don't get mad at me lmao....

[Disneyphile]

ROFLMAO!!! Hi Rose! :D

[Not Afraid]

Well, the dogs are going to the shelter on Thursday, so if you're interested let me know. They're adorable and very loving and friendly.

hi Rose!

[wendybeth]

Visible and virtual mojo for Rose!:)

(Hi, Rose!)

[CoasterMatt]

Hi guys and gals. CM just called me he saw the post lmao tough on him lmao but anyways ya umm Not Afraid i really want the dogs but CM isn't sayin one way or another at the moment and my next day off is on Friday. He's not keen at the moment but i wanna try to work him over seriously. I'm like they don't take up much space (Steven's as big as they are). I'm sure he's gonna read this post too...lmao HI sweetie. :) Think i might have to go get the bird on Friday cuz on Saturday we have plans for the day.

[Disneyphile]

Rose/Matt - I'll PM you the phone number and contact for the vet's office. :)

[Morrigoon]

Oh, I hope you can rescue the dogs too! Say yes, Matt!

[CoasterMatt]

Matt said yes to the dogs. Only drawback is that Not Afraid isn't online or else i'd go pick up the dogs now. Waiting for an answer back as far as picking them up this evening or else tomorrow or Thursday at the latest. I'm shocked he said yes to the dogs but after spending all day yesterday looking online for doggies and showin him one last nite. My mom is gonna kill me for takin them in but tough i don't live at home so.... besides the house has gone to the cats now the dogs lmao....might as well get their food at Petsmart too while i get a discount on it lmao....oh Not Afraid any special food they eat brand name? Just wondering since we have a couple brands of food etc.

[wendybeth]

Yayyy, CM and Rose!!!!!!:snap:

[mousepod]

ALL CAPS VISIBLE MOJO TO ROSE AND COASTERMATT!

[Snowflake]

Congrats to CM and Rose!
More companions for the Cheeseburger 9000.

[Morrigoon]

Dude, you guys ROCK!!!

[Nephythys]

Woot woo!!

As a chihuahua mommy I am so happy to hear the puppy girls have a new home!!!

Yeah for the birdie too!!

:)

(Hi Rose-:) that's my daughters name too)

[CoasterMatt]

Hi guys,

This time it is Matt...

As much as I *really* would love to have a cockatoo again, I think unfortunately, this time we have to pick the dogs or the birdie. :(

I hate this...

[Disneyphile]

No problem. Just let me know ASAP, so I can keep campaigning for him. :)

[Nephythys]

Could you take them both in order to save them from death- and give it time to find the birdie a new home???

[CoasterMatt]

That's a possibility - I'm at work right now, so it's hard to coordinate both things :(

[CoasterMatt]

Well that was Matt not me. I just read his post and he called me too. Too bad i didn't tell Not Afraid i'd come over and get the dogs now lmao...since i do have the day off. I want the dogs ASAP...lmao i can't wait anymore lmao.....i'm sure the dogs will do fine in our home. :) I'm gonna spoil em and take them with me where i go already know the carrier purse i wanna get it's at my job store so tomorrow i'm gonna get it before i start work if i have the time to.

[Disneyphile]

Update: I've got a friend who works with a bird sanctuary, so now she's on the case too.

I swear I've never worked so hard to give someone the bird before. ;)

[CoasterMatt]

THat's good news. Know Matt really wants to but at the same time is just not 100% sure. I know i haven't had that many birds in my lifetime as pets like dogs and cats and i am really shocked he wants to doogies Lucy and Ethel and if i had known he was gonna take the dogs i would have already gone to get them...

[Nephythys]

I just want a happy ending- I am sure that is what we all want to see.

I would just be so sad if any of these animals were destroyed. :(

[CoasterMatt]

So do i ok it's official we're getting Lucy and Ethel Friday nite at 8pm i can't wait. :)

[Not Afraid]

I AM SOOOOO EXXCITED! They are great dogs. I was watching them a few weeks ago and I sent a pic to Jesse then had to call to tell him about how Ethyl fell in LOVE with Chris. She doesn't walk as far as Lucy does and Chris and Ethyl went back to the house. I came back later with Lucy to find Ethyl curled up on Chris' lap snoozing away. They are both total love bugs and will really benefit from having parents who are home more to care for them. I can't wait to be there when matt and Rose pick up the puppies.

[CoasterMatt]

Awwwww Not Afraid. I will so cuddle too i love lap dogs seriously when i'm home i want a dog to curl up on my lap just wanting some lovin. I will totally take them when i'm home to the park up the street literally too for an afternoon walk. :) My mom is gonna freak when she finds out cuz we're taking them to the baby shower i won't leave them home alone no way. See i'm already spoiling them big time. :) We will totally give them a great home seriously and if i can bring them to work with me oh boy they will definitely be spoiled.

[mousepod]

Bob, Inca and Jack are already talking about chihuahua parties when we all get down there...

[CoasterMatt]

Count us in on the party. :) I hope my boss lets me bring them to work with me i don't see why not. SHe likes small dogs anyways. :) Oh btw Not Afraid do you have any pics of Lucy and Ethyl that i can see? THanks a bunch

[Disneyphile]

If anyone can please ask around for a home for the cockatoo, I'd appreciate it, thanks.

[Not Afraid]

I'm going to see if I can get some tonight and if not, I'm watching them tomorrow night and will get pics then. Meanwhile, I'll send the not very good pic I have of them on my phone to your cell.

They are longish hair and both red heads.

They sort of look like this one:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images12/longhairchiuahuauntitled.jpg

The owner says he was told they were mixed, but I think they look like Chi's to me. Jesse will be able to tell.

[CoasterMatt]

This is Matt, somehow that sounds weird...

One of my coworkers has printed the cockatoo pic, and a few short lines about it's story, and posted them in a few break rooms.

We're trying to help this pretty bird.

[Disneyphile]

One of my coworkers has printed the cockatoo pic, and a few short lines about it's story, and posted them in a few break rooms.

We're trying to help this pretty bird.Thanks. :)

[Not Afraid]

If anyone can please ask around for a home for the cockatoo, I'd appreciate it, thanks.

I've put the word out in my pet sitting community about the bird. We will find it a home.

[Disneyphile]

I've put the word out in my pet sitting community about the bird. We will find it a home.Awesome!

There's got to be someone down the line who will take him.

I really wish we could, but it would involve having our cockatiel vaccinated and then quarantened until the vaccine kicks in. And by then, our cockatiel could go nuts from the quarantene, and it would also be really bad on our bank account. :(

[CoasterMatt]

When i go to work tomorrow ican put up about the bird too. Here's hoping i can talk to customers too cuz you never know who will walk in asking about birds etc. Wow that picture is very cute. I'll check my cell phone for the pictures Not Afraid now i'm even more excited.

[Not Afraid]

There is a store in Long Beach specializing in pet products. It's called Whiskers and it's on 2nd street in Belmont Shore. They have 2 birds there, but I'm wondering if it might be worthwhile to give them a call and see if they have any leads. I know I was in there a few weeks ago and a woman was cooing over the parrot they have because she recently lost her bird. The store attracts al sort of goofy pet people (like me).

[Disneyphile]

I'm just trying to avoid Craigs List, because there are some real whackos on there who "collect" animals, especially exotics, and they don't know how to care for them.

[Kevy Baby]

DF: Were you and Aurora able to connect today? I gave her your cell and home #'s.

[NickO'Time]

I wish I could help. Hope you find a place for the bird.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

What an exciting saga! :)

[Disneyphile]

DF: Were you and Aurora able to connect today? I gave her your cell and home #'s.Yes! It looks like she found a home for him. The woman has experience in rehabilitating wildlife, and is also a biologist and has knowledge of diseases and such. :snap:

I'm not going to stop pushing for him though, until he's in his new home. I just want to make sure it doesn't fall through. :)

[Gemini Cricket]

What an exciting saga! :)
It sure is! :)

[Morrigoon]

Talking to a lady in my office that might be interested. Her son takes daily medication, so that part doesn't bother her, and she loves birds. She just has to get her husband to agree. No promises at this point, but who knows?

[Not Afraid]

So, here are the girls - Lucy and Ethyl!!!!! (http://web.mac.com/lisacone/iWeb/Site/Lucy%20and%20Ethyl.html)

[CoasterMatt]

OMG!! Lucy looks like my old dog Brandy - if she'd been blasted with a shrink ray!

[Not Afraid]

Lucy's the thinner one and Ethyl's the chub. Ethyl is also the sweetheartcuddlebumpkinlapdog. I so can't wait for them to have a good home. They're so sweet.

[CoasterMatt]

I so can't wait for them to have a good home.

I promise, as many times as I've joked about it, I won't build oversized hamster balls for them (unless they ask for them) :D

[Morrigoon]

OMG, that WOULD be hilarious.

[Snowflake]

OMG, they're so cute, if I were not at my pet limit in my apartment, I'd so drive down. Glad they have a great home to go to, thanks to CM and Rose :snap:

[mousepod]

Cuties! Looks like they could use a little Royal Canin diet food, but they sure look like chihuahuas to me.

Bob said that if you want to be sure, he'd be happy to put a little chihuahua in them when we get down there. (I don't get it)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Visible mojo for dirty chihuahua humor :snap:

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Visible mojo for dirty chihuahua humor :snap:

dirty? I'm sure Bob is looking for a long, meaningful, long term relationship.

[Not Afraid]

Bob is unneutered. I think I know what he means.

[Disneyphile]

Now those are adorable pups!!! :D

Well, a woman connected with the bird sanctuary is supposed to pick up the cockatoo this morning. I'm just awaiting the phonecall from my friend to make sure it went through before I let the couple others on the potentials list know. I hope he goes this morning! :)

[Morrigoon]

dirty? I'm sure Bob is looking for a long, meaningful, long term relationship.

Oh yes, and I'm sure Britney only shaved her head to provide moral support to cancer sufferers.

BTW: love the repetitive use of "long" with regards to Bob and what he's looking for. Trying to imply something? :evil:

[Disneyphile]

Well, the woman who was supposed to take him never showed up nor called this morning. :rolleyes:

I called my friend who works with the bird sanctuary, and she said that the woman is having a "crisis" at the moment, so it could be a week before she can get things sorted out, because she's "depressed" now. :rolleyes:

My other friend called and said the vet is giving him until Saturday afternoon, and then he'll be euthanized on Sunday morning.

I friggen hate when people don't follow through.

So, now I called a couple back-ups and said, "First come, first served. Call and pick him up. He's got 48 hours left."

If this bird dies due to people not getting their act together from a "yes/no" game, I'll have lost much faith in humanity. :rolleyes: I'm sorry if people have issues. Everyone does. Get the **** over it.

All this time, I could have just taken my bird in, had him immunized and quarantened. Now, it's too late to do that. From now on, I'm thinking I should trust only my damn self from the beginning.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Well, the woman who was supposed to take him never showed up nor called this morning. :rolleyes:

I called my friend who works with the bird sanctuary, and she said that the woman is having a "crisis" at the moment, so it could be a week before she can get things sorted out, because she's "depressed" now. :rolleyes:

Geez, then perhaps its best that she failed to show (going on the assumption that someone will step up and help in the end). Doesn't exactly sound like she'd be the most responsible owner.

[Disneyphile]

Geez, then perhaps its best that she failed to show (going on the assumption that someone will step up and help in the end). Doesn't exactly sound like she'd be the most responsible owner.No kidding.

I'm sorry, but if she can't handle her own issues, how can she have the patience to handle something that acts like a loud 2-year-old 24/7 for its entire life? I realize that sometimes people have difficulty in dealing with things, but come the hell on. If your life is that bad, you shouldn't have said "yes" in the first place. I'd understand if she had a death in the family or something, but good grief!

I'm really glad I kept it open to other prospects. I just hope someone will decide and go get him.

[Nephythys]

I would snap him up (if I could)- for fvcks sake put him in a box with holes and ship him to me but don't let him die!!!!

*sigh*

[Morrigoon]

My lady at the office can't take him, her husband nixed the idea. :(

How about "office hottie's" grandma? Has she come up with anyone?

[CoasterMatt]

This is Rose CM's wife. I talked to my boss today and she is gonna let me take Lucy and Ethyl to work with me when i do work. Yay! Now everyone at work wants to see the girls too...tehehehe and best part i got a coat tonite for free cuz there was a defect in it (i just need to sew the button on and the buckle part) it's black and white and really warm. Now all i have to do is get another one to match it. We've got plenty in stock at 50% off too. Those girls are gonna be spoiled. Ty so much Not Afraid. You can come visit if you want to. I so can't wait one more day til i get my babies.

[Morrigoon]

Rose: FWIW, Walmart often has cute dog sweaters for cheap.

[CoasterMatt]

Thanks Cindy but since i work where i work and all plus all our sweaters are now 50% off plus my discount ontop of that. But i will definitely check that out.

[Kevy Baby]

Rose - Why the dickens don't you get your own log-in? We would love to have you as a regular!!!

[Morrigoon]

Rose: any chance of you and Matt still taking the bird too?

[Nephythys]

Another possible home just fell through-

Surely someone can take him in- even temporarily- to keep him from being put down.

[Not Afraid]

I talked to a client of mine today who loves birds but they can't take it. I'm runing out of toption too. :(

[Brigitte]

This is so sad. I would take him in a heartbeat if it weren't some 1300+ miles away and we already have a cockatiel. Nobody can foster him though?

[Not Afraid]

This is so sad. I would take him in a heartbeat if it weren't some 1300+ miles away and we already have a cockatiel. Nobody can foster him though?

IIf I wern't taking off to London I would foster him. It's just not good timing.:(

[Disneyphile]

Update: Some more prospects have come through, and we also have a definite foster willing to pick up at the last minute in case the others don't show. (Thanks Wolfy999!) :)

[Nephythys]

Thank goodness!!!

[Snowflake]

Yay! Gee, but it's tough to be a bird.

[Disneyphile]

OUTCOME:

Well, the final outcome was good and bad.

The good - He found a wonderful couple of folks from MouseInfo who showed up and followed through to bring him home. They went out of their way too, and it would have been the perfect match. They truly rock for finding the place in their hearts and home.

The bad - Upon final examination before leaving the vet's office, it was discovered that he was more sick than initially realized. It turns out that he was also inflicted with another serious condition. The vet was willing to perform surgery for free, but the outcome would not be very good. The bird would have quite a long and painful recovery, and the chances for a full recovery were very slim. So, the vet and new owners decided to make the best decision for him.

Everyone worked hard to save him, and for that, I wholeheartedly thank you. And, I'm sure he does too. He was loved and found a new home, even if he never made it there. He left happy and loved, and that is what's important.

Thanks again everyone. I wish we could have had a happy ending on this.

[wendybeth]

:(


I'd give my birdies a hug, but they probably wouldn't like that. Extra millet treats for them today.


I'm sorry it didn't work out, but it was certainly not for lack of trying. Well, at least we know of a bunny and some cute little doggies that found good homes here!

[Snowflake]

Everyone did the best to save him, kudos to all of you for working so hard for him.

:(