By Pamela Lee | Development Director
Mickaboo receives many calls and emails from the public. None are so urgent and heart-wrenching as those that say "my bird has flown away - can you help me?"
When birds fly from their human's home, they are usually flying in a panic into unfamiliar surroundings. Most are not recall-trained to respond to their name, unlike dogs. It takes hard work - and no small amount of luck - to get a bird back once it's loose outside. So when we were told first that a young Indian Ringneck Parakeet was lost - and then soon after, that the bird had been retrieved - our thoughts of concern turned to those of joy and relief. The joy quickly turned to dismay when the caller went on to say she would release the bird "again" if we did not get the bird from her immediately.
The owner had "retrieved" her pet in that the bird had voluntarily flown back to her - an act of trust that was betrayed. The owner's perception of what a pet bird should be didn't fit the reality of this bird, as sweet as it was. This difference between imagination and reality is why Mickaboo requires all potential bird adopters to take its free bird care class, to avoid misunderstandings that all too often lead to bad outcomes for the pet.
Needless to say, the Indian Ringneck is now in Mickaboo's custody. Peela (Hindi for "yellow") is a really nice bird and will make someone (maybe you?) a great family companion. We will be featuring Peela amongst other birds in our virtual adoption fair later this month.
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Mickaboo exists to help birds like Peela. Your financial support allows us to continue our mission - and this week's matching gift campaign makes your gift twice as effective! Gifts up to $50 will be matched at 50% from now through Friday, March 12, 9 pm PT. No limit on matching funds! Please give now while the thought is top of mind.
All of our volunteers thank you for your help!
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By Pamela A Lee | Development Director
By Pamela Lee | Development Director
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