by Kathy Conley

As most of you are aware, the changes to the Adoption Program have been met with passionate debate on both sides. Unpleasant as that may sometimes be, the ultimate outcome will hopefully be a program that does as much as possible for the birds entrusted to our care. Those of us who work in the Program have a heart for these birds who are left at the shelter craving attention, care and a forever-home with someone who will love them.

One such bird was Peaches, a Goffin’s Cockatoo with special needs. Unable to keep her balance, she would brace herself on a food dish and cage bars in order to be stable. Once braced she would soak-up all the neck-scratching and petting that she could. Peaches was on a variety of medications and required constant monitoring as her health problems progressed. But lucky for Peaches that Helene Hildebrand would soon come to the rescue. Helene took in Peaches as a foster bird last May and has given her the utmost care, attention and love. Eventually unable to stand on her own in order to feed herself, Peaches had Helene there to hold her, feed her and love her right up to the end. Peaches died on December 6th when her health took the inevitable turn for the worse.

It’s easy to debate the various Program changes and then go home to our own busy lives, forgetting that there are innocent creatures depending upon us to help them. With no control over their own environment, we are their only chance for a better life. I am very grateful for people like Helene who rearrange their lives, their time and their schedules just so a sweet bird like Peaches could live out her last days being loved in what was to be her ‘forever home’.

Thanks Helene for your dedication. I’m glad you’re a club member!

Kathy Conley

January 07