Best of 2007

12-17-2007, 11:05 AM

I got an idea from another member - Mark mentioned in a recent Cleo thread that she's the Most Improved Bird of 2007 - and I completely agree that Mark has made HUGE progress with her!

Let's share some year-end stories - successes, feats accomplished, birds coming to their forever homes. What awards would your birds win for the year 2007? Goofball awards are welcome too

For me, Winston gets the Most Improved Flight Skills award. He went from being cagebound, flighted bird who tired out from flying just a few feet, to learning to use those beautiful wings to navigate and become a confident and strong flier (he nows does a racing lap around the house with Jerry and he's just a second behind Jerry in speed!!).

12-17-2007, 11:36 AM

Well this sounds like fun! Great job Cleo and Winston!

I'd like to think my Maple deserves the award for Most Improved Attitude!!!

Maple came to live with us about a year and a half ago, and quickly earned herself a reputation for being a grumpy, loud, nasty biter, who never wanted to have any fun at all!! She didn't adapt well to new situations, did not talk or play much, did not like to be handled by anyone other then me, and certainly did not tolerate new critters well.

Over the past year Maple has been through plenty of change. We've had long term guests living with us, we have had to travel quite a bit (dragging her along with us), we have had to move her "house" to another room, leave her with sitters (my FIL) and on top of everything else Harley moved in!!!

Maple has not only survived, but she has come through and progressed with flying colors. She is now more talkative, playful, and easy going. She wanders the house, plays...even on her back (which is HUGE deal for her), tolerates handling from EVERYONE much better,is learning to love & trust Daddy more, and has even accepted Harley (most days hehe). She has bonded very closely to me, and overcome many of her fears. Slowly but surely, she is losing her bad reputation, and is no longer known as the "evil one".

So....without further ado...Congrats my sweet girl....you have overcome and are learning to enjoy life! You have discovered you are at home and you are dearly loved. You have stepped out of your comfort zone, and taken over every part of it. And in the process...you have stolen every heart you have touched!

12-17-2007, 11:42 AM

Okay, I give Spice the following award; The Best Patient of 2007. This little guy went through 2 sinus flushes, 2 rounds of 14 days of Baytril ( total 28 days) plus another 10 days of nose drops and he still chatters away like a happy little bird. This is his medicine stained face.

12-17-2007, 11:43 AM

Awww.. Such sweet stories!

Kris, that was great. Maple sounds like a total doll.

12-17-2007, 11:52 AM

Maple has come a long way from being a grumpy bird - I never would have known that about her based on your recent stories and pics!

And I totally agree Nancy, that Spice really does deserve an award for taking his medicine like a champ!

12-17-2007, 11:56 AM

Way to go little Spice...you've taken it all in stride!

Thanks Sarah and Wendy! I am so very proud of my little girl, this has been a year of many firsts for her. I always knew she had it in her!

12-17-2007, 02:09 PM

Well done Winston, Cleo, Maple & Spice.

Peanut would like a mafia award. He is still not able to open the green barrel, he does not try anymore, he just mugs the birdie that opened it. You did say goofball prize. On the good side his recall is very good except for a palm tree at the supermarket. He loves that tree. He shivers in excitement when he gets close and then goes for a upside down swing on a leaf.

12-17-2007, 02:18 PM

These are all great stories & all the birds deserve an award. Nice progress everyone!

Hmmmmmmmmmm ...of my 2 - Rio gets a blue ribbon for being 'fairly' cooperative at night time now. At least no chasing or wearing out required.

Maybe Laker should get the award for the sneakiest Budgie - at night he tricks Rio into leaving his cage & sneaks back as soon as Rio leaves & stands in the doorway to make sure he doesn't get back in until I close it.

PS - love the quivering with excitement part - sweet Peanut.

12-17-2007, 02:19 PM

Hehehe...I love Peanut, he's such a character!

Laker and Rio are so sweet!

12-17-2007, 03:08 PM

Bud would get the award for Trying New Things since Bud was a "breeder bird" before arriving here, he was on an all pelleted diet but now LOVES fresh food (see: Bud's gone Bananas thread)! also he was always affraid of toys...but look at him go now!

Not to mention, the trust we now share in each other!