This is a bitter-sweet post for me to write. It has been almost a year since I brought Lucy home. Though there have been peaks os progress, I hate to say it, but there has been more uphill than down. Since this summer started, I have gotten a job, tried to have a social life and found myself not giving the birds all that they need. Like I was warned, I need to take it slow and not just accumulate birds because I can. It makes me wonder if that is why Lucy is behaving the way she is.

My parents called my uncle who is neighbors with a woman who has many birds. I've written about her before; she has all aviaries, her birds are taken care of beautifully, she doesn't have 'too many' and she has experience with eclectus. After they talked to her, she expressed interest in Lucy. At first, I was completly resistent to giving up Lucy. This is my baby, my love and heart's desire. But then I look at how she needs so much more. She needs someone who knows what she needs. I'm not giving her up because of her bite. I've been bitten before and still loved her. Its like being thrown from a horse. Just because you shoulder gets dislocated doesn't mean you should give up your love.

But the best part of this is that I will be able to see her whenever I want. I know I sound immature and irresponsible for doing this, and I don't expect anyone to support me. To be honest, its taken a lot of prayer and I really and truely, deep in my heart believe this is right for her. I don't know if I will get another eclectus soon. If I do, great, if not, I will be thankful for what I do have. I have my Echo and my Harley. Its not something I like, having to find a mew home for something you love, and I know many people will disagree with my opinion. But to be honest, everyone's situation is different and it can be every hard to say that through the internet. I would just like to thank everyone for their support with Lucy. I do hope that I will still be a welcome member here and that my advice will still be accepted.

Thank you again,
D

Oh, honey...not be welcome? No way.
There have been a few of us that have had to give up a bird they love. (I for one) Do not feel guilty. There are many, many reasons we have to rehome a baby. Just be glad that you were able to enjoy him for a full year. You are still young and have many years to experiance the love and companionship of of more birds to come. Believe me, no one will think any less of you...We are family and stick together girl.

Sweetheart! That little letter was your sadness talking and it is causing you to be so hard on yourself. Anyone that has lived with birds (or any animal) for very long knows and knows well that sometimes things just don't work out and a new home needs to be found. There is no shame in doing this. A lot of hurt maybe. The shame comes when people just dump them on the side of the road or mistreat them or hope they fly away. I think it sounds like a wonderful place for Lucy to be and like you said you can visit. She will be fine. Now you go and dry those tears and kiss Lucy. It is going to be ok. Lovingly, Jessalyn

Ahh, Dom, I am sorry. I know it's going to be hard... If you need to talk, call me - you've got my number. (((((((((((hugs))))))))))

Thanks guys! Its going to be hard, but I just want her to be happy...

I don't think any differently of you at all. Sometimes we just do what we have to do, to make our pets happy.

Dominique, we are family and you will always be welcomed and not judged. You realized Lucy needs more and it takes a very caring person to put the birds needs first over your own and I commend you for that. I don't know if it's the same for Ekkies, I know their personalities are a little different, but I have often read that birds do very well in an aviary setting, with other flock mates.

Think of yourself as having been the bridge to her next home. You obviously gave her love and cared for her. Now is just a transition and doing what you know is right in your heart for her and you sometimes takes more courage than trying to "tuff it out". Best wishes for you both and do not go down that guilt trip road. It serves no one, hon.

Well Dom, you know I always speak openly, here goes. My heart goes out to you on this. And because I now how much you love Lucy, and are concerned for her health and well being, I support you on this. Im just happy you see the big picture before another bird came into the picture. Lucy will be fine. And ya know what, if all her feathers grow back, and she does really great where she's going, dont think its because you did a bad job when she was with you! Sometimes it just doesnt work out. And because you are putting her in a place you are SURE is better, that just goes to show how unselfish you are! Try to stay away from Craigs list though girlie! Its a big bowl of candy for you. If you think the last few months of new things is a lot, wait a few years, look back, and you will see these years as a breeze! Wait until you are settled down before you take another. Im thankful that Lucy found you. You where part of her path to the best place she can be. And one more thing, if anyone never talked to you again over it, they are not people worth knowing anyway! I personally have a tremendous amount of respect for you as a young person. You know Im on your side no matter what!

Dom, you know us better than that! We're not here to judge, we're here to try to help birds, and try to help their owners. I'm sorry things didn't work out with Lucy, I know how much you wanted them to. Everyone of us wants to be the perfect caregiver for any bird, but that's an unreasonable expectation. We do the best we can, and learn from our experiences. That's all we can do, you know? You've got a big heart, you're not afraid to use it, and that's a good thing.