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Tip of the Month | |
Planning for your Bird
Part of responsible pet ownership is planning -- making arrangements for your birds in case of an emergency or eventual re-homing. My heart breaks to think of the elderly woman who left Smokey & Pearl in a person's care to be re-homed, only to have them almost end up at an animal control center. Or the birds recently relinquished to us whose owners knew they were moving and waited until the final moment to do anything. As caregivers to these wonderful creatures it is your responsibility to make arrangements for them -- both physically and financially -- in the event of your disability, retirement, relocation or death. Given its long life span, your parrot may outlive you.
Don't assume that your children or other family members will be willing or able to provide for your birds. Many of the parrots we've assisted came to us under such circumstances. And unfortunately most come with no financial support. As you know, properly providing for your birds is not inexpensive. As the problem of homeless parrots grows exponentially, reputable organizations such as CPR, The Gabriel Foundation and Phoenix Landing
are facing critical difficulties meeting the need.
Talk with your attorney about making legal arrangements, including funding, for whomever you choose to care for your bird(s). If it's an individual, make certain they are educated in the care of a parrot and are committed. Thoroughly investigate and visit any organization you are considering. Anyone can build an impressive website, but the reality can be totally different. Having visited such facilities across the U.S. it's deplorable where some birds "land." Why would anyone send their cherished animal to a place they haven't seen? PLEASE PREPARE! Last minute re-homings seldom end well for the poor parrot who is powerless to help itself!
Karen Justice
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| About CPR | |
Companion Parrots Re-homed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission
The exclusive mission of Companion Parrots Re-homed is to accept companion parrots from unwanted, emergency or crisis situations throughout the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina, area and to facilitate through training and education, new adoptive homes for these sensitive and intelligent birds.
at Parrot University
Pineville Towne Market
Visiting Hours:
Monday 10 AM - 4 PM
Tues-Fri 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday Noon - 5 PM
FREE CLASSES AT PARROT UNIVERSITY
Check 'Calendar of Events' at
Parrot 101
Sun, Nov 7, 2 pm
Thu, Dec 2, 6:30 pm
Avian Anatomy
Sat, Nov 20, 2 pm
Avian Medicine
Sat, Oct 30, 2 pm
Sat Dec 11, 2 pm
Sex & The Single Bird
Sun, Dec 5, 2 pm
Sat. Sept. 18, 2:00 pm
Classes are free but please RSVP to reserve your seat or be notified of changes
Call 704-889-2325 or email to
Please Support Our Sponsor
'It's About The Birds'
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| Dr. Irene Pepperberg in Charlotte, Oct 16-17 | |  Please Join Us Next Weekend
Can you remember a time when "bird brain" was supposed to be an insult? Obviously, the person who coined that expression never heard of Alex, the African Grey, or Dr. Irene Pepperberg. This team worked together for more than 30 years. Alex learned to count objects up to eight, name colors and shapes, pick his reward from a variety of choices, understand the zero concept and was learning the sounds that letters make when he died prematurely. He would even "tutor" the other birds in the research program and chastise them when they got the answer wrong!
Dr. Pepperberg is a research scientist, professor and best-selling author. If you haven't read 'Alex and Me' it should be at the top of your list. You will not believe it!
Companion Parrots Re-homed, Parrot University, Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Discovery Place have teamed up to bring Dr. Pepperberg to Charlotte on Saturday, October 16th at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Following the presentation there will be a private dinner with Dr. P at the Rock Bottom Brewery, across from Discovery Place. Tickets are $100 ($50 tax deductible). These tickets are also limited and may be purchased at Parrot University. Finally, Dr. Pepperberg will sign copies of her book at Parrot University on Sunday, October 17th from 1-3 pm.
All proceeds from the event will support Dr. Pepperberg's research foundation and Companion Parrots Re-homed. This is a wonderful opportunity for us, so please help us spread the word -- and plan on attending one or all of the events!
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| Meet the Birds | | Birds Available for Adoption
 | | Cockatiel Smokey |
Smokey Species: Cockatiel Age: approx 16 Smokey & Pearl were like an old married couple. They were loved by an elderly lady for many years until she went to a nursing home. Unfortunately, the selected caregiver dropped them off at an Animal Control, but a friend of CPR found out about their situation and brought them to us. Their original owner left a note listing all their favorite things and asking that they be given a safe, happy home. Surely she never thought her beloved birds would end up at Animal Control. Sadly, Pearl unexpectedly passed away from heart disease while we were preparing this newsletter. Smokey was by her side until the end.  | | In Memorium. Pearl |
Smokey seems to be doing well. He's hand tame and steps up easily. He's a social fellow who loves to hang out with the other Cockatiels. He's currently living with the flock and flirting with a sweet female. He would love to have a new home and someone to love him. We hope to adopt him with at least one other 'tiel or into a home that already has one or more Cockatiels. (There are still a few scholarships available in our 'Small Birds - BIG LOVE' adoption program.)  | | Sun Conure Aggie |
Aggie
Species: Conure
Age: 10
Aggie is a male Sun Conure who was surrendered along with Cleo, Rex, Mozart and Pepe, when their primary caregiver suddenly passed away. Aggie lived with Cleo until Cleo was adopted, so Aggie is 'single and seeking'. Volunteers are working with Aggie and without Cleo to 'protect' Aggie, he continues to warm up to us. He likes to get his head scritched. Carpe and Kahlua hang out on his cage with him frequently. Clearly he loves feathered companionship, so may make a good buddy to a bird already living in your home.
 | | Macaw Ms Bosley |
Bosley
Species: Macaw Age: unknown Ms. Bosley is a female blue and gold Macaw, who doesn't hesitate to give you her opinion and issue commands. With her hilarious comments, it's hard to get anything done at Parrot U. One of her favorite phrases is "Stop that!" When it gets too noisy she will shout repeatedly at the offending birds to "Stop that!" And when one makes a special sound or human phrase she rejoins with "I heard that!". Very southern, she loves to remind herself "I luvvvvvv youuuuuu Bos!" Boisterous and playful Bos requires an experienced owner. No apartments or condos for this one! Please look past her naked chest and see the intelligent, charismatic macaw that she is. As Lea says, Ms. Bosley just oozes personality. She shows a definite preference to women but has recently started paying more attention to men. Click to go to the video of Bosley (select the 'View Video' link at the end of Bosley's "bio"). Click here to meet more wonderful birds that are available for adoption and to read their stories. |
| 2011 CPR Calendars | |
 | | Front Cover 2011 CPR Calendar |
Now Available
2011 Companion Parrots Re-homed Calendars are now available. You'll love this year's calendar, which features some of our rescued and re-homed parrots. The theme is 'Fruits and Feathers' and the photos are colorful and dramatic. The calendar pages also include Parrot U class schedules and helpful tips. These will make great holiday gifts!
Thanks to Debbie Foster for her wonderful photography and a special thank you to all of the families who sponsored their beautiful birds.
All proceeds from calendar sales go toward medical care for the birds of CPR.
Calendars are $15 each. Add $3 for shipping. Calendars can be purchased at Parrot University, by calling 704-889-2325 or email to info@companionparrots.org |
| Happy Endings | | 'The Two Old Men'
 | | Joey & Quincy |
Lori Westneat and her husband, Clark are wonderful supporters of CPR and Parrot University. Lori visited often during her lunch hour and was especially drawn to the cockatiels, since they had one at home named Quincy. Unfortunately Clark developed health issues that required him to retire and become a house husband. He took great pleasure in Quincy so Lori decided to increase their flock and Joey, a CPR cockatiel, soon joined them. At each visit, Lori reported how much Joey and Quincy enhanced her husband's days at home Continuing to visit regularly, Lori was drawn to a pair of elderly male cockatiels dubbed "The Old Men" who had been with us for quite some time. Each had been abandoned at Animal Control separately, but once it became evident that they enjoyed each other's company, we housed them together and they became absolutely inseparable!  | | Gonzo & Scooter -- The Two Old Men |
In February, 2009, Lori came in and announced that she and Clark wanted to adopt The Old Men. She had been telling him about the guys each time she visited, and how sad it was that no one was interested. He suggested they could provide a loving retirement home for them. We were absolutely thrilled as they were such charming characters. We knew they had hours of entertainment and a lot of love to offer. They joined Lori and Clark's family on Valentine's Day. Renamed Gonzo (the bald one) and Scooter, they quickly settled in with their new flock and absolutely blossomed. Lori reports that Gonzo is extremely friendly now and enjoys sitting with them, but never out of sight of Scooter (they still get frantic when they can't see each other). Gonzo has even started flying! Lori and Clark have chosen to not clip his wings for the moment, and are supervising his travels carefully. They're hoping that flight will help him rebuild some muscle mass and improve his health. Lori and Clark hope their story will encourage others to consider providing loving homes to some of our older cockatiels such as Smokey (see his story in this issue) and our 'Animal Control 7' flock. Gonzo and Scooter are testimony to the fulfillment and pleasure that can come from such little packages! |
| PARROT SOUP -- More News from CPR | |
 | | Charlie & Sandy with their handicap perches |
Budgie Rescue Update The six Budgies that were rescued in September are now out of quarantine, living at Parrot University and available for adoption.
The birds were vetted and are doing well. They are in large, clean cages and we're working to improve their diet. All are very active and vocal.
The two males with splay legs now have handicap perches to make them more comfortable. These two are delightful and should be adopted together. The other four -- two males and two females -- all live together and would love to stay together.
These little guys deserve homes where they can be safe and happy. Scholarship preference in our 'Small Birds - BIG LOVE' program is given to adoption of multiple birds who want to stay together.
 See more photos and follow their progress on Facebook.
'Small Birds - BIG LOVE' Adoption Program Update
Our 'Small Birds - BIG LOVE' fast track adoption program was designed to help raise awareness and promote adoption of the wonderful CPR Budgies and Cockatiels who are looking for good homes. In the 90 days since we launched this successful program, four Budgies and five Cockatiels have been adopted and donations to cover eight scholarships were received. Thanks to all who were part of this program.
This program features an Adoption Fast Track, where most adopters will attend only one free class -- Parrot 101 -- instead of two or more. Plus, a limited number of scholarships are available to cover the adoption fee.
As we begin the final month of this program, please help spread the word about our little birds that need homes...the rescued Budgies, Smokey & the Animal Control 7 and the others. Scholarship donations are also needed, to support adoptions of multiple birds, so those who want or need to stay together may be adopted together.
Whether looking for a first bird or to expand your flock, these little guys make wonderful pets and companions. And, they're great for apartment or condo living. Please tell your friends. Click to meet more Budgies and Cockatiels
Watch The Birdie!
 | | Videos of Chico and others now on our website |
Now you can see videos of some of the birds of CPR on our website. Check out Jesse, our Bird of the Month and watch him do Birdie Yoga. Besides Jesse, you can watch videos of Bosley (the Macaw featured in this newsletter) Cockatoos Tooey and Buddy, African Grey Beau, Amazon Chico, Macaw Kahlua, Conures Carpe and Snappy Green and Bob's Wives (Budgies).
Visit www.CompanionParrots.org and look for a 'View Video' link at the end of a featured bird's story. More videos coming soon.
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| Volunteer Corner | | Special Thanks...
Shawn with Jiggs |
Many of our birds began their rehabilitation at the home of Paul and Gloria Gosselin, who have quarantined many birds for CPR and are always willing to accept any bird that needs them. The quarantined birds have free range at their home, living primarily in their day room and getting along well with their dogs, who accept the birds as part of the family. Their 5 year old grandson Shawn enjoys the birds as well, making this an extended family effort.
Gloria says they've had a new bird nearly every month for over a year and a half. She falls in love with each of them, and it really hurts to let them go after their month. Even though she and Paul began this journey with adoption in mind, they have found a calling in quarantining instead.
Paul says that they truly enjoy quarantining birds. They are amazing people, and we are all extremely grateful for their service.
Many thanks also to our volunteers who have spent time helping this month -- to Val Vajay who helped out at the Woof'n and Hoof'n event at Latta Plantation; to Chris Dunlap and Will and Beth for setting up at Petco in Concord Mills; to Terilyn Storey for vet runs and quarantining. Also many thanks to Debbie Foster for bringing Buddy to the AARF (Bank of America employees animal rescue group) event at Founders' Hall in uptown Charlotte. Debbie, Buddy, Ozzy and I had a terrific time and talked to several potential adopters. Buddy and Ozzy were magnets for people and were absolutely superstars!
Thanks to all of you from the birdies of CPR!
Lynda Rettew
Volunteer Coordinator
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We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Feathered Forum. We hope to see you at Irene Pepperberg's presentation. Thanks again your for your interest and support.
Karen Cheek Justice, President & Founder
Board of Directors
Volunteers
and especially The Birds of
Companion Parrots Re-homed
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