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Welcome Home cake, April 6

We are still pinching ourselves, as it is hard to believe it is true! From the horrendous evening in November to the miracle at Christmas with Jasmine and now the Easter return of Emmy, it has been a long and trying road. But dreams do come true and prayers are answered.

We received an unsigned letter in the mail on March 15 that was labeled "Bird Theft Info." My heart stopped. The names, address and other pertinent information about the thieves were right in front of me. The letter was immediately placed in the hands of the Pineville Police Department. Detective Gary Hinebaugh contacted me to ask if we still offered the "no prosecution" deal for the safe return of Emmy. While my heart screamed "NO!" my head said "She is within our grasp" and so I agreed.

Emmy arrives at Parrot U, April 6

Several hours later, we received a call from a young woman in Georgia saying she had unwittingly bought Emmy, never dreaming that it was a stolen bird. She begged to be allowed to adopt her as she had become very much a member of their family. I assured her that we would discuss adoption, but that for now, CPR and its extended family wanted Emmy back with the flock.

Debbie Foster and I set out on a 5-1/2 hour drive to a Sheriff's department to identify our girl. One look and we knew it was Emmy. But to entertain the crowd that she had drawn, Debbie put her through her paces and like Jasmine, she performed like a pro!

We were both very impressed with the young couple that Emmy had been living with, so we proceeded to their home for a pre-adoption home visit, since we had come so far. Frankly, Emmy could not have selected a better home herself! We made arrangements for the couple to come to Parrot U to take the required classes, so that the adoption process could move forward and she could eventually return home with them.

We all firmly agree that a just God and karma will prevail. We just are so very thankful that both our girls were found safe and sound, with the added blessing of Emmy finding a wonderful home.

[Editor's note: many more photos of Emmy's return at the Welcome Home Party for Emmy & Jasmine, are posted on Facebook. Just click the icon.]

Debbie & Buddy

After returning from our Natural Encounters workshop, David Rettew and I were fired up over all that we'd learned and experienced. We couldn't wait to get started -- unfortunately, there were no parrots available at the Orlando airport, so we had to content ourselves with making lists of all we wanted to accomplish when we got home.

We discussed how we could improve the birds' lives by teaching husbandry skills: crate and towel training, and nail trims, for example. Imagine how less stressed you AND your bird would be if he voluntarily crated to go to the vet. And, can you picture a parrot who presents his foot for a nail trim?

Dr. Susan Friedman believes that if you teach your bird only one thing it should be how to target. This is generally the first thing taught to all the birds as they enter our program. Target training teaches you how to teach and teaches your bird how to learn. Generally, it's an easy task for both. It is also enormously flexible and can lead to many other behaviors, such as the turn-around and entering a crate on cue.

Something else that David and I planned, was a way to document the training. We now have a notebook that contains a page for each bird. During each session, we note the behavior, its cue, the best reinforcer and the progress made. All of this wonderful information will be provided to the adopting family for use in their home. You will be able to continue these behaviors at home and build on them. Watch our videos on You Tube for more ideas.

Train away! 

Davey, Cockatiel

There are not enough words...

Sometimes I try to imagine the number of hours so many of you spent looking for Jas and Emmy. The number of miles you drove. The number of bird fairs, flea markets, gas stations, restaurants, bars, etc., you visited. The number of flyers you printed and posted. And for continuing to spread the word, near and far. It boggles my mind, and I wish I did know all the numbers -- they are huge.

Now you can join us in rejoicing and knowing that it was all worth it.

Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart for not giving up.