By Karen Justice

Jack & Jill, Blue and Gold Macaws Available for Adoption

During an August, 2012 puppy mill seizure, 140 dogs and 27 birds were rescued from deplorable conditions. The Humane Society of Charlotte participated and took possession of the dogs and seven parrots. CPR was asked to assist with the birds. Sadly no information was available for them, so we didn't know their names or ages. Two of the parrots were a bonded pair of Blue and Gold Macaws, estimated to be at least in their 40's by Dr. Powers.

Amazingly, the female would step up and neither bird showed fear of us. Clearly they had been someone's pet at some point in their lives. We dubbed them 'Jack and Jill' but hoped they might actually say each other's names. Unfortunately that has not occurred. Both birds have worked well with our trainers. Jack is still unwilling to step on a hand but climbs readily onto the training perch. 

Jack and Jill are very affectionate toward each other. Jack will spread his wings out and around Jill, gently flapping them and proclaiming "Group hug!" When a visit to Dr. Powers was scheduled, I asked Lea Waller to crate them for me. When I arrived to pick them up, she had put them in two separate carriers. I knew that would be very upsetting to both of them, plus nerve wracking for me, from the distraught vocalization during the drive. When we opened the two carriers and the birds were reunited, Jack rushed to Jill, exclaiming over and over "I'm sorry, I am so, so, sorry!" Both Lea and I broke into tears.

It is difficult to place parrots of this size and finding a home willing to take on two is exponentially harder. Thankfully they are quiet for Macaws. As best as can be determined, they are in good health, though they over preen each other. Could you provide a great retirement home for these two wonderful, personable birds? One adoption fee applies for the pair. 

By Anjana Bhawani

From Pandora's Point of View (because you know she has a lot to say):

Hi there. My name is Pandora, but I also go by 'The Divine Miss P' or just 'Miss P'.  I am the African Grey without a tail, but this is on purpose, because I like to be different and I can make a fashion statement this way! 

So onto my matchmaking story. Anjana (that's my parront) came in search of an African Grey named Snickers, but ended up with me, because we are the perfect match.  For starters, both of us are not morning people. I'm pretty easygoing and she needs that for sure. And, I quickly learn any task. She doesn't know it, but when she's working and I talk to her, I'm training her in my birdie language. "Yup" she answers, and "woo woo, Scooby", etc. (LOL). But the biggest test for us was her surgery. I just rolled with it (no behavior changes in me). In fact, I kept asking "how ya doing".  We've even been through a fire, after which I cheered her up with my birdie songs. We target train, go outside, and dance together -- well mostly she dances and I nod my head. And I help her call the dogs in (I love to tease them and throw them a scrap of food).

But through it all, Anjana shakes her head, looks at me and smiles a lot -- so I think we're good, don't you?

From Anjana's Point of View:

I walked in to CPR for one bird and ended up with another. Pandora is a precious and beautiful creature and I am in awe of her, every single day. I didn't know how much I could love this birdie, but now I can't even imagine my life without her. 

I do believe we were matched quite well. Pandora is a quick learner, a night birdie (me too), she's been around dogs, and she is so easygoing. She doesn't scream or get too noisy, and since I work from home, that's really important. In fact, she sometimes gets a whole conference call of folks laughing, and then she joins in too.

Pandora just cracks me up. I find myself answering to her "what are you doing?" When she flies off, she asks me "where are you?" I never imagined I would be answering to a bird. During recovery from surgery, every time I got up she would ask me "how ya doing?" Often she

We sing, dance, target train and go outside together. And with her new backpack, I hope to have new adventures! 

Many thanks to CPR for their support and training throughout this process. Thank you for my beautiful Birdie!