Decisions, decisions....
I'm facing a bit of a dilemma here and I want to be careful to make the right decision for the right reasons.
I've had Sammy now about 18 months. He's 26 years old and was in his last home for 12 years. The previous owners life situation changed, he got married, had a baby, there just wasn't time for a bird anymore. Sammy was relegated to the backyard and really didn't get much attention. Luckily the owners were wise enough to realize that they needed to find Sammy a better home. A home where he would get more attention and have a better life. That's where I came in.
They contacted the parrot club and since I was the president I got contacted. I had them bring Sammy to a meeting so I could meet him and I really fell in love. I ended up taking him in and quickly realized he had issues. He isn't very trusting. He gets scared easily. He's afraid of lots of silly things. I gave him lots of love and lots of room to figure things out for himself. Over the past 18 months he's definitely become a more confident, outgoing bird. But I think I've reached the end of my capabilities. Now he needs real help. Help that I don't have the time or experience to give him. I've been thinking for the last couple months that he's not very happy, you can see it in his body language. He would prefer if I were home all day. I'm not. He also loves being around other parrots!!! There's no way I'm getting another cockatoo!!! No. Way.
A couple of days ago I was haunting Craigslist as I do sometimes and I noticed an ad for someone looking for another bird. They have a cockatoo and are looking to get another bird. The wife stays home and the husband works so someone is around the bird all day long. I read the ad and moved on but it kind of lingered in the back of my mind. Yesterday I emailed him and he's supposed to call me tonight so we can talk. I hadn't really thought about getting rid of him but if I could find a home that's better for him I think it's my responsibly to do that. If they have a good home, a good situation with a bird and people Sam gets along with, I think that would be great. I know he would be happier having someone around all the time, especially another cockatoo. I'd miss him terribly but I think a good situation for him is more important then how I feel. It's not as easy as deciding on walk in tubs. Nothing is set yet. I haven't even talked to the people, but it's a possibility that's out there. I figure I should keep all my (or Sammy's) options open.
I've had Sammy now about 18 months. He's 26 years old and was in his last home for 12 years. The previous owners life situation changed, he got married, had a baby, there just wasn't time for a bird anymore. Sammy was relegated to the backyard and really didn't get much attention. Luckily the owners were wise enough to realize that they needed to find Sammy a better home. A home where he would get more attention and have a better life. That's where I came in.
They contacted the parrot club and since I was the president I got contacted. I had them bring Sammy to a meeting so I could meet him and I really fell in love. I ended up taking him in and quickly realized he had issues. He isn't very trusting. He gets scared easily. He's afraid of lots of silly things. I gave him lots of love and lots of room to figure things out for himself. Over the past 18 months he's definitely become a more confident, outgoing bird. But I think I've reached the end of my capabilities. Now he needs real help. Help that I don't have the time or experience to give him. I've been thinking for the last couple months that he's not very happy, you can see it in his body language. He would prefer if I were home all day. I'm not. He also loves being around other parrots!!! There's no way I'm getting another cockatoo!!! No. Way.
A couple of days ago I was haunting Craigslist as I do sometimes and I noticed an ad for someone looking for another bird. They have a cockatoo and are looking to get another bird. The wife stays home and the husband works so someone is around the bird all day long. I read the ad and moved on but it kind of lingered in the back of my mind. Yesterday I emailed him and he's supposed to call me tonight so we can talk. I hadn't really thought about getting rid of him but if I could find a home that's better for him I think it's my responsibly to do that. If they have a good home, a good situation with a bird and people Sam gets along with, I think that would be great. I know he would be happier having someone around all the time, especially another cockatoo. I'd miss him terribly but I think a good situation for him is more important then how I feel. It's not as easy as deciding on walk in tubs. Nothing is set yet. I haven't even talked to the people, but it's a possibility that's out there. I figure I should keep all my (or Sammy's) options open.
Flo,
I know my situation wasn't exactly the same with our little rescued Sheltie Rogue...but similar enough that I think I can relate. We had Rogue for over two years and it finally got to the point that I had to come to the realization that it wasn't the best situation for any of us.
I had given her all the love and attention that I had to offer. I expended all my training skills in trying to help her alleviate or at least cope with her anxieties. We even sought out medication to assist in the behavior modification program.
I can't tell you all the tears that I have shed in agonizing over what to do. I debated with myself over and over which was best. To stay in an environment which may not be ideal, but where she was loved, or to let her try to adjust again to a new family which would more likely fit her needs better.
In the end, letting our friends at Sheltie Rescue take her back and try to find a home where she could be an only dog, with less commotion in the household was what we came up with. I think in looking back it's all for the best, but I don't think I'll ever not feel just a twinge of regret that I couldn't be everything that Rogue needed.
I applaud your selflessness in realizing that Sammy may be happier in a different home. It is a difficult situation to find yourself in.