Monday, July 13, 2009

Nightmare

I was not supposed to volunteer at the rescue this weekend, but when we got home on Saturday, we had a message on our machine asking us to come up and take pictures of some birds that had been surrendered.

I can't get into too many details and don't even want to say what kind of birds or how many, but it was quite possibly the most horrific evidence of animal neglect/abuse I have ever seen. And I have seen quite a lot come through here. I had a hard time falling asleep Saturday night, and cannot get the images out of my mind.

I started crying immediately upon seeing these poor, vulnerable creatures, leaving Thomas to take the pictures. I grabbed out my favorite parrot that's currently at the rescue. He tried his hardest to comfort me, as he kept making his loud kiss sound. One of the residents started asking, "What's the matter?" as he does whenever anyone is upset around him. I reassured him that he was safe and things are OK. They are so empathetic.

I really hope that these guys can be saved with proper care and love. While it's quite possible I'm projecting, the pain I saw in their eyes was almost unbearable. I will never understand how people can treat these magnificent creatures so poorly.

As you might expect, this experience put into perspective the problems we've been having with Rocky. When we got home, I gave all willing parrots extra attention (I made Thomas give Rocky extra attention!) and treats. I also realized that I need to be more patient with Rocky. I don't know if he sensed the difference in my attitude, but he was very pleasant all day Sunday, with only normal amounts of screaming.

3 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I'm so sorry, that sounds horrible. At least they're at the rescue now.

Scritches.com said...

This is the very reason I don't think I could ever work in a rescue. The first abused or neglected parrot I saw I'd have to go out and kill somebody.

I make donations and do whatever else I can, but I cannot bear to see how some humans treat animals.

Were they all parrots? Are they going to make it?

I'm so sorry.

Mary said...

I stopped by today to see them. The transformation, in just 4 days, is amazing.

On Saturday, none of them were strong enough to perch on anything other than the ground. Today, several were high in the cage.

A few of them were playful. I think they'll all make it. Of course, they're not out of the woods yet and will take some time to trust people again, but I have tons of hope for them.

I can post more details once I get the all clear.

I go back on Saturday to volunteer. I'll bet there are some I won't even recognize!