Tributes
We are very happy to post a tribute to any bird, or friend of birds, free of charge. Just send a digital picture and your tribute text to tributes@mickaboo.org.
MISS KITTY
On Super Bowl Sunday 2/7/2010 Miss Kitty's journey of life ended. Though she was only here for 5 years, she was totally loved and will be missed. R.I.P sweetheart, I miss you!!!
PERCIVAL: WORLD TRAVELER
Percival entered my life in 1979 in San Francisco, where I discovered him in a local pet store (Mickaboo wasn’t around yet!); he was about 6 months old. He was a normal grey male but had a lively personality and his wings had never been clipped which I really liked. My personal life had just gone through some hard times and I needed a companion. As a child, I had always had parakeets but never a bigger bird such as a cockatiel. little did I know how much of an impact he would have on my life. Let me just say that he was my best buddy through job changes, death of family members, and life’s journey as a whole. He travelled with me everywhere: cross-country to New York (in a rent-a-truck along with furniture and personal belongings), lots of airplane flights back and forth from New York to Germany and Spain, and he was always in the aircraft cabin with me in an FAA-approved carrier (I would never have left him in an airplane hold compartment)!
But Percival was not just pretty, he was unique. He loved fresh pasta, rice and lettuce; “wolf-whistled” if you wandered past him with a bath towel on, and was always out of his cage when in the house. During one Labor Day weekend while living in Long Island (thanks to my carelessness), he slipped out his cage door when it was in the back yard. He took off amongst the pine trees, happy as could be. Needless to say, we were devastated. We proceeded to drive around the neighborhood, calling him; posted reward signs; and shed a lot of tears, assuming he was gone for good. On Monday (the holiday), while in the back yard with his cage, I heard a familiar call...could it be? Was I hearing right? The call got closer and closer until I spied him up in a pine tree, about 40 feet above the ground. He swooped to a lower branch, then another, coming closer each time. He knew where he was, recognized his house but wasn’t quite ready to come home. In a few minutes, he decided enough was enough and came down onto a food dish I always left outside for him. Once perched on it, I was able to catch him. I quickly gave him a quick rinse (who knew what company he had kept for 3 days and bugs he might have picked up!) and gave him a proper meal. That had been quite an adventure for both of us…one not to be repeated for sure!
Percival was 26 when he had a heart attack and died in the nest alongside his son, whom he was feeding. Percival’s departure has left a void in our lives that cannot be filled, but we are happy to have his three children, Leo, Luigi, and Princesa, and his mate, Isabela, still with us.
Percival (1979 – 2005), you will be forever missed.
SPINNER
Courage doesn’t always come in the form of a brawny hero. Sometimes it comes wrapped in feathers. Sometimes it comes in the form of a small little bird with a spirit as big as the whole outdoors. Spinner was such a bird. Her courage knew no bounds. Her drive and energy were unfailing. Her spirit, nothing short of inspirational.
I adopted budgie Spinner from Mickaboo in April 2005. Born with splayed legs, Spinner knew no other way of being. She never let it slow her down. Spinner didn’t know the things she wasn’t supposed to be able to do. In her unique determined way, Spinner set out to find her own way to do what she wanted to do, go where she wanted to go, experience everything she wanted to experience. From climbing ladders to ruling over the entire flock, Spinner was unstoppable.
All the male birds who ever met Spinner fell in love with her. Spinner flirted shamelessly and in turn, the boys doted on her. She was the queen and she knew it! I really can’t blame them for loving her so. I loved her with all my heart as well.
This tiny green bird with her legs stuck out to the side had much to teach me about life and dealing with adversity. About not wasting time being upset by the hand you are dealt but instead, enjoying each day to the very fullest you can. Important lessons, I hope I learned them well.
My wonderful Spinner has left me, flying onwards to the Rainbow Bridge. I will miss her forever.
TANGO
Tango Ward was a well-traveled, adventurous little parakeet who was born in the East Bay in Northern California. At just 2 years old, he traded up to a cute place in the San Francisco Marina, where the famous Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill would fly overhead. Every morning, he would call in response to their happy squawks.
After a year or so, Tango moved with his companions, Christopher and Tosca Ward, to Pittsburgh, PA to help Christopher with his studies at Carnegie Mellon. Tango loved his big window that looked out onto the historic street and he chirped happily to the cardinals in the snow. Christopher, a musician, would often take music breaks, welcoming the spontaneous backup vocals from Tango.
After Christopher received his M.A., the three moved to sunny Pasadena, CA. More wild parrots, and a new female parakeet companion, Pilot, kept him company while Christopher and Tosca were often stalled in the infamous LA-area traffic. A year later (partly because of the traffic), the four moved back up to San Francisco. Tango enjoyed another year and a half filled with spinach, watermelon, kisses from Christopher and Tosca, and countless opportunities to provide backup vocals for Christopher.
Tango will be missed for his adventurous spirit, his sweet nature, his knowing and curious gaze, and his little bedtime chirps. We thank him for sharing his life with us.
BUSTER AND BEAUWING
Buster (7/5/91-11/2/09) (left) & Beauwing 007 (3/15/90-11/14/09) (right) were my buddies-- Beauwing,for 19 years and Buster for seven years. I've had Beauwing since he was a chick and Buster was adopted through Mickaboo in 2002. They were inseparable. They responded to all cockatiel emergencies including fire engines and other exciting noises with loud stereo calls. They always responded together to these and other adventures as a dynamic flock of two. They flew through the house together, hanging out on their favorite picture frames, cabinets, on the Bose radio and above the shower. Should they somehow be separated for 30 seconds, loud calling would ensue until one of them, usually Beauwing, would fly to find and meet his buddy. Peace at last! When it was time for sleep, they often snuggled on the same perch. Buster died in early November and Beauwing followed him less than two weeks later. May they know how much I love them and hope that they have found each other and are having fun in the spirit world! Thank you birds for all the joy that you gave me! I will never forget either one of you. I look forward to being with you again when my time comes.
BOBBY
To my darling BOBBY, 1992-2009, my companion and my very best friend for 17 years.
Your name is BOBBY, you disappeared on June 5, 2009, and a part of me is gone forever, along with you. I don't know how to live without you, I am lost, and the house looks so empty, so sadly empty. My heart is aching, oh so much! I looked for you eveywhere my BIBI, everywhere I could think of. There was even a full article with your picture on the newspaper about you.
We had a bond together, you understood my feelings, and I understood yours. You hated it when I had to leave the house for some errands, and I was always sad to leave you, and when you heard the car in the garage, I could hear you whistling for joy. You would jump on my shoulder and delicately put your little beak into my ear, and I would kissed back. Now only silence greets me, and the pain I feel is overwelming.
You were 100 grams of feathers and 100 tons of true Love. That is what you gave me for 17 years my beloved Cockatiel my BIBI. You are a part of me, and in my heart forever.
Fly free and happy my BI, we shall meet again, because LOVE is ETERNAL. God bless you and keep you always until we meet again in a better world.
I love you, I love you so much. Plenty of kisses "Pitous".
Mama Nanie and your loving Family.
Bibi
Dear Bibi:
Thank you for your unconditional love and affection. In November 2007, you became an important part of our family. I miss the sweet kisses you gave me every time you sat on my shoulder. I loved the way you pulled on my hair and rubbed your beak on my cheek. You were too adorable when you started whispering into my ears and then started biting them. I loved the way you sang and danced. You were quite a traveler and didn't stop singing and dancing on a trip to Sacramento. At times, you were a little brat and would laugh after biting my hands. I would ask you why you bite me and you would laugh even more. I know you thought it was funny since you only laid kisses on my face. You would get mad if someone ate without sharing with you. You surely knew how to break up an argument. I looked forward to waking up every morning and listening to your "hello". I looked forward to coming home to you from work. We still can't believe that you left us so suddenly. Aaron will be so sad when he returns from his trip and finds out that you are gone. Your sweet memories and the time spent with us will be treasured and cherished forever and ever. Bibi my sweet princess, my baby girl - we miss you so much.
Mom, Dad, Aaron, Edwin and Nani
Fred
Where to begin. Fred, you came to us three years ago. We didn't know a whole lot about you: only that you were about 25 years old and that those years had been hard ones. For one thing, you had no body or tail feathers (we could only imagine what had led you to pluck them all out). After your first foster home, you moved to your second, and final, foster home with Jamie. The beginning was rough; you screamed a LOT, and loudly! Jamie worried about his neighbor and wasn't sure he could handle the noise. But within about a month, you seemed to relax, and you and Jamie settled into a comfortable (if feisty) routine. Jamie bought you a big new cage, which you loved (and guarded). Any time anyone put anything on it, you'd run over, grab the offending item, and throw it proudly to the ground. Jamie taught you to forage, and you seemed to love playing with your toys and bathing in the special bath Jamie made for you with little pebbles on the bottom. At night, you'd crawl down to the floor and make your way over to the couch and Jamie's shoulder and demand your daily head scratch.
In short, Fred, you were happy and loved. Dearly loved. Ultimately, it really seemed you and Jamie were meant for each other, which is why I know you held out at the end, waiting for Jamie to come home so you could see him one last time before you passed away in your sleep. Your first 25 years were hard, but your last 3 must have seemed to you like a miracle. You had finally found your forever home. Jamie misses you, Fred, and none of us who met you will ever forget you.
Madame Sassy
May you never have to wear a collar again. Fly free, be happy and pain free. You were one of the sweetest birds one could ever wish to have and four years of life was far too short. I hope you have the glorious tail up there that you never had down here. Tommy and I miss you......not sure about Jackson and Buddy, but I think they probably miss you too!
Nadia
Calvin and Varla Jean
We were looking to bring another tame dutch blue lovebird into our home after the death of Mr. Cliene who lived a happy nineteen years. We found two who were already a pair--one was friendlier than the other but we didn't have the heart to separate them. We named them Calvin and Varla Jean. After we had them sexed we knew we had named them just perfectly.
When they were just babies they loved to climb into our pockets to snuggle. As they grew older they enjoyed shoulder surfing, taking showers under the faucet where Varla Jean would try to hog all the shower time away from Calvin, watch television with us at night, and playfully tussle with each other.
Saying Varla Jean had a strong personality is an understatement. Varla Jean ruled as if she was queen of the roost and earned the diva reputation of her namesake. As a baby she liked having her head scratched but for some reason she outgrew that. But what she could do for days on end was kiss us on the lips with no problem. She definitely loved her kisses! Varla Jean was a very protective older sister to Calvin. A great example was when she attempted to teach him how to fly. She would repeatedly fly around in a circle and land next to him to demonstrate until he finally got the jist of it. Varla Jean had a very particular internal clocked and liked to be covered between 8:00-9:00pm each night. She would call out loudly for us to cover her and she had her special "good night" shirp. And at 7:00am she would scream out as if to say, "It's morning time! Uncover me!"
Calvin was the more outgoing of the two. This one loved having his head scratched and would always be the first one out of the cage. When we brought home our green cheek conure Max he was so excited! Calvin wanted to meet him so badly. We introduced them slowly but it was apparent that they liked each other and became fast friends. They remained friends until Calvin's death.
We miss them both so much because they were full of personality and love. The pain is eased in knowing that they are somewhere in the hereafter playfully bickering with each other and looking down on us with their little smiles.
Calvin: October 6, 2005 - August 8, 2007
Varla Jean: October 6, 2005 - June 20, 2009
Haiku
In memory of Haiku, adored and missed by her parents, Leif and Dan
Fifi
Fifi came into our hearts in August of 1995. We had gotten a call from some people who saw our ad for our lost Petey. The people who had Fifi also had a large family of other cockatiels in an outdoor aviary. Fifi was a stray that had found the aviary. They tried to integrate Fifi into the family but the other birds rejected her and she was apart from the other birds on the side of the aviary. When we first saw her, we knew she was not Petey and we told the owners so. They said we could have her anyway if we wanted her. We went home and thought about it. We had just rescued Cookie (a beatiful grey cockatiel) a few weeks before and we weren't sure we could handle two birds. We felt sorry for the lonely life in front of Fifi in the aviary so we went back the next day to get Fifi who was delivered to us at the front door in a brown paper bag.
Fifi's life with us was glorious. She was spoiled and received lots of love from my wife MaryJo and I. She didn't let our daughter Danielle (now 23) touch her but Danielle loved her none-the-less. Fifi was a little more independent of her human family than was Cookie. She liked to do her own thing. Fifi tried to be friends with Cookie but Cookie would have none of it. When Cookie began to slow down a couple of years ago, both of the birds spent more time in the cage and did not come out every night as they had done for many years. After Cookie passed away on 2/1/08, we started spending much more time with Fifi. Fifi would come out of the cage every evening and spend time on the ledge above the sink while I did the dishes. After the dishes were done, Fifi and I would go down to my office and watch TV together until bedtime. Then we would go to the bathroom and Fifi would perch on the mirror or picture frame while I undressed and brushed my teeth. When it was time for me to go to bed, I would transfer Fifi to MaryJo for the rest of the evening which could be several more hours. Fifi would always get a seed treat when she sat with MaryJo. Then Fifi would be put back in her cage for the night. Fifi would begin calling to MaryJo incessantly every morning as soon as she heard MaryJo make noise in the bedroom.
During the last year, she became more brave about trying new foods like the skins of apples and peaches. After our June 2009 trip to Disneyland, Fifi was sooo happy to see us again. She would call us all time and was very broody again.
Fifi starting showing signs of distress, sitting quietly, breathing rapidly with short breaths on Thursday evening 6/11/09. Later that evening, she seemed to get better and was acting normal again. The next morning, she seemed normal when I left for work. Later that morning, Danielle called me at work to tell me that Fifi was having breathing problems again. I gave her permission to take Fifi to the vet. Danielle and MaryJo drove Fifi to the vet around 1 pm and we decided to check her into the hospital and get some immediate treatment for the symptoms followed by surgery on Saturday morning. The vet felt that it was probably an impacted oviduct and was able to confirm later Friday evening when she tried to draw out excess fluid and got egg yolk instead.
MaryJo, Danielle, and I arrived at the vet Saturday a little after 7 am and were greeted shortly there after by the arriving vet. We were brought to the exam room and a few minutes later, Fifi was brought in. We got to spend about a half hour with Fifi who looked to be in good spirits and not in pain or discomfort. We took lots of pictures and videos. Fifi was preening, enjoying some head rubs, and chewing on MaryJo's necklace chain.
Fifi died around 9 am on Saturday 6/13/09. It happened during surgery to correct whatever it was that was filling her abdomen and causing her breathing difficulties. While removing her oviduct, she started bleeding; too fast for the vet to stop and she died while under anesthesia.
Today is Sunday 6/14/09 and the pain is still fresh. They leave us so quickly. I am so glad we had that half hour with her on Saturday. Fifi seemed so happy to see us, but Fifi was always a happy bird. Fifi was only the third bird we ever had and now they are all gone and the house feels so dead and empty. We have lots of memories to carry us for a while but memories fade. Fifi is with Cookie now. We love and miss you. Maybe someday we will get another bird; it's too soon to know if our hearts can offset the pain when they leave us against the joy and happiness they give.
We miss you, Fifi.
MaryJo, Greg, Danielle, Cookie (RIP)
Lupita
Lupita was a beautiful bird who lived a beautiful life. Gone now, but never forgotten, she will be missed forever by her owner Chuck, who loved her with all his heart.
We hope you are happy, Lupita, wherever you are. Fly free.
May 2009
Isaac
Isaac, you came into my life six years ago, neglected and abused. I'll never forget how you then and with patience and love you came out of your shell. You learned to play with toys and turned into my loving boy with personality to spare.
I hope and pray I never forget one thing you did in your long and happy life. I know that saving your favorite toys will not bring you back to me, but they will help me remember.
I want to remember antics like climbing all over your swing when you were covered at night. Or flying and jumping on your "grandma"'s back while she helped me clean everyone's cage. How you tried to make yourself at home in the other bird's cages. Your love of watching baseball games on television.
Sweetheart, there is just too much to write. You had a fulfilled life, full of the best always.
This illness came on to you too hard and too quickly. I knew you would not recover and did not want to see you suffer. You did not deserve that.
I am glad I had the honor to be with you at the end.I kissed you and told you I love you. I know you knew we love you, as we know you love us. I said a silent prayer to St. Francis to help you cross over.
You were so peaceful, relaxed and smiling, suffering no more.
I miss you Isaac. You always had so much love to give and I will feel it from you always. You will always be my special boy and my little man. I love you so much. It's not goodbye, it is 'see you later', my sweetheart.
Maximus "Max" Jones
8/22/2007 to 12/13/2008
My dear sweet boy, you are so greatly missed. My heart is broken by your passing but I know that you are flying with the angels now. For such a little bird, you had such a huge personality. I will always remember all the sweet sounds you made and all of our nights of you shredding paper on my shoulder while I read my book. And I'll never eat dinner again without remembering how you wanted to try whatever I had. For such a short life, you had a huge impact on my life. Until you, I did not know just how much I could love animals. I'm so so sorry that we could not be together longer. Please remember to watch over your flock here on earth, both feathered and human. We all miss you.
You will never be forgotten.
Love, Mom, dad, Amanda, Jay, Bella and Flip
Mr. Garth
What do three apartments and three houses have in common? They were all
homes partly because of Mr. Garth the Budgie. It's been nine years and 6
homes since you came into our lives, and we would have loved another
nine if not for the cancer that took you. You were sometimes grouchy,
sometimes cheerful and always far more dignified than the rest of us -
and let it be known that you've never been told off, until you've been
scolded by a budgie! Between the demands of other screechy birds and a
needy baby we may not have been the perfect home, but we sure hope that
you loved us as much as we did you.
Babaji
In memory of Babaji, one of the members of the three musketeers.
You were a huge presence in our lives. Your sense of humor & love of life knew no bounds. The bird room seems empty and so quiet without you.
We cherish every moment we had with you.
Sarah, Pollo, Yeshe & the flock
Tiffany
In memory of Tiffany, who passed away at the age of 25.
She was the beloved bird of Shirley and Jere McGinnis, who remember her sweet chirps and whistles everyday. Tiffany will live forever in their hearts.
Chico
To Chico, a beautiful blue-crowned conure. You are truly missed.
Fly high with all our love.
Judy and Steven
Gertie
Gertie and her partner, Martin, were my first two Mickaboo birds.
Though not a mating pair, they were good companions. Gertie repeatedly, through her short life, tried to attract Martin's attention, but he was fixated on me---the classic love triangle.
Gertie came to me with a bad left wing, clearly broken at some point in her past and never properly set. She could not fly. Her favorite place was my shoulder, where she could observe, ride, get treats, nudge me for skritches or get testy when I wanted attention that she did not want to give.
She loved nothing more than eating... or, rather, chewing. She chewed every little bite so slowly that she managed to spend entire days eating without gaining weight. It made it impossible to train her in any functional way, since the positive reward I gave (even one little millet seed) would take so long to chew down that we both had forgotten, by the end of the bite, what I was trying to teach in the first place.
Unfortunately, she was a big egg-layer, and a couple of months ago she got egg yolk peritonitis. She hid it well, and I caught on late; by then she was already very thin and lethargic, but she fought heroically as we treated her for it. Even in her last days, she kept her good spirit, relished what food she could eat, insisted on many head skritches and kept her own counsel.
She died this past Friday night. I wrapped her carefully in a white rag I'd used to give her a little privacy in her sick-cage. Before taking her out to bury her by my St. Francis statue, I showed her one last time to Martin. Martin looked long and carefully at her, tipping his head to one side, then the other. Then he whistled his own soft little tune to her. I can't know for sure, but I think he recognized her.
Little Gertie-girl, as I called her, was her own girl. I am happy she is out of pain, but I miss her. I hope she has lots of delicious food to chew, wherever she may be.
Easter and Mikey
Easter was one of a pair of birds that I first adopted from Mickaboo. I was immediately attached after looking at her splay leg and they way she would sweetly climb up your shoulder, working with her beak to climb. She was first acquired by her original family on Easter, and thus received the name. Sadly, her partner, Mikey, was recently diagnosed with cancer and has been struggling to survive. He has had numerous operations to remove the tumor and he has fought to stay strong for his Easter, who has always relied on him to get around. When Easter had trouble stepping up, Mikey would put his head down and push her to reach the top.
Recently, we took Easter to the vet for what we thought was a broken wing. She began holding her wing out and walking strangely. The doctor told us that she suspected Easter had a badly broken wing, and on follow-up, a likely re-injury. Another possibility was cancer. If it was this certain type of cancer, it likely had already metastasized in her lung and there wouldn't be much hope for her. We decided to treat her for the suspected broken wing rather than put her through the painful and complicated biopsy, and let her rest at home with her companion by her side. She was still acting like her old self but she seemed to be extremely tired.
On the fourth of July she slept for most of the day. Mikey stayed close and continued to preen her and watch over her in what would come to be her final hours. Sometime during the night of our Independence Day, Easter got her freedom; She passed quietly in the night - under the consoling eyes of Mikey.
I took Mikey out and put him in another cage. He had a look of exhaustion, as though he had been up all night, and our other birds looked on with quiet reverence. We buried Easter next to a cottonwood tree on a high hill, overlooking the Bay in an area filled with birds. When we came home we heard the birds chirping as usual; they had only acted differently because one of the flock had left.
Less than a month after the loss of Easter we awoke to find Mikey had succumb to complications of his cancer. There will be no more surgeries or pain and we felt bitter relief at the knowledge that Mikey had finally passed. He is now with his beloved Easter, buried next to the same tree. Although they were both taken by cancer we believe that they were just two souls that could not bear to be seperated.
- Easter - 1995 - July 4, 2008
- Mikey - Unknown - July 25, 2008 FLY FREE
Pineapple
1993-2008
13 months with us, but always in our hearts
One of the flock has gone,
You grew on us and became part of our lives.
We miss you P.
The sound of your wings as you flew,
Your contented clicking as you sat with us.
One of the flock has gone.
Your flights were joy and freedom in one,
An excited circuit, a gentle glide, punctuated by calls for attention.
We miss you P.
We loved your presence, your bright colors, your quiet dignity.
Your character entertained us, your joy delighted us.
One of the flock has gone.
We were happy to give you refuge,
We hope you were content while here.
We miss you P.
You brought a new life into our house,
Gave us a joyous welcome whenever we returned.
One of the flock has gone.
We miss you P.
Maudie
Beloved mate of Jordan
Born in 2002
Passed from this vale of tears April 18th, 2008
We miss you, little girl
You will be in our hearts forever.
Peg
Peg o' My Heart
Never in her entire life did she weigh more than 31 grams - less than a millet spray. She could never stand fully upright, and she never walked on two feet. Her favorite perch was between my thumb and forefinger, stretching as tall as she could in order to see the world.
Peg and her two sisters spent the first 5 weeks of their lives on their bellies, splay legged and unable to stand. Our very first Mickaboo fosters. The next two weeks they spent mostly confined in paper cups as we tried to persuade their legs to change position, to be under their bodies where they belonged. They must have been in pain with their legs forced into unnatural positions, and Peg's legs were both broken as she struggled to be free, and were reset into more tenable shapes. Tiny budgies, they never bit, and accepted whatever strange and dreadful happenings their world contained. Nicknamed the "Dixie Chicks" for their time in the paper cups, we called them Emma, Bobby and Peg - because the one stiff leg made her Peg-leg the Pirate. Dr. Van Sant, Dr. Stern, Julie and Chris, everyone at For the Birds saw us every couple of days for a while.
Eventually she became Peg o' my heart, the baby and sweetest of the trio. She occupied every inch of her cage, flying and hopping and scooting along. Happy that her sisters were nearby, happy to be held and skritched and talked to. Happy to escape sometimes and fly around at knee level - looking for adventure.
Budgies. She was brave as a lion, happy as only a budgie can be happy, and tough as steel. She died today. She would have been four years old next month. I finally looked up the words to the song, "Peg o' My Heart". Funny - it turns out the name was absolutely perfect.
"Peg o' my heart, I love you
We'll never part for I love you
Dear little girl, sweet little girl
Sweeter than the Rose of Erin ...
Come be my own
Come make your home
In my heart."
(lyrics by Lester Young)
Alli
Our beautiful, sweet girl - we will miss you forever.
Alii was taken away from us way too early and she will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known her.
Alii blessed everyone's life that she touched. She was loved by all and will be missed by many.
We will miss you!
Love, Jana, Azure, Amber & Noelle
Gracie Mae
Gracie Mae (aka Princess) was a wonderful bird who left us far too soon. It's been almost 4 months since she died, but we still can't believe how quickly she left us and how very much we miss her. We're still heartbroken and devastated at her loss. It's taken me this long to force myself to write Gracie's memorial. The pain is, of course, still very present, but she deserved to have others hear about her. Gracie was a remarkable little cockatiel. "Sweet" doesn't come close to explaining her nature and spirit. We loved her so much. It was impossible not to. She always wanted to be held and talked to and stroked. She made the funniest little squawking noise which meant "Please, more!" It was her happy sound. I thought she must have had a big parrot in her past, because her squawking noise sounded just like an irritated big parrot. But it didn't mean irritation from her; it was pure joy. The squawk at a higher volume meant "Come give me love ... Now! I need you!" I could stroke her head and neck and hold her close and she'd just be enraptured. I could even hold her little head in the fingers of one hand and stroke her throat with the other hand. Grace was so happy when she joined our other two tiels after her quarantine in our bathroom. It had been hard to see her so lonely and hear her calls to the rest of our "flock." It is some consolation that she was happy the final few weeks of her life.
Gracie stepped up onto fingers so delicately and tentatively that it didn't feel like she was there. She felt like a very small, airy pillow. That's why I always leaned her to my chest, against my heart, to give her stability. She loved the warmth and closeness of it. Gracie is the only cockatiel I've ever heard of that wanted as much attention and loving as she did. She, literally, would've loved to be held and talked to all day long. She never tired of it. We only had Gracie 3 months, but she left a huge impression on us. There isn't a day that I don't think of Gracie and wish she was still here. "Grace" was an excellent name for her. Though her walk was pretty clumsy, the grace she brought into our lives was truly amazing. She died in my hands, cupped against my heart for warmth, exactly where she always wanted to be. I still ache for her.
Please visit Gracie's web page: http://www.markris.net/kris/gracie.htm
Ginger Reed
Ginger Reed was a foster care volunteer who cared for two of our abandoned budgies for as long as her health allowed. She loved birds and wanted to help them.
Her family designated Mickaboo for donations in her memory, for which we are grateful. Ginger was a lovely person and we appreciate the time she donated to Mickaboo and the care she gave to our
birds.
Ms. Lily
Ms. Lily took her final flight during the summer of 2007 after living with our family for about 8 or 9 years. Her Mickaboo story recalled that she was rescued at a state fair from a cage crowded with quail or larger birds. Somehow she had lost one of her feet and had only a remaining stub to help keep balance and navigate the cage. The vet guessed Lily was between 12 and 15 years when I got her. I fell in love with Lily from her website photo and adopted her as soon as I passed my Mickaboo training. When I requested her, it never occurred to me that she wouldn't be a sweet little cockatiel. But Ms Lily had a personality and style of her own. She showed her appreciation by hissing every time anyone got close to her cage. Not being able to "step up" with her one foot and little stub, she liked to appear aggressive to anyone approaching. When birds were involved, she loved every male cockatiel I fostered. And, every male wanted nothing to do with such an "old lady" as she. But haughty males never discouraged Lily from making advances. The first couple of years I had Ms Lily, she managed to lay an egg or so anytime I brought a new male tiel into the household. Now this is the power of positive thinking! My kids affectionately named her the dinosaur bird. And, I often teased her by calling her Peg. Ms. Lily - you were my introduction to Mickaboo. And I thank you. I hope you found some happiness here with us. I miss you.
Ola Jane
Andi
Jungle Flower
Exotic scent, sweet, musky - both comforting and unforgettable.
Shimmering greens perfectly merge with navy and red , into yellow and blue.
Bright glistening eye - ever watchful and alive.
Shiny black beak tapping, shredding, grinding in peace.
This a covering for the fragile spirit of little bird love, Andi.
Remembering human lips pressed to soft feathered head and wings.
Remembering the trusting grip of strong feet and nails on human hand.
Remembering jungle talk, and jabber. Remembering soft "Hi baby, whatcha
doing?" and chortles, and "ummms" and singing and "Oh, what's the matter, huh?"
She is gone now. Life snuffed out with a gentle and necessary touch.
A feather, light as a thistle, will be pressed between pages of a fine book like
A treasured jungle flower to be happened upon with surprise and delight .
A jungle flower blossomed far from home and for a brief moment was held captive
In my hand and always in my heart.
For Andi from her foster mom, Claudia, 12/2/07
Cookies
Cookies was a 15 year old mini macaw, who came to our family from Mickaboo in April 2007, she had quite a few health problems, among them a tumor on her wing which required multiple surgeries and a plastic collar she had to wear so she wouldn't pick at it.
Cookies was a silly girl always saying "wake up" when it was bed time, answering the phone when it rang, her favorite song to sing was happy birthday, she loved calling the dogs names, and she greeted everyone with a "what's up" & "look it." She was the educator of our bird flock, teaching the other mini-macaws, african grey, and blue front amazon new words. And boy did she love cherries and bananas, she was a messy eater; if you were holding her while she was eating a cherry, she would stain you clothes. Cookies loved to step up and snuggle, on your chest to cuddle, be loved, and to take a nap.
Everyone who entered our home fell in love with Cookies, as we did too, she seemed to touch everyone's heart. She will be remembered for always, even though we didn't have her long. Cookies passed away this summer from a tumor found on one of her kidneys. Cookies we love you, miss you, and will be in our hearts forever. Our baby girl has gone to pet heaven to R.I.P with our other pets who we have lost in this life time. We love you.
Peridot
Will you remember me? Don't let your life pass you by, Weep not for the memory. ~~Sarah McLachlan
Of course I'll remember you, Peridot. I love you so so much and always will. I'll remember how you were sort of an "accident"--I didn't mean to get a female budgie. You were the last bird left in a pet store that was closing the next day. I couldn't leave you there.
I'll remember your hellion baby days. How you would sneak out everytime your door was opened. After a "hair cut", just just ended up being called "little green chicken." Running around that floor you were impossible to catch. I'll remember when you turned into my big girl. My Princess. You loved kisses and loved to be talked to. I even bought a storybook to read to you: "What Is a Princess?" You were so smart. You loved to look at the pictures. I'll remember how you played. You would sit with your hanging toys on your back. Or climb up them. Climb in and out or through your ladder. Or knock over and drag that ferris wheel if we were gone too long. And then there was how you dive-bombed Isaac and Pulsipher when they were playing on cage tops.
I remember all the trips to the vet we made over the years. You loved to go for a ride. You would "peep" when we got to the highway exit and when we got to the bank by the house. Every time. When you were at the hospital for 2 weeks for pellet conversion, they finally sent your silly self home. Why? You would only eat when I came to visit you everyday. When you got home you were fine. I didn't know you loved me that much.
I remember when that tumor (I thought) came back. We went to see Dr. K again and he gave me the news. It was a hernia on your crop. But completely operable. Almost a routine surgery. I asked and he told me "no, it's not a death sentence." So you had your surgery and came out like a trooper. But I remember how you had to be different, as usual. It was not a simple hernia, but one that was almost completely wrapped around the crop. But you improved and were sent home. I knew you could do it! But then you were rushed back to Dr. K, and you were gone the next morning. Oh my Princess, I'm so sorry you had to be alone. I pray St. Francis helped you cross over. I just know he did, you thought his medal on your cage was a toy.
I'll try to remember how to smile through the tears. There is no way I could not. There will only ever be one Peridot. One Princess. Yes, I'll remember you. I love you. We will meet again, my Princess.
Rene
Much loved cereal fiend, singer of adorable songs, graceful flyer, jealous nipper of fingers, and lover of string cheese and curly hair. He was an inquisitive and well-traveled bird, having gone from Wisconsin, to Minnesota, to Connecticut and on to San Francisco, and touched the lives of many. Rene passed on in September 2007 in a tragic accident at the age of 11. He was much beloved, especially by his owner and love of his life, Anna, and will be greatly missed.
Vale
Came into the world December 2001, passed away August 13, 2007 from egg-binding. My sweet little yellow angel. Hand reared and tamed by my brother-in-law. What a special gift you and your sister were! I first saw you and your sister as tiny hatchlings. I knew you would be lutinos even then, once I saw the red eyes and yellow quills. The excitement of being able to finally take you home to my place when you and your sister were four months old! What to call you and your sister? What about Moss and Vale, after the picturesque town of Moss Vale, from where you were hatched. What joy you have brought into my life in your short five and a half years. I will never forget your sweet gentle ways, the excited "chip" sounds you made when I uncovered your cage in the morning. I called you my "party girl" because you were less reserved than your sister and liked to spend time with people other than me. How you liked people's eye glasses and crawling over their heads to get to their glasses! When you were in the mood for a bird bath, I loved it when you used to sit on my arms afterwards, holding out your beautiful long wings to dry. You loved your morning toast on top of the fridge. When I called "toasties" you and your sister would fly to the top of the fridge, where I loved watching you eat tiny bits of honeyed toast. You loved my mother "Grandma" and you got very excited when she whistled to you and you loved spending time with her. You enjoyed riding around on my shoulders when I was vacuuming the house and this you were doing on the last happy, pain-free day of your life. The vet did everything he could, but it must have been your time. Sadly missed, taken away too soon, in my heart forever!
Andrea from Australia
Ponchie
At the age of at least 21 years old, our Ponchie was released from her
battle with cancer. She was a good bird and a loving bird. She especially
loved two things: food, and one of her human companions: Don. He was like a
rock star to her. She had only to hear his voice or his footsteps, or his
motorcycle pulling in the driveway, or even just his cough or sneeze, and
she'd start screaming for him. Ponchie was a classic example of in-breeding
with her physical anomalies, including mis-shapen nares, also the entire
back of her head was bald, and she had primary feathers that grew off the
leading edge of her wing sideways at times. Perhaps inbreeding is why she
got cancer as well, we'll never know. She lived with us for 10 1/2 years
and prior to that with another family member, so she was lucky in the sense
that she didn't get passed around from home to home, or was ever abandoned,
or needed rescuing like so many birds do. She was always loved and always
cared for. She died in the loving hands of her beloved human, but she lives on in our hearts.
Maggie
Nathan Thornton 4/7/1977 - 3/17/2007
In our work for Mickaboo we meet a lot of people, most of them briefly, as they attend our classes, or when we do a phone screen or home visit for them. Perhaps we get to know them a little bit while helping them choose a bird to adopt and then working with them to make sure the bird and the adopter are happy. There are so many wonderful people who come to Mickaboo, and we are always saddened to hear of the loss of any one of them. We met Nathan Thornton just last year when he, and his partner Cary, attended a Mickaboo bird care class in order to pursue their dream of adopting a parrot. Nathan also wanted to learn as much as he could about bird care as he was employed at PetCo, where he stood out as an employee who actually saw the animals as much more than just products to be sold. 
Getting himself in trouble with his bosses at times, he stood his ground on behalf of giving good care to the animals in the store. Nathan alerted Mickaboo to an unacceptable situation that two canaries were living in at the store. With the help of a Mickaboo volunteer, who provided the funds and transport, Nathan got the birds out of the store and into the safe harbor of Mickaboo. Vivaldi and Lemondrop, as they were named, are now in loving homes. Nathan had a lot of personal tragedy in his life, but he did not seem bitter or angry. He had a big, sweet heart and made an impression on all of us who knew him, however briefly. He will be missed, and we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his friends and family.
Nicky Joe 2001-2006
This is a tribute with much love to my budgie and friend Nicky (also known as Nicky Joe) who passed away. He was an adorable earth angel and is now a heavenly angel. Nicky had such a kind and gentle spirit about him. Nicky was a real entertainer and quite a smart little chap. He talked non-stop and was a delight to listen to. He performed all kinds of tricks with his toys and loved to dance back and forth across his perch with a high step up on each foot while listening to music.
Nicky helped to brighten up the days for my mother after she received him as a birthday gift from us when she was ill. Then Nicky brightened up my days when I became his second mom for the next four years. He was our hero with a heart of gold. We loved him dearly.
Nicky is now resting in peace in my mother's arms. He is making all that surround him happy like he did while here on earth. I miss Nicky very much and will always be thankful to have had the pleasure of knowing him. He gave so much love and happiness to everyone, especially to my mother and me. I will never forget him but find comfort in knowing that love will bring us together again. So it isn't really goodbye. I will see him again when he greets me at the rainbow bridge.
With Love from Mama Olga and Mama Carole
Snoopy 1989-2007
Snoopy passed away last week, a death with dignity. Despite his
years (18) and a diagnosis of cancer, he clung to his perch until the
last moment. He sat under his beloved bell for the last week and got
thinner and lighter. Though he had trouble balancing, he was always
up, not huddled on the cage floor. I took him outside in the dappled
sunlight on Monday and left him sitting under his bell. When I
returned an hour later, he lay, finally on the bottom of his cage,
still and silent.
Snoopy was a great Mickaboo find. He passed from home to home during
his long lifetime and finally came to us through a tip from a friend
at Mickaboo. He took a year or so to come out of his shell, and then
became an integral part of our combined avian and human family. He
bonded mostly with my husband, and the guys watched lots of golf
tournaments and Law and Order together. He could recognize the sound
of our car in the driveway and began shrieking his "welcome home"
before we came in the door. He appeared to me recently as a spirit
guide, showing me how to have courage in life and death. He is much
missed.
Sara and Jon
Mr. Charms 1980-2007
Parents: Michael and Cordelia
Once, in a land not too far away, there was a great prince named Mr. Charms.
For the first 25 years of his life, no one knew that his birth was great and that he was royalty. After living for a long time in small quarters with very little good food to eat, his caretaker died, and he had to move to another part of the kingdom.
A gentle fairy named Michelle took him under her wing, where he lived for a time, eating well and receiving love and warmth and medicine to cure what ailed him. It was there that two people, Michael and Cordelia, became aware that Mr. Charms was living nearby. They had only heard myths about a prince named Mr. Charms who had magical powers, so when they heard that he was looking for his rightful home they came and got him as soon as they were able.
Mr. Charms moved into his family's castle, and began to give the gift of joy to Michael and Cordelia. He entertained them with his beautiful singing, his comedy, and his quet wisdom. However, though he loved them both, he bonded most closely with Michael, and they became great friends. Michael would play banjo and Mr. Charms would sing along. They would watch theatre together, and would sometimes spend hours telling each other important secrets. They settled into a nice routine of chats over breakfast, naps together, and the occasional duet.
This great friendship lasted a year, at which time Mr. Charms told Michael that his time was up. You see, Mr. Charms was not just a prince of this kingdom; he was a prince of the world. Mr. Charms explained that he had to move on and share his magic with everyone, not just us. Mr. Charms turned into a lovely grey cockatiel with a yellow head and rosy cheeks. He and Michael and Cordelia said goodbye, and Mr. Charms flew away over the rainbow bridge.
Odie
I just lost my best friend, my little angel 2 days ago and I truly feel devastated. I had Odie for over 10 years and she was the One constant in my life. She did no fancy tricks, she didn't talk, and she did not particularly like to do much but eat, and work on her feathers. What she did do was far more precious then any tricks or words could ever be. Odie provided me with so much love, joy, comfort, and simple beauty in an othewise hectic life filled with pain and struggles.
Every morning now I awake and do not hear my lttle angel with her soft, gentle chirp as I walk past her cage in route to the kitchen for my coffee. It is unbelievable how much I miss how cute I thought it was that she knew exactly what time in the mornings I'd be leaving for work, she would always be alert and waiting for her breakfast. And how empty I now feel when I get home from work and do not hear the excited whistle of my little pretty angel so excited that I've returned home. I miss our snuggling and even the times she seemed to be a pest flying back to me when I've returned her to her cage perch outside the cage. Or how she would insist on visiting and fly over when she knew that Mama was eating something, Sometimes she would help herself to a taste if she could get away with it. Thank you Mickaboo for doing the wonderful things you do for our most vulnerable friends in need. And Thank you for having a site like this to try and help express my grief and my never ending Love to a major part of my life that is now gone.
Mama and Papa will miss you forever Odie-O, aka:My Little O and will never, ever forget you.
Sincerely,
Heart-broken with many beautiful memories