Very sweet bird story

[smallonion]

You Got to Have Friends by Lisa Seaman

"You got to have friends..." goes a well known song. Not only is this true in the human world, but goes also for the bird world! A great example of this are "Buddy" and "Beaker." Beaker is a senegal parrot, while Buddy is a blue, female budgie. These two lively characters have resided together at The Birdie Boutique store since 1997. What makes this a great friendship story is that Buddy is Beaker's "guide-budgie." Beaker became blind when both eyes had to be removed due to a severe infection that developed in them as a week-old baby. Much debate went on about his future, until a unique idea was suggested. If blind people have "guide-dogs," why not have some type of "guide-bird" to assist Beaker?? It was then decided to go ahead with this idea while Beaker was still a baby and more adaptable to new situations. A baby budgie with no owner was selected for Beaker's companion and was named Buddy in honor of the first seeing-eye dog. The two baby birds were placed together immediately. From now on they would eat, sleep, and spend the rest of their lives as a birdie team --hopefully. The results were better than anyone could have expected!! Buddy helped preen Beaker, assisted him in finding food and water, and guided him around the cage until Beaker was familiar with his surroundings by touch. Beaker amazed everyone by doing all the things a "normal" senegal does except see. Occasionally, the "dynamic duo" has a disagreement, as all good friends do, but it is always quickly resolved between the two. Today, Beaker and Buddy continue their wonderfully unusual partnership!! They especially enjoy the many visits from the TBB store customers and friends. The birds also are semi-famous since being the subject of a WTVD Channel 11 local news story by the reporter Don Ross. They truly are a great example of what friendship is all about!!

from http://www.birdieboutique.com/yougottohavf.html

[Monica]

That story reminded me of an amazon and a budgie who are buddies, even though they don't share cages nor are let out together. The amazon makes budgie noises, and they have a fit if separated!

[Tiki]

That is sooooo sweet!

[Vankarhi]

That is really a special story. Are there photo's of the birds in question?

[smallonion]

No pics, unfortunately. Tracey, was it you who mentioned bringing Humphrey to America through Canada? I'm trying to find information on this and am not getting anywhere.

[Chariclo]

What a great story! It reminded me of my old Ramone and Fluffy. They have bonded quite nicely and share space most of the day. If we don't let Fluffy out for some reason Ramone will call for him until we do. The minute the door flies open Fluffy immediately places himself next to Ramone on the perch and all is quiet.

[Tiki]

Michele, I think I mentioned something in a post somewhere that going from England to Canada would be easier as they are both Commonwealth. If I rememebr correctly, I think Yehuda had some information (sorry if I am wrong). Michele, go to your User CP and do a search on all your past posts, you may have to go back a few pages but you will eventually find the thread.

[Vankarhi]

Sorry Michele, it was not me

[Glenn]

Michelle it was Stacey who mentioned it "Stacey32". She's moving from USA to Australia soon & I think she has some info on quarantines.