More excuses than ever to show up here
And the reason is: We have added a BIRD to our house. It should prove to be interesting. Do cats ever understand the word "NO" ?? I think not. But we have devised a system to keep everyone away from the hamsters and on the new little fellow's ventures outside of his cage, doors will be closed and no dogs or cats will be around.
He is adorable, and nameless so far. Because Helen hasn't seen him yet!! :D He's her birthday gift, one that should live a long, long time. I picked him up, with all of his gear a little while ago. He is beautiful. Yellow and gray. I have LOTS of reading to do, but I can already tell that we will enjoy this newest member of our large family!! He's a Cockatiel and is approximately 2 months old. Very tame already, and very noisy!! He's been a bit quiet since we got home, but that is to be understood after the car ride, the new environment, etc. I'm sure he'll be fine, if our other pets are any indication.
I am soliciting any advice from fellow bird owners, especially anyone who has both cats and birds. I am so excited!! A new creature in our house. We now have two dogs, two cats, two hamsters (yes, our dear Phoebe is still holding on), two hermit crabs and now this new boy.
Any name ideas?? I know Helen would love ideas. I'll be sure to get lots of pictures tonight when she sees him. :)
Logan
Re: More excuses than ever to show up here
Quote:
Originally posted by Logan
Do cats ever understand the word "NO" ??
Logan
LOL LOL,
Logan, the answer would be 'no' :D :D ;)
You should have seen her face!!!
I'm going to try to make this short, but I have to explain it the way it happened.
When I picked up Helen after her piano lesson, it was a few minutes after 5. She didn't say anything about the bird. I headed towards home, and about half way home, she said "is there anyway we can go to see the bird and get some information about them?". :p I stared at the road while I drove, and told her that I had something I absolutely had to do first, but if they were open later than six that I would consider riding over and buying a book about Cockatiels. She made a little pouty face, but turned her head towards the window, so I couldn't see. I reminded her what a huge decision this is, and that it is very expensive, so we would just have to wait and see.
When we pulled in the driveway, I tried to cheer her up by telling her that she had received a package from Sandra. "Could it be a birthday gift? Wasn't it sweet of Sandra to remember your birthday, Helen? The package is on the couch. " She came in and headed to her bedroom!! Then she asked me why the doors to the living room were closed. I told her that I was getting ready to vaccuum and I didn't want the dogs to go back in there until I was finished (what a lie!!). So she went in, sat down on the couch, and opened the package. There were two envelopes inside in addition to the package and she asked me to get her the letter opener, please. She NEVER looked up to the piano. I couldn't believe it. He was sitting right there in broad daylight!! LOL!! Then all of the sudden, as I was headed towards the office to get the letter opener, we heard a loud "chirp"!! You can't imagine the look on her face!! She looked at the bird, she looked at me and then jumped up and ran to.........................ME!!!!!! I have never gotten a hug like that, at least not since baby Honey ran across the room to greet her three years ago.
Roger immediately got on Helen's hand, walked up her sleeve and settled down on her shoulder. You know what he did? He went to sleep. He had not slept all day, and it was almost like he was saying "she's here now and I can rest". So, so sweet....YES, I cried. And that girl's eyes were full of tears too.
He had not talked since I brought him home, but when Helen put him back in the cage and left the room a while later, he YELLED!!! I think they are going to be best buddies.
We have decided that at night, Roger will go in the spare bedroom with the door closed. I don't want to ruin the routine all the other animals have in the evenings. Honey and Mimi sleep on Helen's bed (I know what you're thinking, Carrie :o ) And Lilly sleeps on the floor at the foot of the bed. Butter sleeps with me, when he is inside. At 9 pm, we went back to the room, covered his cage with a sheet and told him "night night". He has been quiet since then. I think he is exhausted!!
The only ones who have noticed him are Butter and Lilly. Lilly has been frantic to get in the room with him, and right in front of our eyes, Butter jumped up beside the cage in the living room, thus our decision to move him to a safer spot to sleep. He can spend his days on the table in my office, where I can see him and talk with him. But my other furry friends have already made me realize that I will have to watch them closely. I'm sure the newness will die down in a while, but I will be diligent about the separation.
I'm exhausted!!! :) But I'm happy, because my girl is so happy.
Logan
PS..no Carrie, you did not tell me that I would be awakened early....I'm going to get you for that! LOL!!
I am such a ding dong :o . Aly, thanks for catching my slip up!!! His name is ROGER!!! And for some reason, I keep wanting to call him Ralph!!! LOL!!
