Honorable Mention --> Most Therapeutic

Lucy&Desi are owned by Kristi Porter and Family. Congratulation to everyone! Kristi can be contacted at hans3114@bellsouth.net

We came upon our Lovebirds, Lucy & Desi, haphazardly, due to a family tragedy in 09/05. When our daughter called and said her husband had a work related accident and was at the hospital our heart sank. Life became much disorganized, trying to take care of everything while the kids tried to build their lives back following a very serious brain injury and surgery.

We took in our daughter, all of their animals, 3 dogs, fish and THE birds. Due to Kimberly’s need to be with her husband during rehabilitation and therapy, we took over everything we could to relieve the pressure so she could focus on Will.

We were a little apprehensive about the birds, as it has been years since we had any birds. We moved them in noisily and tried to get them to settle into routine. Needless to say, it became more like them settling us into routine! Lucy and Desi have brought so much pleasure and joy into our lives. In the face of such tragedy, they made us laugh at their antics then ooh and aah over their beauty.


Our day begins with uncovering their habitat; opening the blinds for sunlight to brighten their day and watching them scoot out from under the papers where they love to sleep. Chirping “Good Morning”, they instill happiness in our otherwise challenging day. While we get ready for work, they serenade us and beg for fresh fruit or to be sprayed for a bath. They listen to classical music during the day, and we swear they are mimicking Mozart with some of their chirps! In the evening we talk to them and ask them “Who’s precious?” When bedtime comes, we cover the cage and watch them scoot under the “covers” for a good night sleep. Caring for them has been great therapy for all of us. We often wonder how we got along without them.

Their presence here has helped us through such an ordeal and will continue to do so as Will continues his recovery. It has already been decided Lucy and Desi will stay here even after Will recovers and goes home and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The days would not be the same without the two little balls of energy as a part of our family.

 
 
home madagascar lovebird

green fischer's lovebird

 

Photo credits: blue peachfaced lovebird by Vera Appleyard, black-cheeked lovebird by Deb Sandidge, Madagascar lovebird by Gwen Powell (bird owned by Roland Dubuc), Fischer's lovebird by Lee Horton.