Congrats, Lee. Giving a loving home to an animal in need is a gift. It's also understandable how you feel about Rico and his loss. In opening your heart and home to a new feathered friend, I hope you feel some healing.
I wish I could express my feelings as well as you do Lee. I feel you were guided to finding Pico, he will never take the place of Rico, but he was in need of your help and love. I wonder if it’s in your genes having this affinity to our feathered friends, they’ve been a big part of your life for so long. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you, Claire. I was trying to explain to a friend yesterday that it is not about replacing Rico or dishonoring his memory. It is about, as you say, helping another soul whom I honestly feel Rico guided me to, as there was no way I would have been at this Petco location were it not for some kind of intervention.
Lee, you are coming upon your own answers. The timing was perfect for Pico. I am familiar with the doubts and guilt that accompany these decisions - but imagine how you would be feeling if after becoming aware of Pico you didn't rescue him from his cage. There was no abandonment, no end of love for your old friend - you said it yourself. This new relationship comes at a difficult time for you. You are still grieving and you have a new little soul who needs your help. I trust with your
knowledge and experience of feathered creatures you two will find your way.
It was an easy decision the first time I saw him, but a hard decision to take on that kind of commitment again. I visited him after work each night, allowing him to get used to seeing me and observing his behavior for two weeks. Then it was a case of do I wait for a decent period after Rico's departure, or do I end his suffering now:)
I don't think there is such a thing as an appropriate amount of waiting one must do in these circumstances. Granted, Pico wasn't starving or being abused but living your life in a cage for over a year equals suffering in my book. As hard a decision as it was for
you - especially not knowing how or if it will work - you followed your own instincts to help. As overused the phrase is ... only time will tell, eh? I'm rooting for you two.
He has been doing great. Took a bath today. Yes, the cages in Petco are horrible, with only a platform perch with two three-inch or less perches stuck on there. I feel bad for all the birds stuck in those!
What a moving piece you wrote, Lee….really beautiful. I believe both Rico and Pico were destined to find you at the appropriate place and time. Rico knows that, too, and welcomes his new brother into the fold....he was expecting him. Happy growing and loving together!
You just described how the best things in my life have happened, Lee, from a timing perspective. I've learned to just accept and say "thanks" to the Universe for the perfect imperfections and seeming contradictions. Have a magical evening....
So glad you were able to take Pico out of that environment Lee, you have nothing to feel guilty about. I look forward to seeing & hearing more about Pico as you two evolve & bond.
Is he allowed to be "free range" in your home yet or is that something you work towards ?
I cant add more in words than has already been said by Robin & others.
Thank you, Fred:) He still prefers to stay in his cage, so I had to redo the cage as a live-in space, as Rico had all the perches on the outside. The door is open (when I am home) if he wants to come out. He cannot fly much at the moment though, the pet stores usually clip their flight wings, and they will take a little while to grow back.
Poor little guy, it'll be quite the event when he feels secure enough to venture into freedom. You know, after reading about Rico, I will never be able to see a little bird in a pet store and not feel bad for them.
Mostly I am very happy for you both, keep us posted ;o)
This is lovely and moving, Lee. Thank you for your strength and honesty in the face of grief.
Thank you, Robin:)
Congrats, Lee. Giving a loving home to an animal in need is a gift. It's also understandable how you feel about Rico and his loss. In opening your heart and home to a new feathered friend, I hope you feel some healing.
Thank you, Heidi:) I just couldn't let him think that was his life in that cage!
It’s so good of you, Lee. It’s not easy to open our hearts when we are grieving, but you did that for Pico. It’s very uplifting!
Thank you, Heidi:)))
Aww this made me cry!
Rico didn’t want you to be alone. I’m sure he is giving tips to Pico on how to get dad to spoil him 🦜
I am asking him to guide him :) Pico is just a toddler in bird terms and often acts like one, especially when he wants to sleep lol
A good decision, no worries! Poor Pico, he is lucky to have you. He will trust you very soon.
Thank you, Kristin:)
I wish I could express my feelings as well as you do Lee. I feel you were guided to finding Pico, he will never take the place of Rico, but he was in need of your help and love. I wonder if it’s in your genes having this affinity to our feathered friends, they’ve been a big part of your life for so long. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you, Claire. I was trying to explain to a friend yesterday that it is not about replacing Rico or dishonoring his memory. It is about, as you say, helping another soul whom I honestly feel Rico guided me to, as there was no way I would have been at this Petco location were it not for some kind of intervention.
Lee, you are coming upon your own answers. The timing was perfect for Pico. I am familiar with the doubts and guilt that accompany these decisions - but imagine how you would be feeling if after becoming aware of Pico you didn't rescue him from his cage. There was no abandonment, no end of love for your old friend - you said it yourself. This new relationship comes at a difficult time for you. You are still grieving and you have a new little soul who needs your help. I trust with your
knowledge and experience of feathered creatures you two will find your way.
Thank you for this, Lee.
It was an easy decision the first time I saw him, but a hard decision to take on that kind of commitment again. I visited him after work each night, allowing him to get used to seeing me and observing his behavior for two weeks. Then it was a case of do I wait for a decent period after Rico's departure, or do I end his suffering now:)
I don't think there is such a thing as an appropriate amount of waiting one must do in these circumstances. Granted, Pico wasn't starving or being abused but living your life in a cage for over a year equals suffering in my book. As hard a decision as it was for
you - especially not knowing how or if it will work - you followed your own instincts to help. As overused the phrase is ... only time will tell, eh? I'm rooting for you two.
He has been doing great. Took a bath today. Yes, the cages in Petco are horrible, with only a platform perch with two three-inch or less perches stuck on there. I feel bad for all the birds stuck in those!
What a moving piece you wrote, Lee….really beautiful. I believe both Rico and Pico were destined to find you at the appropriate place and time. Rico knows that, too, and welcomes his new brother into the fold....he was expecting him. Happy growing and loving together!
Thank you so much, Pam. The signs just kept coming; how could I ignore them even though the timing was far from perfect?
You just described how the best things in my life have happened, Lee, from a timing perspective. I've learned to just accept and say "thanks" to the Universe for the perfect imperfections and seeming contradictions. Have a magical evening....
Lee,
You will be okay, this is transitional and fluid now, but Love will be there always.
Welcome Pico from captivity! Your new journey begins and everyday will offer a new vista of freedom.🫶🏻
Thank you, Jayd:)
Welcome Lee.
A lovely post, Lee. And the comments are heartwarming too.
Thank you Katharine....and yes they are:)
Beautiful ode to Rico.
Thank you:)
🦜🪽🦜
If anything was ever meant to be it’s Pico. He will now be loved just as you gave much happiness and love to Rico who you will never forget!
Exactly Annie:)
Patti is the Best!
Beautifully said.
Thank you so much:))
So glad you were able to take Pico out of that environment Lee, you have nothing to feel guilty about. I look forward to seeing & hearing more about Pico as you two evolve & bond.
Is he allowed to be "free range" in your home yet or is that something you work towards ?
I cant add more in words than has already been said by Robin & others.
All the best to you both ;o)
Thank you, Fred:) He still prefers to stay in his cage, so I had to redo the cage as a live-in space, as Rico had all the perches on the outside. The door is open (when I am home) if he wants to come out. He cannot fly much at the moment though, the pet stores usually clip their flight wings, and they will take a little while to grow back.
Poor little guy, it'll be quite the event when he feels secure enough to venture into freedom. You know, after reading about Rico, I will never be able to see a little bird in a pet store and not feel bad for them.
Mostly I am very happy for you both, keep us posted ;o)