Rescue the Birds - Recently Added Listings - In Memoriam https://rescuethebirds.org/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 09:35:35 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 Peter S. Sakas, DVM https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/40-peter-s-sakas-dvm.html How do we pay tribute to, immortalize, and eulogize a person who was our mentor, our friend, our animal caretaker; the list goes on. He was so much to so many, a person bigger than life, yet was very simple in his own needs. He did so much for so many that his passing is going to create, not ripples, but tsunamis. He did little for himself. Peter S. Sakas, we’re going to miss your corny jokes and stories. We’re going to miss our annual trips to Joliet Junior College and Parkland Vet College, in always the worst weather possible. Trying to keep each other awake. Stopping at DQ for the worst food possible, but having a great time together. Co-lecturing for hours on end to eager vet techs, in hopes of sparking a passion in them for a career in avian veterinary medicine you loved so much. The bantering between you and Karen; her the pessimist, you the optimist. It is very difficult to say goodbye to you, Pete, so for now, we’ll say see you later. Please take care of Koa, Sigh, Jasmine, Esmerelda, Tara, Lucci, Freddie, Pierce, Coco, Jesse, Scout, Kajal, Vytus, Peaches, Shikoba, Crystal, Casper, Max, and too many more to name. The man who always said he had a golden horseshoe up his *+#, we just wished he used it for himself this one time. Richard S Weiner & Karen Rae Weiner]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:51:50 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/40-peter-s-sakas-dvm.html Ron Burian - Volunteer https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/39-ron-burian-volunteer.html Ron loved the birds and sent us many videos of them with Karen and by themselves. The Refuge brightened his life so much, and we, Ron’s family, thank you all for that and for all the work you do for your precious charges. Ron is an amazing, remarkable, great soul. He truly practiced this: “When you give … do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). For example, we all just learned (even his wife Jennifer did not know) of his years and years of care-taking the handicapped gentleman who lived above him at his condo on on S. South Shore Drive, a man who is grieving his loss of Ron as well. He considered Ron his kin. Ron was such an inspiration to so so many…all his volunteer work, his quiet, profound service to others including his country as Sergeant First Class U.S. Army leading his platoon in the front lines in Vietnam; his decades of giving of love, compassion, hope and wisdom to at-risk kids in Chicago. The social sage that he was, he was always looking for ways to help others on their journeys no matter what color their skin, fur or feathers were, wherever he found them, and with whatever tools he had. He was known for this and he will be remembered for this. For he taught and modeled peace, love and wisdom to all he met. Love and peace to you, Karen, and everyone at the Refuge, Katy Jess]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:46:07 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/39-ron-burian-volunteer.html Jackie https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/38-jackie.html Jackie had went home to live with her forever family, but she passed away shortly after being adopted. Jackie's health had been declining over the years, but we know that Jackie was happy in her new home, even though it was only for a short time. Jackie was one of the smallest birds at the Refuge, and full of personality! She myself heard and was an amazing flier. She loved hanging out on your shoulder and would step up easily. She'd been told she was a special needs bird because of a dislocated fracture in one of her knees. She barely even noticed, since she was far too busy having fun. ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:44:30 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/38-jackie.html Gimmie https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/37-gimmie.html Dear Friends, For those of you who have not already heard, we have sad news to share with you. On Monday, July 23, 2007 we made the very painful decision to euthanize Gimme, our pet lovebird of almost 17 years. Other than some subtle signs of aging, Gimme had been living a seemingly healthy life up until last Friday. When Jim arrived home from work he noticed that something was "off" with Gimme and that he wasn't walking normally. He seemed weak on one side. Gimme spent most of the weekend at Animal 911 in Skokie and was dependent on oxygen from Saturday night on. He was too unstable for any tests so there were a lot of unknowns. Lovebirds usually live 12 to 15 years and Gimme was almost 17, so we definitely knew we might have to let him go. We braced ourselves and visited him twice a day. During the last Sunday visit, I kept smelling his feathers as he sat on my shoulder and crying at the thought of how much I would miss his smell. Finally on Monday afternoon the vet did an X-ray and found a tumor in Gimme's lungs, which was making it difficult for him to breathe. Most likely, it was pushing up against Gimme's spine and causing the balancing problems the poor guy was having. The vet suspected that there was cancer in other areas of his body as well. He was still dependent on the oxygen being pumped into the glass case where they kept him and it was only going to get worse, so the humane thing to do was to put Gimme to sleep. Jim and I arrived at the animal hospital at 4:45 p.m. The vet showed me Gimme's x-ray. After showing me the tumor, she pointed out many other body parts, giving me my one and only chance to see Gimme's internal body parts and bones that I had wondered about so many times. When they brought Gimme in, he got very excited to see us and tapped the glass with his beak. Except for the slight limp, he seemed his normal happy self. I got out a photo of Jim's now-deceased parents and told Gimme that they were waiting for him. "Grandpa Val's got a lot of surface area for you to land on," I told Gimme. We fed him millet, which he devoured. He chewed the cover of my "Little Prince" book to make his last "ticker tapes." I cuddled with him, scratched him in his favorite places, and kissed him square on the beak many times. (I was advised NOT to do that some time in the 90's to prevent any illnesses from being passed on to him.) He even bit Jim and pooped on him, which was par for the course. But Gimme also let Jim scratch him. Gimme would often perch on Jim's hands under the water faucet and take impromptu baths, and Jim thanked him for little gifts like that. I read Gimme a letter that thanked him for teaching us "how simple a profound act of love can be" and ended with "your spirit will always be sitting right here on my shoulder." After about 30 minutes, the doctor gave Gimme a little shot of vallium. It seemed painless. And then Gimme fell asleep in my hands as I pet him and we said goodbye. The vet took him into the next room to end his life. She brought Gimme back and we were able to say goodbye a final time. Our hearts were broken, and so full of love for Gimme. It is still very hard to believe he really is gone. Max drew a picture of Gimme on Tuesday, which I have attached. January 19, 1991 – We are so grateful for his long and happy life, which included the following highlights: Gimme was purchased from a Michigan pet store. Joe and Shelly Trumpey drove me around the state looking for the perfect hand-fed baby lovebirds. In an act of fate, the first lovebird I chose from the cage flew onto the floor and was stepped on by a pet store patron. An employee took that bird away to care for it and I was asked to choose a different bird who of course turned out to be Gimme. It took several months of taming to get Gimme to allow me to scratch his head and hold him in my hand.. In the very beginning Gimme slept on my neck, under my hair, at night (then I heard a horror story and stopped). He nibbled my chin in the morning to wake me up. Eventually, Gimme chose to sleep hanging upright inside a towel. I have never heard of another lovebird who does that. Once at a bird club meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we were watching a woman's lovebirds perform tricks. Gimme got so excited he flew to the front of the room and tried to join them. I call that the day he tried to run away from home and join the circus. Gimme has lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Cincinnati, Ohio; Waukegan, Illinois; and of course Evanston, Illinois. Many have been charmed by Gimme's sweetness over the years. I was told once that only 1 in 10 lovebirds are as tame as him. When out of the cage, Gimme usually preferred to play in the bathroom. I have not kept toiletries in my medicine cabinet for many many years. Once Max was born, Gimme abandoned the bathroom and the kitchen became his new favorite room. We have enjoyed this change these past few years, as he has spent more time with us. To show affection, Gimme nibbled gently on your ear, lowered his head to your finger to be scratched or made a clicking "content" sound while perched on your shoulder. In addition to being grateful for these things, we breathed a big sigh of relief when we realized all the things we DIDN'T do: We didn't flush him down the toilet We didn't lose him out an open door or window or when paying tolls on the highway He was never attacked or eaten by a cat or other animal He never flew into a moving ceiling fan See pictures of Gimme throughout his lifetime, including our last visit. We are so grateful for all of your prayers and well wishes and feel so very blessed - not only to have lived life with Gimme for so long, but also to have shared him with all of you. Sincerely, Claudia, Jim, Max and Maya]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:43:25 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/37-gimmie.html Cobalt https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/36-cobalt.html We are sad to report that Cobalt passed away while in foster care. Fly free beautiful baby! ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:42:08 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/36-cobalt.html Coco https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/35-coco.html It is with a very sad and heavy heart that Karen and I must inform all of you of Coco's passing on 5/18/2011. Please say a prayer as Coco now flies free and onto the Rainbow Bridge, she will surely be missed. Rich Hi there! My name was Coco (short for Coconut). I was a female Umbrella cockatoo from Florida. My parents adopted me from Parrot Jungle when I was a baby and brought me to Illinois. I lived with them until my favorite family member went away to college; I became lonely and so they decided that I needed a new home. I talked a little bit and called myself "chicken." I also responded to the name "noodle" and could sing a little bit of "It's a Small World After All." My favorite thing to do was to snuggle. I loved a good head rub and a pet under my wings. I didn't always get along with other birds, and I did scream, but if you took me home, I would have loved to spend time cuddling with you. Love, Coco ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:41:20 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/35-coco.html Tara https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/34-tara.html If Tara could, I bet she'd tell you: "Thank you. My life was very confusing at the end, and I was so upset and lonely. When you took me into your home, I was given food and water and so many people played with me and held me. I was very happy. But I was very sick too. Even though I didn't get to say good bye or thank you, I want you to know that I really appreciate what you do here on earth. My life ended on a very happy note, knowing I was loved and that I would be grieved and missed. Thank you Rich, I'll be waiting on the other side, with all your other friends who you've given so selflessly to." If I were to guess, there will be a zoo waiting in Heaven for you Rich! All the pets will be waiting to welcome you home, just as you've done for them in your earthly home. I'm not really religious, but I do believe in God and Heaven, and I love to believe our pets will be there to greet us. I sincerely do not know how you find the strength and love (not to mention money) to keep doing what you do, but please never give up. You are amazing and I think thats why we all love you and Karen, and we love coming to your home. We get to feel like we're part of tremendously good deeds called your life. We only come and go for short periods of time, but this is really your calling, your life, your sacrifices. Please remember how much GOOD you do for these guys, even if for just a moment of time in their lives. Thank you, from me, and Tara, and all the other birds currently at the shelter, and those that know if and when they knock at your door, you or Karen will be squeezing cages closer together to make room for them too. I'm so sorry for your/our loss of Tara. God bless you. Love, Sandy She (yes, we were right, she was a female) had a ruptured oviduct with an immature egg in her abdomen, a mottled and weakened heart, and blood in her gizzard and intestines. She was very loved her two weeks here and will be greatly missed by all. Thank you all for caring for her so well the short time she was here and keep her spirit in your prayers, she is a blessed soul. She came at the same day as Linc, 12/5/2007. She was casted as one of the stars of the show. All we knew about her is that her owner passed away. We are trying to get more information at this time. She was adorable, confident and naked! She definitely had been picking for a while. She had a large appetite, which leads us to believe that she might have been hungry when found. She preferred men, but gingerly stepped up for any arm offered. ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:40:11 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/34-tara.html Jay Jay https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/33-jay-jay.html Jay Jay, When I first saw you, you & Sweetness were standing so close to each other that I could not tell where you ended & she began. You were both so scared & you felt the need to protect her. How valiant you were. You displayed & hissed when I approached, you poor baby. What terrible things happened to you to cause you to be so fearful and untrusting? I was bound & determined to make this transition easier on you. The very next day was going to be stressful; a trip to the vet's office was in store. You were so frightened when I tried to towel you that you lashed out at me. When your well-guided attack found its intended target, I winced inside, but did not want to scare you any more. You wanted so much for me to leave you & Sweetness alone, but I knew I must continue. We needed to make sure you were at least physically okay. You were poked, prodded, clipped, & snipped. You were a real trooper through it all. Once home, you leapt from the carrier to your cage. You dutifully stood watch over your charge & I gave you the space you needed to relax. Slowly, you began to allow me nearer to you. Before long, we were giving each other kisses & nuzzling. So much so, that I believed you were really beginning to enjoy it. How good I felt when you finally stepped up for me and let me hug you. You then allowed Sweetness to come close too. When we came home from Wisconsin that Sunday evening, all was well. I let you out of your cage & you quickly went to Charly's cage. You were excited and running around. I walked away with your dirty dishes & when I returned, there you were...sitting on the grate of your cage, all fluffed up. I knew something was wrong. I looked all around to try & find a clue as to what happened, but there was nothing. I put you back on your perch only to witness your left foot, unable to open & grip, slide time & again from the perch. When Pat was stroking you, you closed your eyes and swayed unsteadily. This was definitely not your behavior. Quickly, we toweled you & you did not put up a fight. You knew something was wrong too & you trusted me to fix things. We rushed you to the emergency vet. They too, knew something was wrong. They wanted to keep you overnight & I was to call before going to bed. I called & there was no new news. They asked that I pick you up in the morning for transport to our regular vet. Over the next several days, your health, & your weight, went up & down like a roller coaster. All the vets were stumped as to what was wrong with you. They tried everything. I visited you again on Thursday night. The vet said you had gained some weight & if you kept it on, you might be able to come home on Saturday. I was excited. Then, they brought me in to the farthest room in the hospital. When I walked in, I saw the sterile environment & the big, white incubator. When you first saw me, you jumped, I'm sorry; I did not mean to scare you. They let me open the incubator up to see you. I did & you were very scared. You would let me pet you for a while, and then you'd bite at me. I know you did not understand why you were taken away from your friend Sweetness & the comfort you were getting used to with us, but you were very, very sick & we needed to help you. Only to be poked & prodded all over again, but with no end in sight. Friday night came & I had to work. At about 6:30 p.m., I got the 911 page to call Pat. I had no idea what to expect, but I refused to even think it had anything to do with you. I was in denial, but I carefully called the number in my pager. I can still hear the spine-tingling words "its Jay-Jay.... he died". I was stunned & couldn't say anything. I wanted to come to see you right away, but everyone left the vet's clinic. Pat & Andy came by to cheer me up, but it was useless. They were as frustrated as I was upset. I called on Saturday morning to ask if I could come see you. It was Jan on the phone; she paused before answering not knowing if I knew. She broke her silence & said, "Have you talked to the doctor?" I said yes, I knew what had happened, I pressed on, still wanting, no needing, to see you before you begin your journey to the rainbow bridge. She went & asked & told me it would be okay. When I arrived, they called Deborah to come get me. I told her why I was there and she stammered a bit, then agreed. She brought me back to the same cold, distant isolation room where I last saw you. The incubator was still there, but it looked different, you were gone & it was cleaned. Your perch, dishes, & feeding syringe were all dutifully placed in the sink, mere remnants of what took place the day before. Deborah walked in; she was carrying you all wrapped up in a towel. She carefully placed you on the stainless steel counter before me. As she turned to walk out, she looked back to say, "I'll give you a few moments, Dr. Roeloffs is here and I will send her in to see you." I looked at you long & hard trying to fight back the tears. It was useless, I let go & they flowed as if someone turned on a faucet. I wanted you back, to be better, & to give me those same loving kisses you used to. I have seen death dozens of times. I knew what to expect & all the signs were there. It crushed me to see you this way, but I wanted to wish you well on your journey. I wanted to tell you that all of us will be together again some day & not to worry about Sweetness, I would care for her as best I could, for you dear Jay-Jay. I will end here, no need to go on. You are at rest & we all miss you terribly. Don't be afraid anymore Jay-Jay, you will feel better now. Love, Rich & everyone here at the Refuge ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:39:00 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/33-jay-jay.html Charlie https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/32-charlie.html CB was your "Bird of the Month" on your 2017 calendar and the sweetest little bird ever! ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:37:34 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/32-charlie.html Kasper https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/31-kasper.html Hello - Kasper here! I'm a female Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. Just in case there was any doubt as to my being a female, I occasionally lay eggs as a reminder. I was originally kept by a pet shop who felt I was not worthy of being sold due to my feather picking - can you believe that? The nerve of some people...! I was kept in the back room of the pet store for 20 years until the store owner’s daughter took pity on me and brought me home. She kept me for 5 years until it became apparent that I was extremely jealous of the new baby and that's when my mom felt it would be best for me to go to a home that could love me as much as she had. Enough about that though - I don't like to dwell my time spent in the pet store. I love to get wet, although I don't particularly care for the spray bottle. I much prefer the real shower - just like humans use! As mentioned above, I do have a bit of a plucking habit, but people here at the Refuge don't seem to mind - in fact, they tell me that I'm absolutely gorgeous! I have beautiful eyes and a look on my face that makes it seem as though I am perpetually smiling. I have a special trick: I can play catch with small bird balls. If you roll me a ball, I'll throw it back! I have been around dogs and seem to get along with them just fine. I tend to have distinct likes and dislikes in my human friends, but until you come and meet me, I won't know if I'll like you (hint, hint!). Make sure to contact the Refuge today to make an appointment to come see me. Lots of love, Kasper ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:36:48 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/31-kasper.html Peaches https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/30-peaches.html ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:35:28 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/30-peaches.html Peter https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/29-peter.html ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:33:40 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/29-peter.html Rocky https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/28-rocky.html We're sad to report that Rocky has passed away. Little Rocky died of an aneurism in March 2013. She will be missed by her mom, Allison, as well as all the Refuge volunteers who knew and loved her. RIP sweet Rocky!!]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:31:30 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/28-rocky.html Sasha https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/27-sasha.html Sweet Sasha passed away during a surgical procedure. She was a sweet Grey, who won the hearts of many at the Refuge. Sasha will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:30:15 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/27-sasha.html Peter https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/26-peter.html Sadly, Peter passed away at a young age, far too early! This little cutie will be missed.]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:29:14 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/26-peter.html Budgie https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/25-budgie.html He was a white capped Pionus parrot hatched on Nov 14, 1993 and died on Dec 8, 2009.He was the parrot who owned me. He got his name from a children's book called Budgie the helicopter written by Sarah Ferguson. Everyone always thought I had a parakeet because of it. He never learned to talk but would definitely mimic sounds. He meowed like a cat dead on and learned that from another bird. He loved watching game shows, especially the price is right and would make the spinning wheel beep. I came home from a trip one time and he was imitating the smoke detector. It was quite irritating but that night when I went to bed my smoke detector started beeping. I think it had been doing that the whole time I was on my trip and Budgie was just trying to clue me in to that. His most favorite thing in the whole wide world was taking a shower and getting the blow dry afterward and of course eating what ever was on MY plate. I could go on and on with all the stories. He was the most unique character I've ever had in my life and he is sorely missed.]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:28:18 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/25-budgie.html Pepper https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/24-pepper.html Pepper chose her new Mom and left her no choice but to adopt her. The first day she met her, Pep ran up her arm and stayed on her shoulder, refusing to move for anything! When she was fostered by her foster parents, visits were set up for her new Mom to come and spend time with her, until Rich and Karen were able to do the house inspection and she could stay home. That was in April of 2006. Since then Pep or Per as she calls herself, has adjusted to her new family, the cats and her surroundings. She is much more active and has the run of the house. She loves ripping up her boxes and has made herself a playpen with a wine rack and a box. She loves taking car rides, talking all the way and singing along with the radio. She is starting to learn some Afrikaans phrases, since that is her family’s home language. She also is well-known at the local Starbucks, always greeting everybody very happily. After one year she has finally taken to her Mom’s son, albeit she uses him mostly to get taken to her mom. She does step up for him and sit by him when her Mom is not around or at work. Pep came to the Rescue after her Dad fell ill and had to go to a nursing home. She had a wonderful life with her Dad; however the last year was emotionally very taxing on this amazing bird. She became distraught and sad. She did not like her Dad’s daughter, but this wonderful lady is a volunteer at the Refuge and gave Pep to Rich to put her up for adoption. That was where she found her Mom, who also volunteers at the Refuge. Pepper is a Yellow Fronted Amazon, and has an amazing vocabulary. She greets you very excitedly with a ‘Hi! How you doing? Good!’ She asks incredulously ‘What you up to Pep? Nothing!’ She laughs like an old man, and then says ‘Ahh’ in the sweetest voice. She warns you when she is going to bite, by saying ‘Auw!’ and if she bit you, she will say ‘Cut it out, Bad Girl!’ She gives out kisses, sometimes just blowing them in the air, other times she puts her beak right close to your mouth. She calls you, by saying ‘Pep, Come on!’ and she does not say step up, but ‘Come on!’ She says ‘Miaaw’ when she sees the cats, and she makes scary noises when she is scared or sees something strange. She also knows a couple of swearwords, we shall not repeat them here! She loves to sit on the shower rail while her mom is showering, loves to be splashed with the drops of water, talking up a storm! She says ‘Bye’ when you leave the house, or if she is leaving. She says ‘See Ya!’ and ‘Going to the Store!’ when we are actually going to the Rescue. Yes, she loves to go to the Rescue and spends the whole time talking to everybody there! Then, in the evening, when she wants to go to bed, she will lean into her mom’s face, put her little beak close to her mom’s nose and hug her. Then she will step up, goes into her cage and say ‘Goody-doo’ in the sweetest little voice, before she goes to bed! I am very happy to be the chosen one of this beautiful sweetheart and being the recipient of her wonderful hugs and kisses! Thanks to Rich and Karen for giving me the opportunity to adopt and take care of this wonderful bird and also to enjoy all the birds at the Rescue!]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:26:36 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/24-pepper.html Kotori https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/23-kotori.html Kotori was an adorable little Screech Owl who came to the Refuge on July 18, 2014, from a sanctuary in Ohio. Kotori had been hit by a car, leaving him with neurological issues which make it impossible for him to be released back into the wild. Kotori had carried on in Pierce's memory as an educational ambassador. ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:24:24 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/23-kotori.html Esmeralda https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/22-esmeralda.html Esmeralda had a certain exuberance for life that was unmatched by any other bird. When you walked into the rescue and Esie either saw you or heard your voice, she excitedly would call “com’eeeere, com’eeere!” Of course, unable to deny her, you would go over to her cage and take her out. She immediately would climb to your shoulder, and to show you her joy at being with you would begin to sing at the top of her lungs “la la la”, over and over, right next to your ear. You smiled, because, after all, she was just showing her affection for you. After a while, she would begin to chew holes in your favorite sweatshirt. You would smile again, knowing that Esie probably thought you might be warm, and was just trying to make sure that you were comfortable. But then, Esie got sick, and the singing stopped. She would still climb to your shoulder and let you know, even though she was unable to show you the way that she wanted to, that she was happy you came to see her. But there was no more singing… And now, the Rescue is a quieter place, your hearing not quite as sharp as it used to be, and your sweatshirts definitely more ratty-looking, but you smile through your tears, knowing that you were lucky enough to be loved by this amazing little bird named Esie, if only for a little while. ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:23:22 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/22-esmeralda.html Sigh https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/21-sigh.html Sigh is one of the most colorful Moluccans at the Refuge and that is because he wears a “Sock Buddy” donated to the Refuge from Suzanne Freeman. His guardian for twenty years was a smoker and the nicotine from the man’s hands seeped into Sigh and consequently he lost most of his feather growth --- hence resulting in the need for the “Sock Buddy”. He is very shy, but loves to be spoken to in a soft voice. He has been described as “mostly bluster, not bite,” and is very quiet for a male cockatoo. Sigh is a special needs bird, but that doesn’t detract from his wonderful personality in the least. Sigh has moved from adoptee to permanent resident. Sigh came to us in 2004 because his guardian was stricken with emphysema from years of cigarette smoking. This is also why Sigh is a severe feather-picker and mutilator. Sigh had a hole in his chest and was completely un-handlable when he first came to us. He also was so unsteady that he could not/would not step up. Since living at the Refuge, his chest has healed, he steps up (well, most of the time) and he has fallen for one of our other permanent residents, PJ. Seeing his progress coupled with a long list of medications he is on (nutritional support, pain management, and hypo-thyroid medication), the Board has decided that Sigh would best be served by becoming a permanent resident and here is where he will stay for the rest of his life. ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:22:11 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/21-sigh.html Professor https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/20-professor.html Professor had found his forever home! Professor came to us because his dad became too sick to take care of him any longer. We didn't know how old he was, but he was a friendly bird, easily steped up on any offered hand. He whistled a lot and responded very easily to all whistles. He did not like to cuddle close, but he would hang out on your shoulder all day if he could. In 2015, Professor ended up in the hospital where his vet discovered a mass. His moms felt it was in his best interest to euthanize him, as he likely wouldn't have tolerated exploratory surgery well. Professor spent his last several years very loved by his two moms and Miss Allie, an Alexandrian parrot and Precious, a Blue-Crowned Conure who was also adopted from the Refuge. Professor will be very missed by all who knew and loved him!]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:18:43 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/20-professor.html Jasmine https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/19-jasmine.html 9/18/2007 – It is with a very saddened heart that I must say that Jasmine lost his battle today. He put up a very valiant fight right up to the end, but it was simply too much for his body to handle. I visited with him this afternoon to send him on his journey. A necropsy will be performed this evening and we should hear something hopefully by late tonight and I will report to all of you as I get more information. Thanks, Rich Hi All, I just spoke with Sue Horton. The necropsy results are in and Jasmine died of aspergillosis. He had a large granuloma in his cyrinx that she suspects grew for about the last two weeks. She was amazed that he lasted as long as he did, he was a real trooper and I sure do miss him, loud mouth and all. And, I was right, Jasmine was a boy. Thanks for all the kind words of support for Karen and I, it really helps to know that we have a real family with all of you, you all mean so much to Karen and I and we don't know what we would do without you. We love you from the bottom of our hearts and deeply thank you for all you do for our babies! I have attached some pictures of our baby Jasmine in his better times. If anyone has pictures other than what I have attached here of him, please forward them to me. Once again I'd like to thank Eric for his attention to Jasmine's cause, he may have suffered immeasurably all night that night and at least Jasmine rested comfortably on oxygen. Thanks, Karen & Rich 09/17/2007 Hi Everyone, For those of you who don't know, Jasmine is in the hospital. Eric noticed his breathing was labored last night and notified me. He was correct and I felt it was a partial airway obstruction. I rushed him to the ER and it worsened on the ride over to the point he lost his voice. After several hours, it was determined that it would be best to keep him overnight so I left him there. His night was uneventful. He will be transferred to Chicago Exotics in the morning for further evaluation and I will keep you all posted. Keep Jasmine in your prayers. And Eric, nice job, this is the true essence of why we do what we do and caring about what we do. It is seeing that it is much more than just coming here and cleaning the cages. It is the small things that if left unnoticed, could mean the difference between life and death and I truly believe that you saved his life! Thanks, Rich Jasmine was one of the most vocal cockatoos at the Refuge and loves attention. He stepped up, especially for a piece of fruit. Strings were his favorite things to play with. ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:16:51 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/19-jasmine.html Scout https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/18-scout.html It is with a heavy heart that we are posting the loss of Scout, our long-lived Peach Faced Lovebird. Scout was a fiesty little lovebird who acted like she was a cockatoo. She protected her cage fiercely and is a whiz at chewing up her cage paper into tiny little strips.We all know well how careful we all had to be when cleaning her cage as she defended her carefully-crafted paper shavings with wild abandon. She was a trooper though and while Karen was her chosen one, I know we will all miss her. She was diagnosed with heart disease and died after spending some quality time saying goodbye. While we didn't really know her true age, she was with us for far too short a time. Fly free Scout until we meet again. Karen Rae Weiner and Richard S Weiner]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:15:14 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/18-scout.html Pierce https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/17-pierce.html Sadly, Pierce passed away during the Summer of 2014. Her necropsy showed that her organs were quite old and just couldn't support her body any longer. Pierce will be greatly missed! Pierce was a Red Tailed Hawk female who lived in the back garden. She was injured by a car and lost the first 8 or so bones in her one wing. She could not fly effectively, but could jump high enough and loved to attack her food! She was very curious and watched you very carefully for food when you walked towards her cage. We hid the quails behind our backs as we walked up, or else she'd jumps right out of the cage as soon as you opened the door! She had literally run around the cage a couple of times after one of the volunteers with her food in their hands!]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:09:12 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/17-pierce.html Fred https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/16-fred.html Fred came to us in the middle of 2008. He was an adorable, soft, white cockatoo with a beautiful crest. At first shy, he turned out to be a lover. He loved any attention and loved to come out of his cage and just watch you cleaning his cage. It is with a very sad and heavy heart that we must write this most difficult e-mail. Freddie passed away late last night. We received a call from Pete Sakas who went into work on his off time after receiving my urgent email regarding Freddie’s ailing health. When I got up in the morning I felt she was not doing well so brought her back to the hospital and was afraid she would not make it. She perked up a bit, but when Pete called me near midnight last night, the news was not good. He went to pet her to see how she was doing and she passed away in his arms. I was there for her necropsy early this morning and preliminarily he is declaring it to be a heart attack, pending further testing. She was a good bird and we are all very deeply saddened by the loss and are missing her terribly today. Take the time to hug your birds a little more today in memory of Freddie for she is now flying free with Koa, Jasmine, Peaches, Essy, Tara, Lucci, & Vytus. Thanks, Rich and Karen]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:07:17 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/16-fred.html Churro https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/15-churro.html In memory of Churro, a beloved pet cockatiel. Churro was very loved by his family and even had a best feathered friend, another pet cockatiel.]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:05:15 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/15-churro.html Cecil https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/14-cecil.html Cecil, Wow, where do I begin. I found you on a farm that was burned down by arsonists and you were all of 5 pounds. I found you with your sister Beanie who had passed years ago. I know you are with her again. You were so loving and I took you home to find you a new home and you worked your way into my heart and here you stayed for 23 years. You were a good girl Cecil, all the way up to the end. I only wish I had more patience with you, I am truly sorry for that. I also wish I could have been there when you crossed over, but maybe you planned it that way. You were always such a good little girl and we all truly miss you. The birds and Patches miss you too as you were such an inspiration to us all. We will meet you over the bridge when our time comes. With love, Rich and the crew]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 20:03:39 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/14-cecil.html Shikoba https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/13-shikoba.html ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 19:55:59 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/13-shikoba.html Gracie https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/12-gracie.html Gracie was found outdoors in Chicago, and we couldn’t find anyone looking for her. I met her when I picked her up at the vet after she passed the disease testing. She was in a clear acrylic container. Nonetheless, I wiggled my finger in what I call “the international sign for offering to scratch your head.” And she ducked her head down into position. My heart was stolen. Gracie’s signature phrase is when we ask, “Are you a pirate?” In a deep voice, she answers, “Yo-ho-ho!” Gracie flew first class out to Portland, OR this summer and adjusted very well once I convinced her the construction cranes across the street (we are on the 6th floor) did not eat birds. Gracie was fortunate to get a second home together with Sylvie at one of our wonderful volunteers, Ellie's home. Unfortunately Gracie succumbed to illness and passed away shortly after she went home. Gracie was about 25 years old. She had one loving owner and good care, until her owner became ill. She went through a difficult period emotionally as her owner’s health and ability to care for her deteriorated.She began picking her feathers a bit during that time. Gracie’s very loving and not loud. She’s very healthy and a good eater. She liked a variety of foods, eggs being a special favorite. Gracie preferred men.]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 19:48:02 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/12-gracie.html Koa https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/11-koa.html “Hi Baby”. Gone, But Not Forgotten My baby Koa. You came to me when I was looking for a friend for Harley. They told me that you had two previous homes, starting from Hawaii and ending up here. You were born and named Trisha, aka Nani. Somewhere along the way, your name was changed to Koa, a hard wood indigenous to Hawaii. A name that suited you for your for tough character. The first family did not have time for you once they moved to the states and gave you away. You found another home where they placed you in a cage with an African Grey. You were picked on while you were there. You came to me very timid, with almost no feathers, and a very maloccluded beak. You also fell a lot. This was also before we were an official rescue so I knew that this would be your forever home. While your cage sits empty, your spirit lives on as strong as ever. Sleep well my baby, until we meet again! “Hi Baby” Now, To Be Heard Only In Our Hearts by Karen Stoner You began your life in paradise, on an island far from here. You were given the name Trisha, that your owners held so dear. A baby so white as snow and eyes so black as night, you were cherished for all the antics that you did and never left their sight. “Nighty night” and “Aloha” were words they said to you, but to the surprise of your parents, you spoke them back too. A nickname was given to you (Nani) which meant beautiful and everyday as you grew this name you would fulfill. Life was good but things were changing and heavy hearts drew near, for a new home was in the sights for this baby oh so dear. With sadness and tears your parents said goodbye,and gave you to a new family for only God knows why. Your stay with them was short and sweet, but change your name they did not Trisha anymore, but Koa instead. An island name for an acacia tree that seemed to fit you for every piece of wood you found you would thoroughly chew. Your journey brought you straight to me with arms I opened wide, for I knew I could give you everything that you needed to survive. Your eyes now lightened with a reddish glow looked over my place with a wonder many new faces to get to know and voices to ponder. Your once silky feathers were now dull and missing for the long journey you had taken, but now you had found the home that you had been wishing. You settled right in and made this your home your sweet voice filled the airyou also liked to play on my shoulder and vigorously preen my hair.Your voice was soft and lovely to hear with "Hi Baby" echoing in the air and when at night I would cough or sneeze you would really seem to care. A screech you would let out as if to say "I'm here, are you ok?" Then with no more sounds from my restless sleep you would simply sing away. Our favorite times were in the car when the wind was blowing by your head was out the window and you were yelling "Hi Baby” Your little bare butt with a feather or two was swaying back and forth people did a double take, but didn't have a clue. You made me laugh and gave me loveand to you I gave the same. We were meant to be, the two of us, and never separated but life for you was taken early and we had only started. Only fifteen years you shared with me but oh how they filled my heartyou leave me memories of everything from the very start. Although my tears flow now with ease your face I see so clear for you my friend have given me your heart I hold so dear. I pray that now you have your wings to soar throughout the sky for now, KOA, you’re free to see what it feels like to fly. הם עזבו אבל לא שכחו ]]> rae_ou4902vl Sat, 22 May 2021 19:40:10 +0100 https://rescuethebirds.org/about/in-memoriam/11-koa.html