This is beyond the hardest day we have ever had at the rescue. Today, Rich and I had to say goodbye to Sigh. All the volunteers had just left and José saw that Sigh was laying on the bottom of his cage. He had just eaten a walnut, which we all know how much he loved, but was motionless at the bottom. I am forever grateful that his dad (Rich) was home and not working. We both were able to say our goodbyes, how much he was loved and tell him how much he will be greatly missed by everyone. He was The Rescue!!

We brought him to PJ and Rosie to see him and give him one last preen to his head feathers. You could tell in their eyes they knew he was gone. Truly heartbreaking!! As I write this we are just leaving the clinic where a necropsy was performed by Dr. Sakas. Sigh had died from an aneurysm; he felt no pain. The little old man who was on so many meds for his heart, had a healthy beautiful heart; probably because of all the girls he loved and was loved by. We know he will be forever remember by everyone he snapped at, screamed at and those people who were lucky enough to get the kisses from him. He loved his dad so much and the feeling was mutual. That bond will never be broken. So in closing, I want to say thank you to Sigh, from all of us, for lettting us be a part of his life and now he will be a part of our memories forever. Fly baby boy. You have feathers now!!

Congratulations to Diamond who has been adopted! This little sweetie has gone to her forever home.

Come out and support us tomorrow at the Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center for our long awaited yard sale. The yard sale at Niles Animal Hospital will be in the parking lot on Sunday, August 23rd from 9am to 3pm. All proceeds will benefit A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife. Stop on by to find some treasures and also support a great cause!

The Refuge for Saving the Wildlife, Inc. is hosting a memorial walk for one of our permanent residents, Sigh, a Moluccan Cockatoo, who has recently gone on to the Rainbow Bridge. Sigh came to the refuge in early 2000 when he was in his mid-20’s. He was featherless, fearful and unable to move very well. After years of medicines, therapies and love, Sigh became a very trusting, loving and active bird until his untimely death in 2015.

Come celebrate his life and help raise public awareness about rescued birds and much needed funds to help the brothers and sisters Sigh has left to fill the void from his passing. Sigh will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Read more: Struttin' For Sigh