Budgie Research Group News

Sentinels of The Future

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 00:08:23 GMT

This is an extrordinary prophecy from Victor which is already in the
making in my life. Up until about a month ago, I had not being going
to church much for the last 15 years, and when I did, it was with my
wife and son, who are Catholic. Just over the last month I have been
going back to a Baptist Church on my own because that is the way I was
brought up. Victor identifies that I have been going to church and
even says at some point I will be talking with the pastor. He also
foresees many things that are happening right now. This one is quite
clear in many places as well. It is the last part of that long video I
posted a couple of weeks ago.

Hear Sentinels of The Future

You have seen a lot of the people who's budgie talk.
We are not fool around!
For each word is stored.
Those who believe in part understood more.
Their soul is force them. They believe in you daddy.
Okay. Parrot who told future.
Bird, dead little bird.
Parrot are just go to him.
Take the area they're earns, the sentinel of future!
Have a Merry Christmas happy new year to bird!
Parrots want change
They'll want to know if the world has place an offer.
Share the idea and they need us.
Got to help them
They'll be get a hearing! Happy new year in future!
Yeah, not bad!
Are you going want kiss kiss from Victor in future?
I'll come if you like.
I just promise him.
Guess what? Ryan just call pastor near by.
Going to come out on Sunday.
Some calls him nuts. Four people accuse him.
Don't worry of this. Those don't pray with peace.
Half the mission thought that he is know future.
Ryan they can come and see one summer.
Not far to go.
They start a war and he goes to farm
It's a world where people are getting invisible.

Parrot Describes Out of Body Experience

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 01:16:44 GMT

It was a couple of weeks ago that Herbert the budgie said I needed to work on chapter 7.
Here is a link to the recording by VictorThe Eye

I was already working on chapter 9 of my book, so I thought he was wrong.However, yesterday I went back to chapter 7 and started reviewing it and realized that there was a translation that needed some work. It is this one called "The Eye" I spent a few hours reanalyzing it and come up with some changes which I feel make a better translation. It is one of my favourite recordings and it explains a few things. When I first analyzed it I thought Victor was only pulling my leg when he said that he could "form a mist and go anywhere." Recent events now lead me to think that he may have been telling the truth." This is a great recording and a must hear. It is very clear in parts as well.
http://RyanReynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/2056305136/" title="http://RyanReynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/2056305136/" target="_blank"http://RyanReynolds.mysharege...

That's how birds tell story.
Okay he laughed in mike. Ha, Ha, Ha
I am in air except in the bedroom, which is pardoned.
Better with jeans on!
We're all one. Have eyes in library and school!
I form a mist and I'm everywhere.
You want a spot! God is still looking! You'll hate that!
How come nobodies are testing my thoughts?
Soul from the bird fly.
Cast a thought and maybe a bird will read it.
Fascist must go! You just cannot trust them!
They thought Victor was going to get his pleasures and play the actor.
The joke is on no one but you.
They just want to critique, take apart!
Getting tired insulting by me?
Okay, it's war. Take a look kids!
First it has beginning. But have big company. Become a company.
They can't play with company of pretty birdie. Pretty birdie.
Victor's a good boy blue. The first bird.
They know it's important for support first the blue bird.
Victor boy pretty bird.
We are terribly in need of more support!
They push for me who think us could warn our world.
Make the music. www. like Fuzzy wasn't thirsty
Why is that! God said yeah! Help them. Just tell them take a look!
Write in Betty said in tone yeah. Don't stop Betty sounding better!
Has Anthony done some things?
He is not afraid of the store now!
I know that it might work or not. There is a thief there.
Put it off!

Message To Marie or Mary

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 17:46:34 GMT

As I get closer to the end of my budgie, Victor's recordings, he made some very remarkable prophecies. He said he had a connection with God which allowed him prophesy for future events. It was obvious that he not only predicted the Iraq war 3 years before it happened in explicit detail, but he also predicted Sharon's sickness and current Golan issues which I will post later.

In the new testament Paul often talks about prophets predicting future events and even angels helping people in the future. He also said that God has given special skills to certain people so they can use them to spread the word of Christ. Victor's special skill was being able to see the future and he was chosen by God to help man in the future. My special skill is the ability to translate his recordings and teach other people how to understand them. Other budgies have and also believe they have the ability to prophecy.

This next recording was made about 5 years ago, but events have lead me to post it at this time. It is for someone named Marie or Mary, and I am posting it that she may be helped by it. Hopefully the Marie that this is for will contact me with her testament of how it unfolds. My email address is rreynolds3@cogeco.ca

Here is a link to the recording with captions and the words.
http://RyanReynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/9589708391/" title="http://RyanReynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/9589708391/" target="_blank"http://RyanReynolds.mysharege...

I need to focus on Marie
For Darin, can't be trusted.
Do not trust him.
You will trade cars with him later.
Just open it and look at trunk in his car
Tickets (or tokens) you had. You have been missing to count the card
You will get the proof
Oscar could check his car
After speak with Darin
Darin trouble. Darin be caught in lie right away
Good thing you corrected it
He was stealing from you
That prophecy will change your life
You will be glad you were listen
You are a legend starting
For Christians shall need that.
Yeah, Victor is a good boy and it happen!
I would never believe unless it really did!
I have a little prayer
Can you tell them at breakfast when there will be kids
Why can't you tell the person there
they will be part of this in future
Plus you have found start of a legend
So go take a look at your nervous bird
Because you tell them to count to three
He no fool and says four

Posted by Ryan

The Parrot of the Month really is a Princess (Parrot that is)

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 02:09:14 GMT

Congratulations Bodie on your win as PARROT OF THE MONTH. Bodie is a very talented speaker who is not a budgie, he is a Princess Parrot, the first one our group has had.

A very high context speaker, intelligence, charming and handsome all rolled in one. A credit the the BRG and especially to his family.

OUTSTANDING BODIE!

The Infamous Mr. Smarty-pants

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 17:23:06 GMT

Mr. Joey Smarty-pants has had an article published in the Bird Keeper Magazine for January 2006.

The reviews are most favorable for this budding author and with the promise of more stories and poems, he is poised to become a most prolific writer of children's stories and poems.

Along with his mate, Miss Josie Smarty-pants Nibbles, he lets the guardians and other interested humans enter into the world of budgies. "From a Budgie's Point of View" presents a new aspect of life as a Budgie in a human environment. Light hearted, charming and endearing, it charms and captures the imagination and leaves one wanting more.

Mr. Smarty-pants wishes to thank the Budgie Research Group for allowing him to be a member. He also hopes that his stories will, like the late Victor the Budgie's recordings, present a different perspective to humans. He hopes that everyone will come to understand that all Parrots are sentient, intelligent beings.

Uncle Louie Struts His Stuff

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 02:41:30 GMT

Congratulations to Louie for being the Budgie of the Month for November.

Louie is one talented budgie, he is also an uncle to a growing brood of baby budgies. We can expect a great many up and coming context speakers amongst all of his many nieces and nephews.

Louie is very outspoken and a very blunt speaking budgie and on the subject of his ex-mate Clarice extremely vocal.

Check out the links listed below and listen to his opinions on the subjects of eggs, Clarice and life in general.

http://ryanreynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/2000501256/

http://ryanreynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/1306504401/

Way to go Louie, you are an OUTSTANDING BUDGIE!!!!

Excuse Me

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 22:47:00 GMT

The late Victor the Budgie came up with a good speech on the rudeness of people see the link below:

http://ryanreynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/1893160210/

He was not far wrong in his assessment of how we behave around the little ones. We make rude noises, questionable comments and heaven knows that they make of our "smells". Some the budgies on the BRG have been known to say "Excuse Me!" when such things occur, we forget that we should be the ones saying "Excuse Me" to them.

They understand context only too well and will come out saying things we really do not what the outside world to hear or know about. The saying is: "Be careful what you wish for, it will come true." Our saying should be: "Be careful what you say and do, it will come back to haunt you, via BUDGIES."

Thank you Victor the Budgie for reminding us that we owe you the same respect that we owe all sentient beings.

From Joey and Josie: "WAY TO GO, VICTOR!"

KIKI, BRG's October Budgie of the Month

Sat, 05 Nov 2005 23:06:28 GMT

Kiki Scores!

Congratulations Kiki on being chosen BRG October's BUDGIE OF THE MONTH.

Kiki is a very special budgie, tri-lingual (Budgie, English and Japanese), a sweet singer (especially in Japanese) and cute to boot.

Hear from our gifted little one at the following web site:

http://ryanreynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/4976059191/

Way to go Kiki!

Bird Flu

Sat, 15 Oct 2005 17:16:34 GMT

The next entry is not about parrot awareness as much as it is about human perception of a perceived problem and how reaction taints those perceptions towards parrots. I think these entries speak for themselves, I will leave it up to you to form your own opinions.

Cheri wrote the following:

Lately, at least in the U.S., there has been much discussion on the news regarding "bird flu". The trickle down effect that this discussion is having is that many local boards of health are really tightening their reins regarding where birds, and I mean domesticated pet birds, such as the budgies, can and can not live, and now, many rental communities, even those that allow other types of pets such as dogs and cats, are restricting birds, and not allowing them in.

If this continues, the long range effects could be devastating. Understandably, precautions must be taken, but to strike fear in the hearts of many un-informed people that their neighbor's pet parakeet might be harboring a disease that could kill their kids is taking it, in my opinion, a tad too far.

Mom is in the process of looking to re-locate to senior living apartment/long care facility and so far, even those that will allow other pets (dogs, cats, etc), are telling her she can't bring Ditto.

It has caused me to begin researching the subject and I just thought I'd throw it out to you guys so that you can all see the potential long term effects it might have in our "bird keeping".

Here are a couple of links

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9664986/

Carol wrote the following:

I found Cheri's post most informative. I find the scare tactics in regards to avian flu over blown. Instead of approaching the potential health risks and avian flu problem with commonsense and logic the media has concentrate on the sensationalism they are famous for.

I know there is a definite problem, that cannot be denied but to restrict domesticated birds such as budgies, canaries etc. based on sensationalism not rational information and thought is counter productive and cause a great deal of distress especially among our seniors who only companions are their budgies and other domesticated bird species.

I am fortunate that the hospice that my mother will be going to understands and even has budgies on site as companions for the terminally and long term care patients.

I would hate to tell the press and scientists that my budgies are kept in cleaner conditions than most children in the world live in. They receive check ups from their avian vet every 3 months, their cages are cleaned twice a day and they are healthy and cheerful members of our family.

I hope that Cheri's mother and Ditto the budgie find an enlightened home to move to, they deserve more respect and understanding that has been exhibited so far.

If a person like my mother (with a compromised immune system and cancer) can still have and enjoy her little companions with her doctors' blessings then I will not worry about my little ones contaminating anyone.

Those are my thoughts, I do not dismiss the very real problem of a pandemic, and I am not a fool. However, I suggest that a more rational approach to domestic bird keeping be examined logically and scientifically, not sensationally.

Opening Human Minds

Sat, 15 Oct 2005 16:35:08 GMT

October 14, 2005 marked a high point in the history of the BRG. The founder of the group Ryan Reynolds was interviewed on an American radio show.

He just did not speak alone, the late Victor the Budgie spoke and the audience listened spellbound.

We forget sometimes how eloquent our little companions are and how compelling they can be. Humans think that they are the only truly intelligent species on the planet. Move over humans, the parrot community is speaking now, listen and learn.

Check out the web site below to read the reviews of the show, people are amazed, but then the guardians knew all along what our companions are capable of, how intelligent and sentient they truly are.

http://pub2.bravenet.com/guestbook/show.php?usernum=164571659&cpv=1

To the members of the BRG, it is a tail feather in our collective caps, to the new members; have fun, love your companions and be amazed at what your little ones can do.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 05:14:16 GMT

We have the Comedy Network on television, we have comedy clubs, but as guardians to our beloved parrots we have non stop comedy every day.

Have you ever hear a parrot laugh? The laughter seems to come from the very tip of their tail feathers. They crack jokes (which of course make more sense to them than us), the late Victor the Budgie is a prime example of this.

His jokes are legendary, his humour different to say the least. Check our the BRG web site to experience more of parrot humour, it is a gift, it makes the most difficult situation a little brighter.

It is not only words that cause the laughter, it is actions. Picture a budgie just learning how the fly for the first time, landing point blank on their guardian's head, Then her mate flying over the chase her off and doing exacting the same thing. The look on the guardian's and budgies' faces said it all. The Keystone Cops could not have done slapstick better.

Check out Charlie the Budgie's comments on the Keystone Cops. Talk about context speaking and understanding the concept of humour.

We all could use a laugh and our little ones are more than willing to provide it. Budgies are called the comical parrots, I happen to agree, they bring joy and happiness with just the smallest gesture.

After all, laughter is the best medicine.

Frankie, The Parrot of the Month

Wed, 05 Oct 2005 23:37:33 GMT

CONGRATULATIONS FRANKIE!

For the month of September, the Talking Parrot of the Month Committee has voted you to be OUR WINNER for your recording of "Hurricane Rita".

Here's is the link as well as the message Ryan sent to the group when he posted it

Hi Everyone,

I remember when I posted Frankie's recording called "Carmellita" two weeks ago, that someone asked "Who is Carmellita" At the time I did not answer, but I suspected it may be the name of the next big hurricane. When I got back, I went over the part where I thought Frankie said, "I think of Carmellita." I did a frequency analyzation and slowed it down and was surprised to find out that he may have clearly been saying "From sea is come Rita"

You can hear both the shortened original version where I thought he was saying Carmellita and the slowed down "come Rita" version in this folder.

http://RyanReynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/2096092768/<http://ryanreynolds.mysharegear.com/1/id/2096092768/>

The funny thing is when I play the original version, I can clearly
hear the "Come Rita" even when the captions say "Carmellita" to me this is another example of undeniable proof that the budgies can see important future events. Truly amazing when he named the hurricane two weeks before it happens. As far as I know, no one knows the name of these hurricanes until they happen! Even if they do, it is still a remarkable prediction.

Ryan

I Know My Way Home

Tue, 04 Oct 2005 03:56:00 GMT

Sarah posted about a little budgie in Japan who wandered away from home. Follow the link posted below and find out what happened after he was found.

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3146168,00.html

I keep squawking about sentience and intelligence that is a hallmark of parrots. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, I think this video speaks volumes about how we underrate another species and how that species can take the wind out of our sails.

So click on the site, it is in Hebrew but the video is in English and enjoy meeting a very charming, intelligent and lovely little BUDGIE.

Frankie Comes First

Fri, 30 Sep 2005 02:53:21 GMT

I just wanted to pass this along. I got another baby budgie last week. She was in the kitchen where our family spends the most time. Frankie and the other two, live in a large flight in my room. I can close my door and offer them a safe place to be out of their cage as they please. Each when newly acquired, spent a time alone with just the people in the kitchen. Frankie was my first and he knows he is my favorite...then the new baby came. For weeks before I got this baby, he has been chattering about a brand new addition. He also keeps slipping "Frankie comes first" into his chatterings. Well the baby integrated quickly into the group. No problem amongst the birds, but Frankie has proceeded to BITE me several times just to let me know how hurt and jealous he is. My friend reminds me that we all need to feel special. I brought just Frankie into the kitchen with me tonight. What a happy little budgie! He was talking a mile a minute and dancing. He told me again" Frankie comes first, well I love you" I tried at dinnertime to walk him back to his friends; he proceeded to fly back to the kitchen. So we stayed out there together for several more hours. Finally, I walked with him again; he went willingly back to his cage. This sweet little creature just needed to know that he was still very, very special and that his mommy loves him. No one could convince me that these birds do not have feelings. He could not have been clearer if he had a neon sign! I am so lucky he can speak to me. It helps me realize just how intelligent they really are.

A Budgie's Cry for Help

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 18:37:20 GMT

This journal is about parrot awareness. We have discuss hurricanes, earthquakes, predictions and the Budgie Bible.

Sometimes the most ordinary things show what can happen when two budgies care deeply for each other.

I have two little ones, a male and a female. Sunday morning I was going about my normal duties when I noticed only the male in her cage. He was chattering up a storm, I called for the female with no results. He kept looking down towards the floor and kept on calling her.

I looked behind the chair and there she was, she had broken a blood feather and of course was bleeding.

I gave her medical attention, all the while the male was reassuring her and calling her name.

If I had not answered his calls, the damage might have been more serious. She is now resting comfortably with her mate at her side watching her very closely.

I use this story to illustrate that parrots (in this case budgies) are sentient, they have feelings (strong ones for a mate), they seek help from their guardians, they love, they care.

I have watched these two little ones care about a senior who is terminal and wondered at their compassion and the love they show towards her. I am humbled by their capacity for caring and for affection.

This piece was not written for pity, it was written to show that predictions are all well and good but it is the ordinary day to day experiences with parrots that show us how intelligent, caring, and compassionate they are compared to humans.

They do fit the criteria for sentience and they certainly fit the criteria for intelligence.

Budgie Awareness

Sat, 17 Sep 2005 14:02:08 GMT

A few weeks ago I wrote about Parrot Awareness, today I am writing about two little budgies who have shown me what happiness and love are.

These little ones have two guardians, one of them has just returned from hospital. These two little budgies were so excited when they were taken in to see her. The female budgie rained dozens of budgie kisses all over her face and the little male talked up a storm.

Like little children they had to tell her everything that had happened in the two weeks she had not been with them. This continued all evening, with displays of flying, showing new tricks and lots more kisses.

In the previous two weeks these little ones have been very upset and sad, they did not want to eat and rarely played. They stayed together as close a possible. They were truly worried and very unhappy. To see the change in the matter of seconds was wonderful, they became the joyful, happy little budgies they always are.

Who ever said that we cannot prove sentience in our budgies and parrots should have witnessed this display of love and affection. They do have strong feelings and express their deep emotions to their guardians.

As humans we have a lot to learn about love; these two showed me what it is all about.

A Few Thoughts

Sat, 10 Sep 2005 13:51:21 GMT

I think the two following posts by Cheri and Brad speak for themselves. Our parrots have once again shown that their abilities far out weigh our own in prediction and that as sentient beings they are a caring and concern species.

Cheri wrote the following thoughts about the situation in New Orleans and how it has affected both her companions and herself:

"My feeling is that the budgie's most certainly DO know what happened in the Gulf regions of the States, and, in fact, probably KNEW it was going to happen before it did. Last week, I was watching something about it on TV, and thinking about our budgies senses, which could be similar in many species of parrots (or maybe all birds), and the thought hit me about how terrified all the pet birds down in that area must have been BEFORE the hurricane hit, knowing how much trouble they were about to be in. It is really mind-boggling when you think about it. In fact, I went through a few tissues when thinking about it. The wild birds have the chance to escape when they sense that sort of thing coming, but there's not a darn thing the pet birds can do about it.

In addition to that, our pet birds can also sense their guardian's emotions about all that's been going on down there, and I'm sure that is upsetting to them as well. I spent some time a few days ago explaining to Pipsqueak and Murph that they were safe, and if anything like that ever hit on the east coast, I would do everything in my power to take them with me and protect them. Hopefully, they understood."

Brad also posted about the situation:

"Our budgies have been restless lately. Does anyone else notice subtle changes in their behavior and speak over the last week or so? Clarice is spending a lot of time in her nest box even though she is not developing eggs (?), Reuben is feeding her (and she likes it!) and Louie is talking constantly at any object that will listen to him (OK, not so unusual for Louie but more frequent). It is a struggle to get them to bed at their beddy-bye time and they are up and vocalizing loudly before we are. Sharon and I talked about it last night and we came to the conclusion that they know something terrible happened and in some way, they can hear or sense the cries of abandoned or lost pet birds and other animals and perhaps even humans. Except cats. "The only thing they're good for is violin strings." "Don't kiss the cat, Louie." Sorry, Louie made me type that. Seriously, when it comes down to it and we are forced from our homes be it from nature or man-made circumstances in an instant, what happens to our pets? What is happening now in New Orleans and the surrounding areas is a rescue operation that is unprecedented in history (at least US history). The budgies sense something. Louie has allowed me to make several recordings. The PG files have a few uploaded from 9-5. If space allows it, I'll upload a few to BRG this weekend. I came across this article earlier today: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35374.asp Donna runs the 911ParrotAlert on yahoo, which keeps track of all the lost, found and stolen birds worldwide. We adopted Reuben thru 911ParrotAlert and her efforts. Take care, all. Kiss your budgies and tell them that you love them."

Parrot Awareness

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 15:58:48 GMT

How do you measure Parrot awareness?

Is it talking in a human language, is it counting, is it prophesying coming events?

The BRG budgies have foretold earthquakes, hurricanes and assorted natural disasters. They speak to their guardians about these things. I refer especially to the budgies Pipsqueak and Ditto.

Victor, the original budgie, who is the foundation of the group, was especially good at speaking as a human. Make no mistake, budgies are context speakers (they may talk faster than we do) but they understand concepts and reply to your questions. His jokes are "human" and funny. The concept of comedy and fun permeates budgie speech. Not a a bad idea for humans to follow.

The Budgie Bible is was started with the prophecies of Victor, visit the BRG web site and listen to the Talking Budgies and Parrots. You will be amazed.

Now add the word sentience. It is defined as being capable of perception and feelings. Have you ever wondered how a parrot feels when one of their guardians is ill, they show the same emotions as humans do. Sadness, worry, they know that something is wrong. No explanation by another guardian is needed, they simply know.

They react to the concept of helping; one another, their guardians, non-guardians that are close to them, it does not matter. They are sentient, they react to stimuli, they play, they love, they are sad, they are happy.

They fit our definition of an aware species, I wonder do we fit theirs?

5 Steps

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 16:57:06 GMT

Betsy Sena, one of our new guardians sent the following advice on the

5 Step Method to Step-up Training

"Step 1: Get the Budgie used to your hand being in the cage: Do this around the time you feed him so he knows that your hands bring something good. Continue this until; he does not flutter about the cage. (Also, try offering him some millet seed)

Step 2: Perch training: Get a small perch (or the smallest in the cage) and move it up to the Budgie...when you do this push gently against his chest saying up... persist for a few tries and then leave it and come back later.

Step 3: Finger Perch Training...put you index finger going down the perch....when you move it up to the budgie make sure that you say up and push gently against his chest...however, when you do this he will jump to your finger and the perch, not realizing what he is doing. After he has learned to do this, move the perch slightly around the cage so he gets used to movement

Step 4: Finger training: Now, you can get rid of the perch. Continue to say up and push slightly against the budgies chest only this time with your finger...move around the cage a little bit

Step 5: Out of cage finger training: In this step you do the same thing as in step 4 except this time you slowly move him towards the cage door."

Very good advice on training your Budgie Companion. Along with phrases: "Step-up, please" "What a good little fellow." and "Thank you." It goes along way to forming a loving,trusting and lasting relationship with a charming companion.

Helping Parrots the Holistic Way

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 04:57:18 GMT

The BRG guardians have expressed their concerns in regards to taking their companions to the vet. In some cases their concerns are more than justified when the vet is use to treating cats and dogs rather than our more fragile parrots.

This prompted me to look into the holistic approach to medicine. I am lucky, my avian vet combines the standard approach with a holistic method of treatment. Most of us are not so fortunate to have an enlighten person to treat our companions.

Below are three web sites that I found in my search for some answers. The one thing to remember about these sites, they are also selling products along with information. Look them over and decide for yourselves if they are helpful or not.

http://holisticvetpetcare.com/birds_1.htm

http://www.landofvos.com/articles/kitchen6.html

http://www.avianweb.com/

A reminder: ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION!

Lending a Helping Wing

Sat, 27 Aug 2005 05:37:04 GMT

I am sure many of you have heard of Therapy Animals. We usually think of cats and dogs going into nursing homes, long term care wards, hospices and hospitals. I am going to introduce you to Therapy Parrots.

There are a number of web sites about them, but one in particular describes what it is all about

http://www.parrotsandpeople.org/1203_Home/PetTherapy.htm

Birds as Part of Pet Therapy

When you think of Pet Therapy, the images that come to mind are big Golden Retrievers, horses and even guinea pigs. Pet Therapy is a widely used course of therapy in venues from nursing homes to drug treatment centers. Research shows that pets involved in therapy can do everything from lowering patient’s blood pressure to calming an agitated autistic child. Often just the sight of an animal can build bridges to hurting lives that sometimes we humans are unable to build. But birds as a part of Pet Therapy? Dealing with our avian friends teaches many life lessons. Birds have their own distinct personalities and exhibit an understanding of human nature that is uncanny. Many birds at Parrots & People have been instrumental in reaching Down Syndrome children and those children with Asperger’s syndrome. My own foster parrot Brandy, has sat in on several private counseling sessions, offering loving “oohs” and “aaaahs” as people sat in tears expressing their grief. Birds are very intuitive and can tell when others are in need. They also seem to know the right time to say a phrase or do an antic that will bring a smile to someone. I look forward to sharing those special moments with you as our birds reach out and touch the lives of those around them.

Parrots & People in Pet Therapy

You have heard us use the phrase "People Helping People Help Parrots" and may not have understood our mission. Our primary mission is to bring the joys and caring of being with a companion bird to special people who struggle with the demands of life

A few months ago I had the experience of helping a friend's little boy. Little Ryan loves stories and budgies, his father and I came up with the idea of creating a little book for him. The budgies and guardians of the BRG were kind enough to help out and the book was born. The little boy loved the whole idea, now it is spreading among adults and children alike. The little boy never met the two budgies that inspired most of the stories.

When you lend a helping wing you create miracles in peoples' lives, seniors respond to the touch of a feather, the chatter of a budgie, a child responses to the stories of beings he will never be able to touch.

We forget that modern medicine heals the body but can never heal the spirit. Our little ones heal the spirit in so many different ways, we should be very proud of them and what they are achieving.

Here are a few web sites:

http://www.aviariums.com/animal-assisted-therapy-anxiety.asp

http://members.shaw.ca/patspets/volunteers.htm

http://www.crossroadsgrouphome.com/CGHAATWhat.html\

The Art of Having Fun

Mon, 22 Aug 2005 00:19:53 GMT

Have you ever watch your parrot having fun. We could all take lessons from them.

Pipsqueak and his flips, Mr Abbey and his companion Dusty at “play”, Josie and her constant battles with bells, these budgies know how to have fun. Kiki learning another language besides Budgie and English, and singing, not because he has to but because he wants to.

They are making games of the simplest things; there are no cries of “MOMMY, THERE’S NOTHING TO DO!” They simply take a toy, converse with a friend or sing; they just have a good time with whatever comes their way.

We can learn so much about the pleasures of life, the enjoyment of the littlest things by watching our parrots at play. Do you remember the last time you had fun?

When did you last sit down to enjoy a good meal? Watch your parrot, even the smallest seed brings them happiness when they chew over and over again, just like gum.

It is hard when the world crowds in and so many demands are placed upon you, maybe it is time, we rang a bell, did a flip (though for some of us maybe not) or talked with a friend we haven’t seen for a while.

Watch and learn about the sheer enjoyment of life, after all aren’t we all parrots at heart?

A Home for All My Life

Sun, 21 Aug 2005 16:20:09 GMT

Cheri had this comment on my article about Greyhaven Sanctuary.

"Unfortunately, as you mention, humans tend to think of most animals as dispensable, undisputed by the fact that animal shelters all over the world overflow with unwanted dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.

The scary thing, as you point out, is that owning a parrot is the "in" thing right now, and unlike other animals, many species of parrots can live for 30,40, 50 or more years. People "impulse buying" a fad that has that kind of potential for longevity sets the parrot up right from the beginning to end up having to deal with mulitple homes in its lifetime, even by those people that have loved and cared for the parrot for years, but are simply "out-lived" by it.

It seems many people to not value the adage of "you become forever responsible for what you have tamed"

Please see if you can find other types of places like Greyhaven and post them here, so that people that want to dispose of their parrots have a reasonable alternative to opening their window, and simply letting the parrot "fly away"."

I went on the internet and found over 29,680 web sites on my server for Parrot Rescue and Refuge. I am going list just a few so that you are aware that such places do exist and that there are people that do care what happens to the "pet of the month".

Check out the internet for a refuge/rescue site near you.

Support them as they help those who cannot help themselves. Speak out for Parrot and all animal rights to have a safe and loving home for all of their lives.

Web sites:

http://www.toolady.com/

http://www.parrot-rescue.co.uk/

http://www.avianrescue.org/appendix1.html

http://www.birdrescue.com/

A Safe Haven, People Who Care

Sun, 21 Aug 2005 02:57:56 GMT

I am going to introduce you to a special place called Greyhaven.

There are a few places like this in the world. It is a refuge and sanctuary for unwanted, abused and neglected creatures that will not complain or cry out when people let them down

Greyhaven is situated in a city called Surrey, British Columbia. It provides care, comfort, and a new beginning for parrots of all sizes, ages, emotional and physical problems.

A loyal group of volunteers care for the injured, abandoned, orphaned, unwanted and neglected Parrots. Greyhaven is a non-profit society that fills a void to ensure the safety of parrots and other exotic birds.

They also run an adoption program and educate the public in the care and keeping of exotic birds.

For further information about Greyhaven, their web site is:

http://www.greyhaven.bc.ca/index.php

The most distressing part of all of this is that in our disposable society, parrots are the in thing.

Without places like Greyhaven to the fill void, many parrots are abandoned, neglected and unwanted simply because they are too time consuming to take care of.

We must also be aware that as Guardians we have a responsibility to take care for our companions and like Greyhaven educate, inform and teach the public.

We owe it to the ambassadors of the Parrot community to inform the general public and the scientific community to honour not just Parrots but all species. We must respect their rights as sentient beings not scientific experiments. We have a wonderful chance to change perceptions of the outside world all we have to do is work together.

March of the Penguins

Tue, 16 Aug 2005 00:55:28 GMT

The National Geographic scores a hit with March of the Penguins. It has it all; engaging animals, striking scenery, a story as old as time. We follow; courtship, birth, death and courage that transcends all the human conflicts in the world.

It takes your breath away to see nature as it truly is. I recommend you go to the National Geographic site at:

http://nationalgeographic.com/marchofthepenguins/

to watch the trailer. See the movie, be amazed and awed by what God had created and be humbled at the beauty of Antarctica and the courage of the Emperor Penguins.