Clicks and flashes from cameras were going off like popcorn. Was it paparazzi there for the likes of Paris Hilton, or Britney Spears? Nope, it was way better. Wow. What an incredible afternoon. It was Lance’s Make a Wish day.
Lance is an 8 year old boy challenged with a form of muscular dystrophy. His wish was to have a parrot. A young green cheek conure was hand raised for him. A cage and gobs of supplies were donated by Kaytee/Superpet and Petland. I was asked to donate training materials. And since he is local, I was invited to attend the party in which he received his parrot. And what a day it was. Cake, balloons, family, friends……..and there in the middle was Lance just head over heals for his new parrot.
Lance’s grandmother told me he had a way with animals. And she was right. Instead of squealing and recoiling when the small parrot snuggled against his neck, he gently leaned his head towards the little bird. Lance’s hand moved with perfect precision to lightly stroke the bird’s feathers. The conure was relaxed as can be, preening, stretching and even getting a bit sleepy curled against Lance’s neck. The Kodak moments were precious and frequent.
Lance also impressed me when he cut the cake and offered the first piece to his great grandmother and then his grandmother and then everyone else in the room before he had any for himself. I was told he is usually quite shy, but he boldly came over and asked me a few questions about how to train his parrot. Apparently he has already been studying and is eager to get started.
I gave his grandmother some tips on how to deal with a young parrot chewing too hard on fingers during play and a stack of Good Bird Magazines to go with their DVD’s and books already received. It is obvious his family is an amazing support system and huge animal lovers too.
I am hoping Lance will keep in touch and let me know how things go with his conure. I am humbled and honored to have been able to play a small part in his special day.
Barbara Heidenreich
Copyright Good Bird Inc 2009
www.GoodBirdInc.com
A verry good article
ReplyDeleteIt looks like this was a well considered choice from Lance AND his family. The conure has the best start it can get, in my opinion. Catalina
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's sweet. But no pictures? I'm glad that the training was part of the gift right from the beginning. Sounds like they are going to have a fantastic relationship.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I thought about pictures. But decided maybe Lance would not want his picture on the internet.
ReplyDeleteWell if that just doesn't bring a tear of joy to you nothing will :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an wonderfully inspiring story.
How lovely you were able to share in his special day :)
What a lovely little boy, and what a lovely wish :) You must have been proud to be a part of his special day.
ReplyDeleteWasn't there another story just like this one a few years ago, but the kid got a baby Blue and Gold Macaw?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, glad knows the happiness that a bird can bring, good wish making!