Greyson, a first rescue

Matt’s first rescue was one that included my precious Ivan and his mate Greyson.  We’re not positive whether Greyson is a he or a she as it never really mattered.  What mattered was that they were in an awful place and needed rescue.  Matt drove up to New Jersey to get them and bring them here

… so many years ago.   Their story is the first story on our website under the Special Stories tab which drops down from the “At the Sanctuary” tab. 

Ivan was a Timneh Grey who passed a few years ago while Greyson continued enjoying life in the aviary with flock mates up until about 3 weeks ago when it was obvious that it was time to come into the house for more in depth care.   While inside (we will go with “she”) she perked up, played, ate very well and showed signs of improvement.  We figured she’d live out the rest of her life indoors for a year or two.

Monday, we had to help her cross over.  All she was doing was sleeping, no longer eating for the prior 24 hours so we had been hand feeding her all weekend.  She wasn’t suffering at all.  We really thought that she’d let go peacefully on her own, but no.  Sunday Night, Greyson slept next to us with a full crop in a carrier on soft towels.  Joupityr even looked over her with us.  Though, Joupityr was a bit on the jealous side.  We really thought this peacefully sleeping bird would let go overnight.

Nope.

Monday at the veterinarian’s office, we stood next to Greyson while the offensive injection that would help her cross over was injected into her failing body.  Her eyes opened as if to say one last “thank you” directly to Matt.  He is responsible for giving her a life that so many birds in desperate need of a better life will never know.    Then, her body let go after one last peaceful breath, and she was free. 

There’s no time for us to stop and properly mourn for us as we continue caring for so many who have only us to do so.  The aging population here is full of precious souls we are never ready to let go of.  Our most precious birds are our oldest birds. 

As we continue looking for someone to come along with a desire to care for the parrots here at the sanctuary, we realize more and more that the majority of people simply don’t want to do this type of work for many reasons.  One of them is feeling this kind of loss over and over and over again with no end in sight.  So, it’s just us and we keep on keep’n. 

…and the fact that most people are selfish and lazy, but that is for another post on another day.

Fly free, Greyson.  20+ years here at Project Perry were happy ones for you.  Say “hi” to Ivan for us.