I love that bird, I do. That's why it's a genuine conflict. I love the little bird, but it's a breathtaking responsibility. I didn't want another bird, but the better half can't live without, so who gets to win and who has to lose? We are trying a middle way. He gets a bird, and I choose how much to be involved. If I want to go on an expedition - like going to see the eclipse in Oregon next year - then I go, instead of whining about all the things I can't do because bird. If he wants to go, we figure out how to bring him along or arrange care. I'm lucky because my sister has 7 cats, and the only way they can go on vacation is if I stay at her house and take care of them. They are high maintenance. This creates pet sitting detente. So when we need to go, we install bird in the large spare cage upstairs where the cats don't go. Bird doesn't get as much attention as home, but she spends as much time with him as possible, and the BFA accepted her enough to take food, step up, whistle and sing and talk and I expect Gus will do even better. I guess point is we both make the choices we need to make, let one another make those same choices, and trust that we have enough love and goodwill between us to make it work.
I did not sign the adoption papers because I wasn't willing to make that lifetime promise, but I don't think it changes how I feel about him. It would be very hard to let go of Gus after even this short time, so as the years go by he will be pretty entrenched in my heart. I hope I will do right by him. I am nearly overcome with the warmth and support of this group, and it gives me a little more confidence knowing that if we run into troubles with his health or care, there are helpful voices who can answer questions and give good advice. It makes me think I can do this, because I don't have to do it alone. On Gus's, my husband's and my own behalf, humble thanks to all.
:red: need more newspaper!
I even believe I saw you write it yourself 
