Sighhh... :-((

[AmyMyBlueFront]

....well he is gone..The Cockatoo Man...

Just about everyone knows of Arleens' and my plight we have had with the Little Beady-Eyed monster...

I have been trying to deal with this "so called" parrot rescue in Hartford <CT> about 45 minutes north of us.

The contact between us was always thru emails, I could NOT get a phone number from them so I could talk directly..That alone raised my first suspicions.
When we finally got to the point of making a day/time to surrender the little guy,we did have a pretty nasty winter storm that "supossedly" knocked out their computer/power for the day. OK,that could have been plausible,because Hartford did loose power for most of the day.
But my work schedule really screwed with business times.me working seven days a week,from 6pm to 3am.

I was finally able to get time of yesterday and I DEMANDED to talk to someone on the phone about all this before surrendering Bonesy.

The guy called,we made time arrangements for the surrender,and he provided me with a call-back number,and I obviously needed DIRECTIONS to the business.
The guy sent me an email with a call-back number and google directions to the place..but just a street address and building number. <this was my 2nd "Hmmmmmm" thought about this operation>

I was told that because of "safty reasons" for both Jones,myself,and the "rescue" people,we had to meet in a public spot. <RED FLAG>!

I told the guy Friday that I would be calling about 11am to "notify" the rescue people that we would be on our way.
Now because I was told they operate thru donations only,a non-profit organization, I was asked if I could bring his house,some food,maybe a couple of toys etc.
I wasn't about to hand over a new $350 condo I got for him,so I cleaned/outfitted his old apartment with a couple new perches,got a couple new food/water/nummy bowls,and got him a 2.5 lb bag of real good Kaytee grub and a couple honey sticks and a couple new bangie/yoink on toys. Over $60 worth,just to GIVE this poor little guy AWAY.

So I picked up my friend Joe,to take along with us.. <did I mention it is the COLDEST day of the year,breaking all-time temps of wind speeds up to 35 to 40 mph,bringing the wind-chill temp down to MINUS 25 to 35 degrees???>

On my way, I call the place only to hear on the other end of the phone.."this number is no longer in service"!! and when we arrived it was a condo complex, NO business setting??

WE turned around and I left!!

Because this post is so long, I will continue later today.


Jim

 

[RavensGryf]

Oh no! Now I can't wait to read the rest of the story!

 

[sonja]

I'm interested to hear the rest of the story, too!
But a couple comments on what you've written so far for others considering working with a rescue to surrender or adopt (from someone who has done rescue for 18 years):
- I do not easily make my phone number available either until close to the end of an adoption or surrender process. Several reasons: rescue is a 24 hour a day job. People think nothing of calling at 3am to ask if a dog is house trained, or instead of leaving a message will call over and over and over until I answer. Rescuers are volunteers. Most have regular jobs. I can't answer 18 phone calls at work. So email is much more in my control. And still, with my rescue, you will never wait more than an hour or so for a response unless I'm asleep. Another reason is that email is a record of what is discussed. No "but you said" later as happens with phone calls.

- giving a street address and not directions. I can't tell you the last time I've given anyone directions. Everyone has GPS now. If someone needs directions and doesn't have GPS I expect that they can Mapquest the same as I could.

- "giving away" an animal and supplies. Yes rescues (legit ones) are non profits. Rescuers put countless hours of their own time and countless dollars of their own money to support the animals on top of what donation money and adoption fees provide. And we do it willingly, because we want to, but please don't begrudge a rescue some food and supplies to help an animal that you want them to help with because you can no longer keep him. Believe me, the rescuers are not sitting around saying haha we took that guy for some perches!

- About going to a condo: the vast majority of rescues to not have a central shelter and work exclusively from foster homes. If you surrender or adopt an animal from me, you come to my house. And while I will show you other rescues that may be here and you can see how they live, it is still my house and people are not free to roam about at will.

So, I agree that this rescue does not sound legit but not for any of the above reasons. It sounds shady mostly because of the disconnected number and the difficulty communicating.
So I look forward to hearing what happened next!

And for folks considering surrendering or adopting from a rescue - check them out on Google. Search the rescues name, email address, name of person you talk to and any phone number you get. If you search all of these things you can get a pretty good idea if they are legit or not just from the search results.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Re: Sighhh... :-(( The Cockatoo Man's story continues..

...ok,where was I?? :54:

Now in between all this, I had been going to my local "Mukie Mart" the neighborhood convienience store,about 1/4 of a mile from my house,and TJ had been showing great interest in adopting Jonesy,telling me that she and her hubby have had birds <a 'keet or two,and a BF 'zon> over the years and had experience.

I told her of Jone's 'too'd..Jeckyl/Hyde personality,his screechin', his cussin', and of his good qualities but that didn't phase her. And even last summer,I had brought Amy in,for a very quick and informal meet and greet,and just fell in love with Amy.. <who doesn't/wouldn't? such a lovable BF lol>

I had told TJ that I had already committed to the "rescue" and she was visibly sad .
So after leaving this rescue/fiasco thing,and still having Jonesy in his pet carrier I stopped at the store and brought his carrier in with me. And Jonesy just charmed his way right into her heat lol
I opened his door and he immediately climbed right out,his hat held high, doing his "this way and that way" with his head all the while proclaiming what a good cockatoo man he is,and telling her to "c'mon..come 'mere" AND he just jumped right up onto TJ's arm,allowing her to skrithch his little noggin'.

That's all it took lol. I left his house and bag of goodies there,took him back home with me,and brought him back down to her and her hubby last night.
Hubby and TJ had ear to ear grins, Jonesy DID show his rotten side,but that didn't bother them. I gave them all sorts of info on what to expect...what he needs in life,what he likes and doesn't. They asked all sorts of questions. I am bringing down info on how to join this wonderful sight/forum later today.

As far as the rescue place.. I have NO clue on what it is! Someone told me it could be a place/people who do this type of thing where they get unwanted birds,for free,and just resell them to make money..or to find them a mate to make babies to sell....and MAKE MONEY? I don't really know. All I do know is that Bonesy deserved much better treatment..that he made two people <well four really...Arleen and I lol> very happy,and I'm just down the road where I can get as many updates as I want :54:


Jim

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I'm interested to hear the rest of the story, too!
But a couple comments on what you've written so far for others considering working with a rescue to surrender or adopt (from someone who has done rescue for 18 years):
- I do not easily make my phone number available either until close to the end of an adoption or surrender process. Several reasons: rescue is a 24 hour a day job. People think nothing of calling at 3am to ask if a dog is house trained, or instead of leaving a message will call over and over and over until I answer. Rescuers are volunteers. Most have regular jobs. I can't answer 18 phone calls at work. So email is much more in my control. And still, with my rescue, you will never wait more than an hour or so for a response unless I'm asleep. Another reason is that email is a record of what is discussed. No "but you said" later as happens with phone calls.

- giving a street address and not directions. I can't tell you the last time I've given anyone directions. Everyone has GPS now. If someone needs directions and doesn't have GPS I expect that they can Mapquest the same as I could.

- "giving away" an animal and supplies. Yes rescues (legit ones) are non profits. Rescuers put countless hours of their own time and countless dollars of their own money to support the animals on top of what donation money and adoption fees provide. And we do it willingly, because we want to, but please don't begrudge a rescue some food and supplies to help an animal that you want them to help with because you can no longer keep him. Believe me, the rescuers are not sitting around saying haha we took that guy for some perches!

- About going to a condo: the vast majority of rescues to not have a central shelter and work exclusively from foster homes. If you surrender or adopt an animal from me, you come to my house. And while I will show you other rescues that may be here and you can see how they live, it is still my house and people are not free to roam about at will.

So, I agree that this rescue does not sound legit but not for any of the above reasons. It sounds shady mostly because of the disconnected number and the difficulty communicating.
So I look forward to hearing what happened next!

And for folks considering surrendering or adopting from a rescue - check them out on Google. Search the rescues name, email address, name of person you talk to and any phone number you get. If you search all of these things you can get a pretty good idea if they are legit or not just from the search results.

Yes I believe you are correct in your statements here,and they are all very legit reasons for doing/not doing things,and I believe the person I was dealing with mentioned exactly the same reasons you mention..perhaps I was/am too quick to jump the gun


Jim

 

[ToMang07]

Jim, I'm very glad you took the time to do the right thing, and glad Jonsey found a new home. You guys and Amy should be happy.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Jim, I'm very glad you took the time to do the right thing, and glad Jonsey found a new home. You guys and Amy should be happy.

Thanks Tom..its really weird here now...my son moved out yesterday <YIPPIE>!!, his bedroom is empty,except for Jones' house ..poor Amy has been exceptionally quiet < I know she is missing her BFF>...<Best Feathered Friend>, and so am I,and Arleen,believe it or not lol.

At least Bonesys' new parronts are right down the street from us,and it'll be much easier to get a progress report

I want to thank all of you once again for your comments/support/and interest in The Cockatoo Man's journey and helping with making a very difficult and painful decision a little less hurtful.


Jim

 

[Allee]

Re: Sighhh... :-(( The Cockatoo Man's story continues..

I'm interested to hear the rest of the story, too!
But a couple comments on what you've written so far for others considering working with a rescue to surrender or adopt (from someone who has done rescue for 18 years):
- I do not easily make my phone number available either until close to the end of an adoption or surrender process. Several reasons: rescue is a 24 hour a day job. People think nothing of calling at 3am to ask if a dog is house trained, or instead of leaving a message will call over and over and over until I answer. Rescuers are volunteers. Most have regular jobs. I can't answer 18 phone calls at work. So email is much more in my control. And still, with my rescue, you will never wait more than an hour or so for a response unless I'm asleep. Another reason is that email is a record of what is discussed. No "but you said" later as happens with phone calls.

- giving a street address and not directions. I can't tell you the last time I've given anyone directions. Everyone has GPS now. If someone needs directions and doesn't have GPS I expect that they can Mapquest the same as I could.

- "giving away" an animal and supplies. Yes rescues (legit ones) are non profits. Rescuers put countless hours of their own time and countless dollars of their own money to support the animals on top of what donation money and adoption fees provide. And we do it willingly, because we want to, but please don't begrudge a rescue some food and supplies to help an animal that you want them to help with because you can no longer keep him. Believe me, the rescuers are not sitting around saying haha we took that guy for some perches!

- About going to a condo: the vast majority of rescues to not have a central shelter and work exclusively from foster homes. If you surrender or adopt an animal from me, you come to my house. And while I will show you other rescues that may be here and you can see how they live, it is still my house and people are not free to roam about at will.

So, I agree that this rescue does not sound legit but not for any of the above reasons. It sounds shady mostly because of the disconnected number and the difficulty communicating.
So I look forward to hearing what happened next!

And for folks considering surrendering or adopting from a rescue - check them out on Google. Search the rescues name, email address, name of person you talk to and any phone number you get. If you search all of these things you can get a pretty good idea if they are legit or not just from the search results.

Sonja, Thanks for the valuable insight and info. I have a lot of respect for the legitimate rescue organizations and the volunteers that work round the clock and donate long hours and resources to make birds' lives better.

There are so many people masquerading as sanctuaries when in fact they are running businesses purely for profit. If anyone is faced with the sad decision to rehome a parrot, please take the time to research the facility before turning over your beloved friend.

...ok,where was I?? :54:

Now in between all this, I had been going to my local "Mukie Mart" the neighborhood convienience store,about 1/4 of a mile from my house,and TJ had been showing great interest in adopting Jonesy,telling me that she and her hubby have had birds <a 'keet or two,and a BF 'zon> over the years and had experience.

I told her of Jone's 'too'd..Jeckyl/Hyde personality,his screechin', his cussin', and of his good qualities but that didn't phase her. And even last summer,I had brought Amy in,for a very quick and informal meet and greet,and just fell in love with Amy.. <who doesn't/wouldn't? such a lovable BF lol>

I had told TJ that I had already committed to the "rescue" and she was visibly sad .
So after leaving this rescue/fiasco thing,and still having Jonesy in his pet carrier I stopped at the store and brought his carrier in with me. And Jonesy just charmed his way right into her heat lol
I opened his door and he immediately climbed right out,his hat held high, doing his "this way and that way" with his head all the while proclaiming what a good cockatoo man he is,and telling her to "c'mon..come 'mere" AND he just jumped right up onto TJ's arm,allowing her to skrithch his little noggin'.

That's all it took lol. I left his house and bag of goodies there,took him back home with me,and brought him back down to her and her hubby last night.
Hubby and TJ had ear to ear grins, Jonesy DID show his rotten side,but that didn't bother them. I gave them all sorts of info on what to expect...what he needs in life,what he likes and doesn't. They asked all sorts of questions. I am bringing down info on how to join this wonderful sight/forum later today.

As far as the rescue place.. I have NO clue on what it is! Someone told me it could be a place/people who do this type of thing where they get unwanted birds,for free,and just resell them to make money..or to find them a mate to make babies to sell....and MAKE MONEY? I don't really know. All I do know is that Bonesy deserved much better treatment..that he made two people <well four really...Arleen and I lol> very happy,and I'm just down the road where I can get as many updates as I want :54:


Jim

I'm really happy my little buddy, Jonesy, landed in someone's heart rather than a questionable rescue. I will be delighted if Jonesy's new guardian joins the forum. A lot of us have grown fond of the little character, updates will be nice.

I'm glad things turned out so well.

 

[Scott]

Great ending, Jim! Thanks for having the dedication to Jonsey and trusting your hunch about the rescue. Hope the Cockatoo Man does not wear out his new welcome. Perhaps being in a single-bird house will be better.

 

[Siobhan]

I think you have to trust your gut and when you felt something wasn't right, you did the smart thing by turning back. Besides, it sounds as if Jonesy's real family was right there all the time. The way I look at it is, all my birds (and your birds) were ALWAYS meant to be ours. Some take longer to find than others. They might have to live with the wrong people or people who thought they were the right people, but aren't quite the right people, for a while until they and their real family can find each other.

 

[Birdman666]

And so goes the song about a boy and his dolphin...

Flipper!

Not only are we flippers, but we also scam donations as a non-profit.

Yeah, we're 100% in it for the bird's welfare... Someone stop me if you've heard this before.