Thanks,
Helen & the gang at Charlie's
Home of Cast Away Treasures
Charlie's Bird House is a home for homeless companion and breeder birds. Charlie's is the "end of the line" for many of the inhabitants. It is the mission of Charlie's to provide a clean, healthy, emotionally stimulating and nutritious environment for the remaining days of its residents. It is also the goal at Charlie's to provide an environment of education to the present owners of companion and breeder birds.
Charlie's Bird House opened its doors in 1993. Taking in one mutilated budgie. The rehab effort that followed was the start of this adventure. Charlie's is privately operated, it is not incorporated, nor is it qualified as a charitable organization. The efforts at Charlie's are private and personal.
Although a number of "perfect parrots" have found their way here, most of the inhabitants have, at some time, been physically, mentally, or nutritionally abused. The primary reason for "throwing away" these feathered wonders is lack of education and knowledge on the part of the owner, breeder or pet supplier.
IMPULSE PURCHASE + LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
EQUALS
UNHAPPY BIRD OWNER & NEGLECTED BIRD
Sharing knowledge on the care and treatment of exotic birds is a primary focus at Charlie's Bird House. It is the hope of all involved with Charlie's that one day there will no longer be a need for places like this. That one day all bird owners will realize that their feathered companions are a lifelong commitment. That one day breeders and pet shop owners will not sell a bird until minimum knowledge has been imparted regarding the care, feeding and nurturing of the companion.
WHO IS CHARLIE
Charlie was my best friend and companion for 13 years -- a black lab that was a "cast-away" because he had ulcerative colitis and bad hips. He was dumped out to be put down. He was also my hero. He alerted me once to a house fire and allowed me and the few birds I had at the time to get out before it was too late. He also had the wonderful ability to know when I was about to have a seizure and would warn me....then stay by my side until I told him it was OK.
Charlie had a totally different outlook toward the birds than I do. He always seemed to have the phone number to Col Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken on his mind when he entered the bird room. I lost Charlie in 1998 -- the body was not that old, but was definitely worn and tired. I loved him as much as my birds and he taught me that love is unconditional. In his memory, his picture and name are the focal point of this program.
WHO AM I AND WHY AM I HERE
I was born and raised in Iowa -- rural -- and I know the difference between a boy and a girl when it comes to most animals. I learned at an early age where babies come from and that not all parents care for their young. When they don't, it is my responsibility. Fortunately I had a Grandfather and a Mother that firmly believed God put us here to care for His dominions and that included all of His animals. So begins my story.
By vocation and education, I hold degrees in psychology, law enforcement, nursing and microbiology. That and $1.00 will get me a cup of coffee. I have worked in law enforcement and as a nurse and I have served in both the US Army and the US Navy. Recently I retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Institutional Division. I was a Registered Nurse at one of the women's prisons in the state.
By avocation I am an animal lover and a Certified Avian Specialist. Nothing pleases me more than to be able to make a better home or life for some critter in need.
Home of Cast Away Treasures
PO Box 1044
Gatesville, TX 76528
to your bird
when you die?
A "Must Read" for every companion bird owner
for an Emergency
Poems
Hypersensitivity
Pneumonitis
the symbol of peace
My Page -- A few things that
are important to me.
Nice to know info
Live At
City Hall
It Can Be Corrected
What Next?
Information and Help
Under Construction
Under Construction
Back To School (School Days)
ACROSS TEXAS
Emergency Transportation
for Birds
A community
service program
An Educational Conference
sponsored by
The National Parrot Rescue &
Preservation Foundation
Held in January
Houston Texas
Early Bird Fair
March 20, 2004
Temple Texas
Click on the Awards and visit their sites.
Thanks Chris
and Singing Birds,
and Guard with Tenderness,
Small Things that have not Words."
in a garden during summer, at a fireside during winter, and whatever the day or reason,
in the kind eyes of a friend."
Thank You!
Thank You!