It's been almost eight years
since we found homes for Smoki (timneh african grey) and Jozey (blue and
gold macaw) and in all those years not once did I think of bringing another
parrot home. Then in September 2001, my granddaughter wanted
a parakeet. She was now 10 years old and a true bird person.
:-)
Paulie was a blue and white parakeet
who had so much personality it was impossible to pass him by without bending
down to pick him up. I enjoyed playing and watching him.
He loves to throw the ball (literally) at you while he waits for you to
throw it back. He will play catch endlessly.
Paulie aroused my love for a little
parakeet. :-) No, I didn't rush right out and get one,
it was a few weeks later when Jerry surprised me with a beautiful green
parakeet.
He was sweet from the beginning.
He easily picked up on the "up" command. Loved to receive and
give kisses and would sit on your finger forever if you talked to him.
He was a people birdie. I named him Jonathan. The name
seemed so befitting for this little bird with a huge personality.
Everyone who came to visit always visited
Jonathan first because they knew they could touch him without worrying
about a bite here and there. Charlie and Fluffy doesn't go to just
anyone and even then chances are you may get bit.
Jonathan's cage fit nicely in the living
room making it possible to watch him play on his cage and playset as I
watched tv or worked on the computer. We became close friends
looking forward to spending time together.
When Paulie came to visit they played
tag on the playset but no matter how hard Paulie tried, Jonathan was not
interested in playing catch with the ball. They quickly became close
friends. Jonathan loved Paulie's visits and Paulie hated to
leave his friend when it was time to go home.
Sitting on the back of my computer
chair was another of his favorite things to do. He took the advantage
to nibble now and then on the back of my neck.
His best pleasure in his little life
was eating. He loved any and all fruits and veggies.
I started him on a small piece of broccoli. He was a bit hesitant
but quickly found the taste to his liking. Before long his little
head plunged into his food dish. No matter what new food was added
he at least tried it. In fact pound for pound he ate better
than our larger parrots.
From the beginning he owned my heart.
He was a very special little fella. I would eagerly recommend
a tame parakeet for any child who is old enough to respect pets and is
contemplating a parrot. They are sweet amusing birds
well worth a place in your home and your heart.
He was so content, loved to eat, chirped
before napping, enjoyed preening before his nap so who would guess
he was ill?
Jonathan became ill in March 2001 and
within a very short time he passed over to the Rainbow Bridge.
I still call his name when talking
with the other parrots, but my granddaughter is quick to tell me their
correct name. :-) He may have only been here for a short time,
but he will never be forgotten or loved less.
Please see his Memorial
page where you can also apply for his Beautiful
Site Award.
