Peaches’ Journey

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

I love Peaches, an 18-year-old Cockatoo who’s lived with me for six years. The bird is smart and fun; he talks, sings, and dances, and yes, is a frequent screamer. His screams often express the pure joy of being alive or warn of spotting something different and potentially worrying.

Peaches’ two giant parrot cages in different parts of the house are situated beside big windows. He has lots of visibility to the outside and is an alert watchbird. He barks with the dogs, howls with the fire engines, and alarms me to anything unusual occurring.

Recently, a friend, Trish, and I happened to meet again after several years. She used to work with a veterinarian who routinely trimmed Peaches’ feathers and nails. Trish knows Peaches, loves him, and has expressed an interest in adopting him. The timing seems appropriate for such a possibility.

Parrots are species that live long with good care and reach their seventies. I’m highly aware that Peaches, still a young bird, will need a new, younger person than me to care for him, at least to his middle age. Maybe Trish is that person. Later, at some point, Peaches might need yet another caretaker to help him reach old age.

Young pets are challenging and Peaches hasn’t been an exception. Over our years together, he’s mellowed into an increasingly enjoyable and trusting buddy. A new person would experience the best of his growing years, and maybe I’ll feel envious, but also glad for having been a healthy part of his life journey.

Dear Friends: Serendipitous, isn’t it that many events just work out? Diana