Bittersweet Goodbye
I made the difficult decision this week to find our Sun Conure Dexter a new home. It's been a long time coming, ever since the boys were born really. Dexter came into our family as a baby bird, hand-raised by us, and the nice folks at Parrot Connection, four and a half years ago. While I had thoroughly researched birds species, I had seriously underestimated the power of a small feathered creature's vocal abilities. And I'm not talking cute "Polly Wanna Cracker" kind of vocalizations. Dexter is an ear-splitting screamer kind of bird, with a stubborn streak only topped by my own ability to rant at the top of my lungs and stand my ground.
For four years now we've tollerated the screams and enjoyed some of his endearing qualities. It was fun learning how to handle our bird, and a joy to watch him learn tricks and talents. It's fun to have him fly around the house, and crawl in your shirt for a snuggle. He would kiss you when you kissed him, and make the appropriate sound to go with. He loved to take baths in the sink, and in the shower with us, and have his head rubbed. He is a talented dancer, and even has his own favorite songs.
Once the boys arrived, I started juggling two crying babies on my breast, and two neglected dogs at my feet. There's only so much neediness that one tired mom can handle at a time, and the poor bird fell to the bottom of the proverbial pile. Imagine you have one neglected child following you around all day long screaching "mom mom mom mom mom mom mom mom mom momomomomomomomomomomomom" at the top of his lungs, and that's what my life with Dexter felt like it had become.
Poor Amy did her best to make my life with Dexter work, moving his cage and taking over all of his care, but neither Dexter nor I felt that it was really working. He was still neglected, and I was still frustrated and feeling guilty. He deserved a better life, and the boys deserved to have Amy's full attention when she got home from work at the end of her long days, rather than trying to share her with Dexter, who just needed someone to care about him.
Amy, I'm so sorry that you had to give up your feathered friend, and I hope you take up his new owner's offer to come visit him any time. Dexter, I'm sorry that there was just not enough of me to go around, and I hope you are really happy in your new home.
