An organization in Salt Lake is looking for kind-hearted families willing to adopt.
In return, they're likely to get a lot of screeching, biting and sassy back-talk.
What we're talking about here is not kids... but our fine-feathered
friends who need happy homes.
News Specialist John Hollenhorst has the story.
Birds are not for everyone.
And sometimes birds and their owners are hopelessly mismatched... even if the match seems perfect at first blush.
Chase Kimball/Wasatch Avian Education Society - "I'VE HEARD MANY TIMES OF PEOPLE BUYING A BIRD BECAUSE IT MATCHED THEIR DRAPES. IT MATCHED THEIR COUCH."
Chase Kimball and other volunteers have spent the last few years rescuing birds from the wreckage of relationships gone bad. Like, Bubba, loved at first, then ignored.
MARK TALBOT/BUBBA'S FOSTER OWNER: "HE HASN'T BEEN HANDLED FOR A FEW YEARS. JUST LET OUT OF THE CAGE ON TOP AND PUT BACK IN."
Some owners give up right away.
CHASE KIMBALL/WASATCH AVIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY: "BECAUSE PEOPLE GET TIRED OF BEING SCREAMED AT OR BITTEN. OR THEY ABANDON THEM."
Others like Bubba outlive the person who cares about them, and no one else gives them what they need.
MARK TALBOT/BUBBA'S FOSTER OWNER: "MAINLY ATTENTION. YOU GOTTA PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION TO THEM. LOVE."
JOHN HOLLENHORST REPORTING: "WHEN THE MATCH BETWEEN BIRD AND OWNER IS BAD, BEHAVIOR CAN DETERIORATE. THE BIRD CAN BECOME NEUROTIC, EVEN PSYCHOTIC."
CHASE KIMBALL/WASATCH AVIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY: "THE MOST COMMON THINGS FOR THEM TO DO ARE TO SCREAM, TO BITE, AND TO PLUCK. "
This bird named Tov plucked himself nearly bald.
But even dysfunctional birds are entitled to a second chance.
Gayle Chellis adopted him.
GAYLE CHELLIS/TOV'S ADOPTER: "I GUESS IT WAS JUST, I DON'T KNOW, LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT OR SOMETHING, YOU KNOW."
There have been about 500 happy endings like this in a 6 year effort by the Wasatch Avian Education Society. They're always looking for foster homes and adopting families. But don't bother to apply unless you have the time and commitment... to get in sync with the emotional life... of some very needy birds.
If you're at either end of this story... a bird owner unhappy with your pet... or you want to provide a home for such a bird... here's how to get in touch.
Check out their website at WasatchAvian.com. Or call them at 424-2589.
