Baby Bird III Rules the Roost
Those of you who routinely read my blogs know that my wife and I love animals. Being blessed with a rural property gives us the ability to have a variety of animals who teach us many things about the workings of God through His nature every day. While most of our efforts are directed toward horses, dogs and cats, we also have some chickens who, with some room to roam, produce eggs which make the store bought ones taste like "fake eggs." And then there are a few special birds, exotic in nature, which have captured the heart of my "Horse Lady" as her "Doctor Dolittle" nature rises to the occasion. Animals of many types are her weakness and I've learned, as part of loving her, to love them all as well.
We call this pretty little Indian ring-necked parakeet, Baby Bird III, since she is a the second bird taking her mother's name since my "Dr. Dolittle" took ownership of the mother. She was born in our outdoor menagerie but was being picked on by the older birds so her adopted mom brought her into the house. And that's where the spoiling began and from it came a never ending process of becoming more and more prominent in her standing in the house.
Her first spot inside was in a nice cage near the kitchen door. But as she became accustomed to the inside she began to clamor when she'd hear us in the great room watching a movie or while we enjoyed a meal. And the chirping began until, voila, she was promoted to a large, rolling cage at the juncture of the living room and dining room. From this vantage point, she could see us everywhere but she did start learning some tunes so her racket often became much more pleasing to the ears.
This didn't satisfy her either, however, for she began to bang on the door and was successful in getting the "Horse Lady" to open it. "The III" then could climb to perch on top of the cage and from there survey the two rooms. She looked like she thought she was as mighty as a majestic bald eagle on top of a giant tree and from size I guess she was. But this wasn't enough so one day while we watched a movie she flew over and onto "Dr. Dolittle's" lap. it was surely time for a fresh clip of the wings but her mistress informed me that would not be necessary and I knew the situation would continue to unfold.
One night when we were sitting up and watching a movie from the bedroom next door, the determined bird started banging again. The "Horse Lady/Dr. Dolittle" had become a fully certified "Bird Lady" as well. She brought the bird into the room, the little bird looking to me as if to tell me this lady belonged to her, and "The III" perched on her shoulder and picked her hair and nuzzled against her chest. My "Bird Lady" did say she would just give her a little time like this and, in fairness to her, she has stuck to that commitment. And I must say I've developed a new appreciation for how these little birds can manipulate we humans. They really are smart, but what's more, this little sassy and determined one knows and understands that my "Dr. Dolittle" does have a special gift in relating to animals of all kinds. And she has bonded with and responds to her in kind.
There is, however, even something much more important that I've learned from this little bird and so many of the animals that came into my life because of this wonderful woman. All of these animals, dogs, cats, horses, birds and even fish, each special and unique in their own way, all show clear evidence of the power and glory of the magnanimous and gracious God who brought life to all of us. And what a joy these animals and this special wife have brought to my life. This living experience has brought a new outlook to me, has brought me closer to God and helps explain the mysteries of why he gave us dominion over all things on earth. All he expects is for us is to have faith, listen, believe and provide appropriate stewardship to our assigned task.
Now, how about I tell you the one about her getting to know a Mama Possum. No, wait, that's one for another time.
If you like this story, you'll also enjoy my book about learning how to be a "Horse Husband" from my "Horse Lady." It's an easy read, is all true just as it happened, and is available from Amazon in both paperback and e-book format. Here are the two links:
Paperback-Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1973307200
E-book-Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BSTND5
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