Never thought it would happen...

[LPolliard]

Last December when I took over the care of Chico I decided to let his flight feathers grow back. Here it is August and he is still missing about 50% of his primaries. In preparation, I have been exercising him to build up his breast muscles. I would take him outside and have him flap his wings while on my hand or I would force him to fly/glide to the grass. So for the past several months I have been harnessing him up for our excursions outdoors. This was always a struggle and he would fight me each and every time. He never bit me in the struggle but you can tell he was not happy with something over his head. He doesn't even like head skritches all that much. I was very jealous of Michael after seeing his videos of Kili and Truman. They were so eager to put on their harnesses. Then just this week, Monday, out of the blue, as I was preparing for a fight, Chico just slipped his head through the loop as if it was no big deal. I was floored but still remembered to lavish tons of praise. It is now Thursday and he has donned his harness each day like a pro.

Maybe someday he will floor me again by talking,
Leroy...