Please help bring Felix home!

[liz]

Surely some one in that family has a charge card. I have cards for emergencies. I think that counts as one.

[GreenWing]

I'm just a newbie here as well and I have to tell you that this thread made me squirm a little. I can understand being suspicious and I can see why people would be reluctant to donate. However, I don't think asking for help is the equivalent of pressuring strangers for money. There were a few helpful suggestions here, but also a hint of unkindness. I’ve seen this on a few other threads and it’s concerning to me. The purpose of this forum is to share information and learn from each other, is it not? I’ve had birds for over 15 years. I currently volunteer with a parrot rescue and I worked and volunteered for another for 3 years before that. I have found that the way to teach people, to help people, and to help birds is to do so in a way that makes a person feel empowered. Making a person feel foolish achieves nothing. I remember when I brought my first little Cockatiel home from a friend’s house (she’d found him in a tree). I didn’t know a dang thing. I was lucky to find people who were kind and excited to share their knowledge. I’ve noticed on several threads when someone new is asking for advice that sometimes the “voice” of the responder is harsher than it needs to be. I believe I have learned a lot about birds over the years, particularly the last four when I have taken in parrots that were deemed “unadoptable.” I have learned patience. I’ve learned that I sure as heck don’t know everything and I listen to what other people have to say even if I don’t agree with it. I’ve learned there is no such thing as an “unadoptable” bird if one is willing to spend a little time and keep a sense of humor. And I’ve learned that positive reinforcement works as well with people as it does with animals. Kudos to you, thelonelysnake, for trying to help your friends. They are lucky to have you in their lives.

As an addendum, I don't think people are meaning to be unkind in their replies, but cautious. Keep in mind that it's a reality that people have been scammed in related situations, so it is smart to be careful. Also, via the page of the man asking for help, there are pictures of himself, not of Felix, and not of him with Felix. If there were pictures of the bird and links to websites asking for help rather than a "please contact me personally" that might make it all the more credible.

Now, I don't see ANY shame in what this man is doing, and thelonelysnake is certainly a good friend in attempting to help. BUT the best solution is to do what you can through family and close friends... maybe even opening up a credit card, as Liz mentions, to get the bird back. The reason as to why the bird boarder is not returning Felix may be due to legal fees, which I mentioned above. If it does indeed involve legal fees, then they are responsible for repaying the boarder. Again, this is all hypothetical speculation because not a lot of info is given.

That being said, I want to make it known that I am not being unkind or mean in saying this, because I do hope they get Felix back and I wish them all the best.