At my age, I have lived through a number of pets. I have become convinced that family pets are teachers - they teach your family how to deal with infantile behavior (kittens and puppies,) how to deal with behavior and still have a loving relationship, and, too often, how to deal with grief. So, when my wife (trying to deal with having no grandchildren yet) talked about getting a parrot from a friend, I was not enthusiastic. “What if we want to go on a trip?” “Who’s gonna clean up after the bird?” “I don’t want to deal with another dead pet!” (I’m a very sensitive guy.) …yadayadayada…
So we have a parrot, an African Grey…she’s now in her second year with us. She’s 14 years old. She should live to maybe 80. Hmmm…..Well, that takes care of one of my complaints. Oh, and because she’s a girl…she likes me more than my wife. Go figure.
I have been trying to get her to say “Ahoy, matey!” So far, no go. I even told her that my very first Blog post said “Ahoy, Mateys!” I can’t even get an “Avast!” or an “Arrrrrhhhh!” out of her. However, she has learned the first few bars of The Star Spangled Banner (whistling,) will click when we say “tick-tock,” will whistle the bugle call “Charge!”, and will say “Love you,” when we pick up our car keys to leave the house. Oh, and when we move her cage, she says, “Hold on, Ab.” OK, so it isn’t very piratical, but we’re working on that.
Hey, I used the word “learning…” This must be an educational post.
2 responses so far ↓
1
jlewis
// Apr 5, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I suddenly lost my beautiful Simba cat on Thanksgiving after 11 years of friendship. I was thinking of doing a blog on him to help with the pain… I ask myself if I want another pet after the current ones go, and really don’t want to go through that loss process again, but then again, I can’t picture myself without a pet. Life would be so empty. So I’m sure I will have more throughout my lifespan.
2
Heather
// Apr 7, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Hi Phil,
Nice parrot, even if she doesn’t say what you want her to. Try saying “ahoy matey” when you pick up your keys to leave the house. Maybe then she will repeat it? Kind of like kids, you’ve gotta use reverse psychology.
Good for you for taking on a pet. It is very hard to lose pets, they are so like children or members of the family. They do add a lot to your life. Good luck with the bird.
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