Thank you for your help re. Paco

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you that took the time to read and respond to my request for help regarding Paco's previous owner requesting to have him back. It was not an easy decision at all but we decided he is ours and we will not be returning him. I know this is going to devastate his previous owner and for that I feel very badly, but I really believe we are the better home for him and so many of you offered perspectives on that I hadn’t even thought about. This is the message I sent her this morning......

Hi June. Thank you for giving me the time I needed to think on your request to take Paco back into your home. This has been a very tough decision to think through on several levels.

I did make the offer to you to have him back at the beginning when you indicated how much you were struggling. What I did not intend was for Paco to be in an eternal state of take backs. We had only had him for 2 weeks, were only starting to form our bonds with him, and I felt that him returning to your home would not be a stressful event for him.

Here we are 2 months down the road and I can tell you still miss him. I am sure the isolation of the Corona quarantine has made it even more apparent. But in this quarantine is also where my family has really formed their own bonds with him. He is an integral part of our family now. He showers with us, eats with us, gardens with us, dances with us, goes on walks with us, the list goes on. We made a commitment to him when we took him in to give him as enriching and involved of a life as we could and we have been honoring that promise. Paco has adjusted well to this big change in his life and he is happy.

I have struggled with this decision so much because I feel like I have to choose between the needs/wants of a person and an animal and feel that no matter my decision someone loses out. This is not easy to say but we will be keeping Paco. We committed to being a family when we made the decision to bring a bird like him into our family and we remain committed to being a forever family. I know this hurts you to hear and please know I put an extraordinary amount of thought into this, weighing the wants and needs of you, Paco and my family. It is not a decision I made easily and understand the hurt it will cause you. But I hope you will understand and I hope you have seen by now that we love Paco too and have provided him the best life we can give him. I will continue to honor my promise to you that is for any reason we cannot keep him that we will reach out to you first.

Nicely done. I was looking back to some of your posts and how excited you were to find Paco at the beginning, and also that there was a reasonable amount of time for the seller's remorse before it was finalized. I know it was difficult for the seller, and sad that she put you in the position to even have to consider returning him, but I think you made the right choice for Paco. Your letter was well written, and explains your position in a respectful and empathetic way. Again, nicely done. Don't feel bad about it, and try not to second guess your decision. The bad feelings will pass, and your new life with Paco is just beginning. I wish you well, and look forward to hearing Paco's adventures! Oh, and more pictures please, he's beautiful

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Thank you Saxguy64. That means a lot to me. Here’s a recent picture. Also a huge reason for my not wanting to part with Paco. He just decided to start trusting my 3 year old. Look at the joy on her face when he finally stepped up for her. Priceless!

Glad to help. Love the picture. Sometimes they make a connection with the kids and it's really special. I'm glad you didn't take that away from her. My boy Tucker is like that with my granddaughter. She's 4. He adores her and it makes her so happy! Their picture together won the love themed February POTM. One of my all-time favorites.

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A wise and compassionately considered decision. The image of Paco with your daughter speaks volumes for your commitment.

Your message to June is superb, equal parts eloquence, consideration, and gentle resolve. Very well done, hope it is received in the spirit of what is best for Paco.

Great post I'm sure she will understand

Update: she received and read my response but never responded. We are moving on.

I’m glad to hear your decision on this and I love the picture of Paco with your child


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