Male Eclectus & Greewn Wing Theropy

Sunday March 18th, After cleaning my (Neleno) Green Wing's Cage and also my Male Eclectus (Guapo's) cage, I headed off to the pet store with my boys. I just wanted to pick up some food and treats.
Whenever we go to the pet store my boys seem to attract attn. Sure you see lots of Dogs and sometimes Cats, but Birds are rare.
As I was walking to the bird section in the Store, I was stopped a little Boy and his Mom. The little boy approx 7-8 years old appeared to be very sad. He asked lots of questions about my birds and seemed to really enjoy them.
I allowed the little boy to touch the tail of my Neleno, Neleno really likes his tail rubbed. I allowed the little boy to hold my Male Eclectus due to Guapo being very sweet and I completely trust him. I explained how to hold and pet him. While the little boy was holding my Eclectus. Both Neleno and Guapo started to talk to eachother as they normally would at home. They never talk when i take them for trips. The little boy got such a kick out of this and began to smile and laugh.
The Mother started to tear up and I asked what was wrong? She just explained that there were many issues going on at her Home and she just wanted to get her Son out for the day to escape and thought why not take her Son to the pet store. I did not ask a lot of questions and looked very close to see if there were signs or marks on both the Mom and Boy. I did not see any and did not ask anymore questions.
Now looking back on today's outing, I wish I would have asked more or to see if there was something else i could do for them.
After approx 1 hour or so and allowing the little boy to interact with my boys, his spirits seemed lifted and by the end of our visit, it seemed as if both Mom and child were in a better state of mind. I can only hope the best for them.
It just goes to show that when you lease expect it or carry on performing daily task, you somehow seem to touch someone without even trying.
I hope the readers and owners here on this bird board take their birds if they can out into the public to show what wonderful birds we all have and you never know who you may end up helping without even trying. Best of luck to the little boy and his Mom. Thanks Joe
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What a neat story. It just goes to show that sometimes it's the smallest of things that can bring a little happiness into someone elses lives.

So sad, to be abused by the one you love. Glad you were able to brighten their day!

Thank you for sharing! what a wonderful story, it made my day!

What a wonderful story. JJ, you have done more for them than you may think. I'm going to quote a collegue of mine - "Don’t underestimate the huge impact of genuine human kindness.” You were there for this woman and her child, you listened, you cared, and with the help of your birds - you put a smile on their faces. Not to mention, your birds may have sparked a life-saving interest in this child's life. I work with clients who are depressed, suicidal, and/or chronically mentally ill. Many of them have a history of trauma resulting from abuse, neglect, and stigma. The majority live in isolation. A few are lucky enough to own a pet - who, unlike most of the people in their lives, has never hurt them and loves them uncondtionally. Many of those clients have stated that it were not for their cat, dog, or bird, they would not have a reason for living.

Wow, I so agree. I have to admit, that I have been thinking of the Mom and little boy all day and hope that they are okay or if nothing more, I hope they are safe. I only wish I had the training to know if there was something else I could have done or questions to ask without upsetting the Mom. I could tell she was going through a lot and very heavy hearted. Even with her trying to hold back the tears when seeing her Son laugh.
they're forever in my prayers. I am so proud of my boys and they received many treats last night. They got extra love from me and got away with things that I overlooked. It's truely amazing how animals pick up on human feelings and know just what to do to lift our spirits. Thank goodness for animals who love all of us even more then we understand. Best of luck to all and if you haven't hugged your bird today, hug them for me. Thanks for reading this thread Joe

I have used several of my birds as Therapy Birds. Pets can raise a persons spirits unlike anything else. Having a loving thing respond to you has got to uplift you. Thanks for doing that, and realizing what it actually meant to them. I always say to use our birds to educate people about birds, to help people who cannot have the love of a full time pet, and just make the world a better place because of their existence in it. Good job!

Reading your story made my eyes well up. I'm sure that encounter will stay with the boy for some time and bring him comfort when he thinks of it. Whoever they are and what they are going through, I pray they soon have peace and happiness. Thank you for sharing your story, JJ

Fiwi, I can only say that I hope so. I'm sure that my birds did provide the little boy with comfort and perhaps escape in his mind for a while. I just can't describe to you enough on how proud I am of my birds. I completely agree that using birds for theropy has to make some impact, I know this to be true because I just saw it with my own 2 eyes. Best wishes to everyone. Joe