My neighbor filed a "formal complaint" against Skittles

[Aplanis]

I live in a condo and also the president of the Board. It's amazing how Petty and bitter some people are. I deal with that in my building.

People like that should really but a house. They obviously can't live in a multi-family dwelling

Good for you for sticking up to this bully and for Skittles


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Peebles24]

Dont start playing clash of clans then cause your ocd might flare up. my bases have to be perfect. Great job with the neighbor, id go insane in a apartment.

And I'm sure a lot of
people probably think "its all in your head" right?

I have Bipolar and OCD and the funny thing is, my OCD is harder to deal with because it doesn't respond as well to medication as Bipolar does. I can't tell you how aggravated I get when people tell me "just turn it off" or "don't think about it". I'm like, jeez, why didn't I think of that! My OCD used to be MUCH worse. But believe it or not, video games have helped immensely in coping, go figure. lol.

 

[NightEule5]

I used to play Clash of Clans when my friends played it, but other than that I never saw the point of it.

Edit: And that's not really what OCD is. People think that, so it's ok. Here's what it is if you like reading:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

 

[Scott]

I'm glad your landlord and the *law* are on your side! Companion animals are vital to our lives and well being. How dare some fussbudget try to take that away.

 

[Sunnyclover]

Why are people so intolerant of birds? I feel like people accept dogs and cats and snakes ect but when it comes to birds it's like not at all the same. Lots of airlines won't allow them, apartment complexes or housing associations frown upon them and businesses. Why? Ollie is so quiet and well trained... shouldn't that be all that matters? But it's okay for some little dog to yap his face off day and night and no one cares but a greeting scream or contact call is the end of the world? This is extremely unfair in general. It needs to stop.

 

[NightEule5]

Ya, I don't get it. And the hair! Dog/cat hair clogs the vents but a bird? Not so much. The barking is more anoying than the occasional screech.

My Uncle and Aunt have a Caique in their apartment and their neighbors hear it, but have said they actually like the sounds it makes! I guess it depends, but it seems biased against birds.

Plus birds are much cuter, how could you get mad at such an adorable face?!

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Truth of the matter is, school was hell for me growing up. Heck, life was hell for me growing up. It wasn't until I was diagnosed (at 15) that things got on the right track, but it wasn't until about seven years ago that they FINALLY found the perfect bipolar cocktail and I'm 41yo.

I got my first bird when I was 11. He was probably the only reason I survived elementary school. I ended up in group homes at 15yo and they had a 'no pet' policy but they changed it just for me because of the importance birds have for me. Of course it meant other residents of the home could get pets too and I ended up being pretty popular with the other residents! lol.

I ended up in a group home because my mom couldn't keep me safe. She had to lock up all the sharp objects and medications. I was intent on taking my life and I am so fortunate that I failed all those times. Truth of the matter is, I haven't had a serious 'suicidal' episode since getting Skittles. I worry so much about what would happen to him if something happened to me.

For years I couldn't leave the house alone, I had a med nurse, a case manager, day support workers, a therapist and a psychiatrist.

Now, I only have a therapist that I see weekly and a psychiatrist that I see every six weeks.

I go out almost daily (either by myself or with a friend just for company) and I take public transportation and I talk with fellow passengers. It's only for an hour or two, but still. It's like night and day and soooo much of that is because of Skittles. Even my former case manager (who is my friend now) says that getting Skittles was "the best (expletive) thing I ever did" and she's right. People on the bus call me "bird guy" lol. So often people who's first names I don't even know will say "how's Skittles doing?" and I'll look at my friend and say "how do they know who Skittles is?" and my friend will say "because you never shut up about him!". She says it nicely though, she KNOWS how much he means to me.

I'll be even more relieved tomorrow after speaking more with the property manager and getting some final information (and then seeing my therapist who I see on Tuesdays). I couldn't speak to the property manager today because their office was closed due to a holiday (Patriots Day).

I do GREATLY appreciate all the support you people are showing me. It means a LOT.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Why are people so intolerant of birds? I feel like people accept dogs and cats and snakes ect but when it comes to birds it's like not at all the same. Lots of airlines won't allow them, apartment complexes or housing associations frown upon them and businesses. Why? Ollie is so quiet and well trained... shouldn't that be all that matters? But it's okay for some little dog to yap his face off day and night and no one cares but a greeting scream or contact call is the end of the world? This is extremely unfair in general. It needs to stop.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Skittles is the same way. He used to be the complete opposite. It wasn't anything he was doing wrong, its what I was doing wrong. I made a number of changes and he's like night and day now. He is so very well behaved. He only makes noise when he is alerting me to something.

He will go "tap tap tap" on the bottom of his sleep cage (which is right NEXT to my pillow) if I don't wake up on time.

Truth is, too many people see birds as "disposable pets" or "decorative accessories". When a bird can do everything a dog or cat can do. People just don't give them the credit. When they think bird they think "talking" and like thats all there is. When I tell people who don't have birds (or never had them) about how Skittles cuddles with me and so on they are in disbelief like they never knew you could cuddle with a bird.

One of my former day support workers had a bearded dragon who would cuddle with her. People are so close minded when it comes to companion animals.

 

[NightEule5]

Truth of the matter is, school was hell for me growing up. Heck, life was hell for me growing up. It wasn't until I was diagnosed (at 15) that things got on the right track, but it wasn't until about seven years ago that they FINALLY found the perfect bipolar cocktail and I'm 41yo.

That sucks man. School sucks for me because I feel like I can't talk to people properly for fear of being judged (among other things). My anxiety flares up every time I'm in public. I've always been called "the quiet kid" and "shy". The fact is, the only reason I stay in school is because I have a career to look forward to, which is a very acedemic field.

I ended up in a group home because my mom couldn't keep me safe. She had to lock up all the sharp objects and medications. I was intent on taking my life and I am so fortunate that I failed all those times. Truth of the matter is, I haven't had a serious 'suicidal' episode since getting Skittles. I worry so much about what would happen to him if something happened to me.

I've had thoughts, but haven't come close to trying. I'm glad you didn't go through with it.

He will go "tap tap tap" on the bottom of his sleep cage (which is right NEXT to my pillow) if I don't wake up on time.

That's adorable, lol.

 

[Squeekmouse]

I knew I wasn't the only one on these forums with depression issues, but it wasn't until this thread that I really begin to see how prevalent it is with all of us. I really don't think it's a coincidence. After all, one of the big reasons I wanted to get a parrot in the first place was because I was so lonely and I really needed the love and companionship I hoped to find in a pet. Unfortunately, my husband is allergic to cats and dogs. We got a parrot because I thought it would be more affectionate than a lizard (I've had lizards, they're great but not really fun to pet). I was hoping my parrot would be willing to hang around with me and let me pet him, I wasn't expecting much more than that. I had NO idea parrots could be so loving, so affectionate, so cuddly, and just so dang wonderful.

My husband is really great, we've got a wonderful marriage, but I work from home and he doesn't. We're both pretty shy and solitary, in fact he is my only human friend and I am his. So during the week day, while he was away at the office I began to have some... self-destructive behaviors. Yoda has changed all of that. It's like a miracle.

I think we've all got that in common, we're all so lucky to have discovered the miracle that is a parrot fid, and we're all on these forums because of our love, passion, and enthusiasm for these little angels.

 

[NightEule5]

I knew I wasn't the only one on these forums with depression issues, but it wasn't until this thread that I really begin to see how prevalent it is with all of us. I really don't think it's a coincidence. After all, one of the big reasons I wanted to get a parrot in the first place was because I was so lonely and I really needed the love and companionship I hoped to find in a pet. Unfortunately, my husband is allergic to cats and dogs. We got a parrot because I thought it would be more affectionate than a lizard (I've had lizards, they're great but not really fun to pet). I was hoping my parrot would be willing to hang around with me and let me pet him, I wasn't expecting much more than that. I had NO idea parrots could be so loving, so affectionate, so cuddly, and just so dang wonderful.

Well said. I think it's more common than we may think. That's actually the main reason I'm so drawn to parrots I think. Whereas people judge you (or appear to judge you), the love of a pet is unconditional. If had a more stable income and and a more predictable future (not sure yet where I'm going to end up as I haven't even graduated yet) I'd absolutely get a parrot in a heartbeat!

Until then, medication is helping the depression side of things, but I think I need to switch to a new one because it's not helping my anxiety. :/

How did things go today with the complaint, Skittys_Daddy?

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

A couple years ago at an old job,I was talking to the lady who was head of shipping...just chit-chatting...subject of pets came up and she produced her phone and showed me a couple pictures of her three dogs..I like dogs...more than cats and I said "oh how cute" then I started to show her pictures of Amy and Jonesy..she took one glance and said "oh I HATE !@#$%^ birds!" turned and huffed off!!!

As far as people who just like to complain,I've had my fill of them too..I just put it up to they are just lonely and bitter and dislike anyone who seems happier than they are and thrive on drama
Happy to hear you're going the proper route and your neighbors (most of them anyway!) are on your side!

#teamSkitty and Daddy!




Jim

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I saw my therapist today and that was reassuring.

I just got off the phone with the property manager and we are all good. He told me the letter was just standard procedure and people will complain and they just have to dot their "i"s. He said I'm not in violation of the pet policy but that doesn't mean people can't still complain. He said some people thats what they like to do and is all they do.

He said if the complainant contacts HUD, they need to say they have addressed it and he said IF she happens to go to HUD, they have shown that they have done what they needed to do on their end.

I've been here over 20 years and he said I'm a very good tenant and they do NOT want to lose me. He said that I should know he's not out to get me and told me that if he wanted to get rid of me he'd have no problem telling me. We had a VERY VERY nice conversation and he told me to feel free to contact him even to just bounce things off of.

I feel SOOO much better now!!!!

I showed my therapist the complaint letter I got from housing and she said that its probably the "nicest" letter she's ever read from a landlord. I told that to the property manager and he chuckled and said he was glad I had someone I could talk to about these things and process them.

They know I have bipolar disorder and OCD and he was very understanding about how I told him this has flared up my OCD and he was very reassuring.

My therapist also told me that the fact that I've been here for 20 years, had Skittles for 7 years, get along with ALL my other neighbors and NO ONE else complained has a LOT of value. My therapist told me that housing is not going to waste time, resources and money to evict someone they like in order to make a complaining neighbor happy.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Yeah, I've had that same sort of interaction with people before Jim.

I'm not a dog person nor am I a kid person. I like goldies, collies and huskies but I don't care for other kinds of dogs (the yappy kind and 'crotch-sniffers'). Kids, well, I just don't like. I didn't even like myself when I was a kid.

But I would NEVER say to anyone that I HATE dogs or kids. Even if I did. You just don't say that to someone who has a dog or a kid.

The property manager is going to reach out to the complainant in regards to vacuuming out his sleep cage when they are not home. But I think that the complainant is not going to comply cause she is just all paranoid and 'not all there'. I don't mean that in a 'mental health' sense, as that's a serious issue, I just mean she's just a miserable human being who thinks everyone is out to get her. Gee, I wonder why.

Other than that, I got the impression that the issue is closed. They did what they needed to do and I've done what I need to do. He told me that he's made notes of all the things I have done to minimize any excessive noise as well as the email he got from Lori. So that all works in my favor.

Thanks again to EVERYONE for their support! I am also heartened by how many of us have mental/emotional issues and how much our fids help with that and mean to us.

Speaking of, the little stinker is tucked inside my shirt. He likes to press his head against my heart. My friend says its cause he likes the sound of my heartbeat.

 

[greytness]

I saw my therapist today and that was reassuring.

I just got off the phone with the property manager and we are all good. He told me the letter was just standard procedure and people will complain and they just have to dot their "i"s. He said I'm not in violation of the pet policy but that doesn't mean people can't still complain. He said some people thats what they like to do and is all they do.

He said if the complainant contacts HUD, they need to say they have addressed it and he said IF she happens to go to HUD, they have shown that they have done what they needed to do on their end.

I've been here over 20 years and he said I'm a very good tenant and they do NOT want to lose me. He said that I should know he's not out to get me and told me that if he wanted to get rid of me he'd have no problem telling me. We had a VERY VERY nice conversation and he told me to feel free to contact him even to just bounce things off of.

I feel SOOO much better now!!!!

I showed my therapist the complaint letter I got from housing and she said that its probably the "nicest" letter she's ever read from a landlord. I told that to the property manager and he chuckled and said he was glad I had someone I could talk to about these things and process them.

They know I have bipolar disorder and OCD and he was very understanding about how I told him this has flared up my OCD and he was very reassuring.

My therapist also told me that the fact that I've been here for 20 years, had Skittles for 7 years, get along with ALL my other neighbors and NO ONE else complained has a LOT of value. My therapist told me that housing is not going to waste time, resources and money to evict someone they like in order to make a complaining neighbor happy.

Please look into getting your therapist to write you a prescription for Skittles to be your ES(emotional support) pet. It's the equivalent to a medication prescription, and no one can touch or harass you. That's what I've done to protect my macaws. Wish it hadn't gotten to that point, but now I have peace in knowing they'll be protected!

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

If nothing else...at least you know you have a whole community HERE who will back you 1000%..This forum is world wide with soooo many awesome members who's main concern is their birds..their friends..like I've mentioned previously you did everything legally and the way it should have been taken care of.



Jim

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I'm going to talk to my psychiatrist when I see her next Tuesday to get her take and what she thinks I should do. She has offered to do it before so I know she'd do it if I asked her too.

But even so, the rules are the same for pets and service animals as far noise and sanitation goes. While having an ESA provides you with some additional protection, its not the same as a 'service dog'.

I live in public housing and the bar is set VERY high for evicting a tenant from public housing.

The easiest way to get evicted is to fail to pay rent. Also, be involved in criminal or drug activity OR repeatedly violate your lease in a substantial way. Other than that, its EXTREMELY difficult to evict someone from public housing for noise. ESPECIALLY when only one tenant is complaining (and that tenant has a 'repuation').

So I'm pretty confident right now. If you had asked me last night, I'd have said differently. But after the call I had with the property manager today I am not worried about it anymore. As long as I respond when Skittles acts up, I've lived up to my responsibility and there's nothing they can do. If I were not addressing the issue, that'd be different.

Skittles NEVER goes on for over 10 minutes (unless I'm cleaning his sleep cage but thats just cause it takes me over ten minutes to clean it. Truthfully, I couldn't deal with him going on non-stop for 10 minutes (not his 'alert' screeches anyways) those are practically unbearable but he ONLY makes them when he's on alert and by responding to the source, it stops the screaming.

One of the secretaries that has worked there for years told me to just "to hell with her, just let him sqwuak". She does NOT like the complainant either!

 

[Kiwibird]

VERY glad to her the apartment manager is on your side here! From a strictly business perspective, you're a tenant of 20 years in good standing where crazy lady is relatively new and a trouble maker. I also agree with Greytness that if you're already seeing specialists who understand how much Skittles helps your OCD/BPD, why haven't you had him declared an emotional support animal? Clearly, he is essential to your mental health and should be protected in regards to housing. The laws regarding service and support animals are meant for people in exactly your situation.

I've never actually seen anyone about my anxiety/other issues. I just feel like an "official" diagnosis would only serve to exacerbate whatever it is by giving me a specific point to dwell on and obsess over. I prefer to not know. I've had anxiety as long as I can remember, going back to childhood. As an adult I have learned to ignore/control it pretty well so it is minimally invasive and panic attacks are much less severe than they used to be and rarely happen anymore. Hubby suspects I may have some form of OCD too. That, strangely, seems to be somewhat cyclical as I am fine for months on end but like a switch flips in my brain and everything that was fine yesterday now feels horrendously cluttered and out of order (even though logically, I know it's just fine but my perception just changes to feeling like I live in a hoarder house despite logically knowing it's beyond perfectly organized and very very clean). The grass in public places phobia is constant, though isn't a major issue to me (drives my husband nuts lol).

Kiwi is really the only 'person' who 'gets' how to help when I'm overwhelmed with anxiety. He just freaks the bleep out right along with me! If there is one thing that exacerbates it more than anything else, it is someone trying to "comfort" me. That makes me angry, like seeing red angry, on top of everything else. I don't want a bleeping hug or your sappy sympathy, I want my brain to get out of the loop of illogical thought that it is stuck in. Kiwi totally gets it and simply joins me in the crazy. And I love the little beastie for it. Funny how once a bird is bonded, they seem to just inherently understand you and what you really need from them when you're unwell. Kiwi may not be a cuddly bird, but he is almost like an extension of myself (I'm not a particularly 'cuddly' human TBH, perhaps that's why I was drawn to him as an individual in the first place:33. If other people don't "get it", well, frankly that's their loss and not my problem. Personally, I think a lot of "bird haters" hate stems from jealousy. Any common idiot can make a dog love them. Dogs have been bred down to have blind loyalty to humans for thousands of years. Much harder to make a non-domesticated exotic animal with the mental capacity of a small child bond with you and be your 'friend'. Then again, I think many of the people who HATE birds have a mental capacity below that of a parrot anyways

 

[NightEule5]

Emotional Support Animals can't be refused in the US under the Fair Housing Act from what I read. These laws are designed exactly for his purpose: To offer protection towards an animal that helps your symptoms. There are people that abuse this that are the opposite of mentally ill, but your situation warrants it, as Kiwibird said.

I've never actually seen anyone about my anxiety/other issues. I just feel like an "official" diagnosis would only serve to exacerbate whatever it is by giving me a specific point to dwell on and obsess over. I prefer to not know. I've had anxiety as long as I can remember, going back to childhood.

See, it did the opposite for me. I can't remember how I realized exactly, maybe because of my Dad having anxiety too, but I suspected I had symptoms of it and looked them up. This was a year or two ago. Turns out, looking back, I've had anxiety for a long time too. Hitting teenager years has amplified it for obvious reasons. I finally built up the nerve to go to the doctor and he said it's likely that and he gave me antidepressants. They're not working (not for anxiety anyway, depression is virtually gone now) so I'll have to switch, but the effect of that was knowing that's what I had. Otherwise you obsess over whether you actually have it or not, which feeds back into the anxiety. But that's just me.

Personally, I think a lot of "bird haters" hate stems from jealousy. Any common idiot can make a dog love them. Dogs have been bred down to have blind loyalty to humans for thousands of years. Much harder to make a non-domesticated exotic animal with the mental capacity of a small child bond with you and be your 'friend'. Then again, I think many of the people who HATE birds have a mental capacity below that of a parrot anyways

Well said, well said. Maybe they're jealous because their mental capacity is lower than parrots, lol.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Kiwibird, actually she isn't a new tenant. She's been here longer than me (but only by six months). I've had Skittles for seven years and she is just now complaining and its only because we aren't on good terms.

I wish there were a law that allowed people to bring birds on Greyhounds. I haven't seen my mom in over seven years (since I got Skitty) and I'd love to go to CT and see her before she passes. But I can't leave Skitty behind. I'm sure he'd be fine and my friend said she'd take care of him but I couldn't be away from him for that long. Heck, there have been times just being awake while he's asleep and not out here in the living room is difficult for me. I'm a night owl, so I go to bed around 3a and he goes to bed around 8p so I have to be apart from him for seven hours while he sleeps and I'm awake.