Hi Everyone!! I am just bursting with excitement as I share this with you all. Some of you may know that a Goffins was owner surrendered to a foster I volunteer with after the owners were divorced. The wife kept the bird, but quickly realized the bird needed much more than she could give with having to work full time, take care of the four children, maintain a household by herself, etc.

My husband, Curt, happened to go to clean cages with me the day after she arrived. He fell head over heels for him. He stepped right up for him, plowed his head into Curt's chest, and snuzzled for as long as Curt would hold him.

After we finished our shift, Curt went back to visit with then named "Tia". It was precious to watch this bird choose my husband as the one he wanted. I know I am a pushover, but this was completely adorable.

Though it was obvious "Tia" was a plucker, the rescue decided the vetting needs were greater than what their resources there could accomodate. Off to Dr. Kersting's office went the bird. (Dr. Kersting and Dr. Cira share a practice and they are my vets.)

Well imagine my surprise when I took Neil in for one of her visits to treat her feet and saw this little one there!! It was becoming more and more clear to me that this was fate at work.

I spoke with the vets regarding the issues which were being treated and they seemed to feel the plucking was an emotional reaction to depression and stress. "Tia" also had to be treated for Psitticosis, because she tested positive for it. She had an intestinal infection, and some behavioral issues, too. I learned then that "Tia" will be 5 on April 16, and that her last home was her second one.

Well the weeks have gone by, and I have visited with "Tia" often, and finally -- at very long last -- I received a call from Dr. Cira yesterday telling me that "Tia" was ready to come home! I had to take June in for her vetting, and Dr. Cira wanted to make sure I brought a car large enough for everything.

So it worked out great because when I got home Curt was already in bed. Beth and my friend Eric helped me carry in the cage and get everything set up. In went "Tia" -- now named Laika (lie-ka)!!

Imagine Curt's surprise when he came downstairs to forage for some leftovers!! This is his early Christmas present ... and a wonderful new addition to our family!

Meet Miss Laika ...
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Wow that really does sound like fate. So glad he made his way to you and your family. I bet hubby was surprised!

Heartwarming story!
Congrats Joni and Curt! How exciting, and Laika could not have stumbled into a better home! Woo HOOOO!

Congrats Joni and hubby

He is beautiful, and now he can have a GREAT life

Gorgeous bird!! And a wonderful story too!!

aww what a doll

What a wonderful story and a happy ending. Would love to have seen your hubby's face when he came downstairs! Congratulations and may you all have a long and happy life together!

Oh Joni what a wonderful Christmas present! And shes a big snowball too!!! Thats awesome...I was holding a cockatoo the other day in the bird store here and it was an experience! Wow!

Cool story Joni!!! Beautiful bird too!!!!!
I am so glad this bird ended up in yours and curts care.
BTW Where can I buy a Beth?
Hugs
IMPy

Pretty soon Joni, your siggy pic will be so big it will take 2 pages! Keep up the good work friend!

THat's really awesome! Congrats!!

Oh Joni, Laika is beautiful, bet hubby was surprised. that baby couldn't have found a better place
Congrats and hugs

Congrats! Goffins are the greatest! I love Rumor! You will have so much fun with her!

Wow---awesome story indeed....So glad you and Laika and hubby have found each other...Sounds like it was meant to be indeed....How sweet and thanks for sharing such an extraordinary and marvelous story....

Congrats!!! I am so glad that you have such a warm caring heart!!!Laika has found a wonderful home.