March 7, 2013 Dear Mom;

I didn't go to the Refuge last Friday. The Director had said that she could use my help on  Monday opening the new Extended Care Facility (ECF) and getting some of the birds transferred over before the press arrived. The name has changed a couple of times but it looks as though this one will stick. So, on Monday I arrived, with  Chris, prepared to get Chris settled and help to get the facility looking good. Chris wasn't happy at first, with the change, but settled in much more quickly than when I brought her home. But then she was in much better shape going back than when I brought her home and her confidence has grown. And the atmosphere is much calmer and quieter than the Refuge proper. None of the birds fly either. Anyway, when we arrived there were already about ten birds there. The Director was there too, preparing food for everyone. So, I changed cage papers, removed water dishes for cleaning, scraped and cleaned poop from the floor, swept and started washing dishes. the Director continued distributing food and fresh water. It's going to take some time to really get organized there but everything is coming together nicely. The downside of Monday was that I didn't get to see either Babe or Bertie. As soon as one reporter arrived, I left.

On Tuesday I returned to the ECF and Lorne came with me. I was determined to visit Chris daily so that she'd know that she hadn't been abandoned. And I was hoping that Lorne would take some photos. He took a book too so that if I got busy, he could just sit on the sofa and wait comfortably for me. I visited with all the birds...and enjoyed it. Chris seemed relaxed and happy too. I really don't remember exactly what I did, but I was busy for over an hour cleaning. Again I didn't get to see Babe or Bertie. Of course, the Director has to be at home for me to see Babe.

Wednesday, I was back at the Refuge with my own list of things to do. I had left my little pouch in the ECF so I went there first. As I walked in the door, I called out loudly, " Hello everybody". A staff member ran over to  me to make me shut up; CTV was filming just out of my sight. Sheesh! I grabbed my pouch and crept away again. I drove down to the Refuge to see if there were any potatoes and/or toys for me to take home and to see Bertie. I loaded the car with both potatoes and toys first then went looking for Bertie. She was in the Medical Room. Sigh. So, I asked the staff member there to bring her out to me which she did. The first thing I noticed was that she really needs a bath. I'll take care of that tomorrow. She has also started to mutilate again, and has created a quarter sized wound high up under her left wing. That's why she's in the Medical Room. It didn't look like she was actively picking at it which is good. But...that it's there at all is really demoralizing.

I'm going back to the Refuge tomorrow to put in some hours in the ECF. I'll also try to see both Babe and Bertie. And before I forget, we did take some photos.

                   One of the blind birds

 

                                                                        Harry, also blind.

                                                                     Blind Elvis

 
 
 

                                                                          Iago, almost blind

We're looking at using the April brochure to highlight the ECF so you can get an idea of what it's like and meet some of the birds there now.

More later, Mom,
Love,
Pat