While volunteering, I met a small African Grey who stole my heart. She was scared, shaking, & bit anyone who tried to touch her. The way she trembles when anyone came near her broke my heart. Her elderly owner could no longer care for her. She was flown across the country & left in a pet store for months. I’m a disabled combat veteran, & I homeschool my 14‑year‑old autistic daughter. We love animals. We recently lost our beloved therapy dog to cancer, & the loss has really affected our family. Exactly a week after we lost our dog to cancer, we got the call to pick this girl up. I volunteered near her for 2 months. She stopped shaking when I stood near her. She’s bonding with us. Not because we’re perfect, but because we understand fear, we understand trauma. We understand what it means to rebuild trust slowly, gently, patiently. Her elderly owner deserves respect & dignity, so part of this fundraiser is to pay him fairly, to honor the years he cared for her & help him feel peace in letting her go. The rest will go toward giving her a safe, loving home:

• A larger living area where she can sleep, stretch, climb, & feel secure.

• A full avian vet exam to make sure she’s healthy and comfortable.

This isn’t just about bringing home a bird. It’s about giving a frightened soul a place to feel safe & at home. It’s about giving my daughter a new source of comfort after losing our therapy dog. It’s about healing… For her, for my daughter, & for our family.

Anything helps!! We appreciate you so much.