Parrots suffer anxiety like us

In a small bungalow in Wales, there was a parrot named Joey. He was an African grey who brought happiness to his owner, Harold. They had many good times together and shared a strong bond. Each day, Harold would sit in his favorite chair, and Joey would always perch on his shoulder. They enjoyed each other's company, exchanging words and laughter. Joey had a talent for mimicking sounds and phrases, often surprising Harold with his cleverness. He would squawk, "Good morning, Wales!" in a way that made Harold smile.

One day, everything changed. Harold passed away unexpectedly, leaving Joey feeling lost and alone. The house, once filled with laughter, became silent. Joey felt deep sadness and began pulling out his own feathers. Claire, Harold's daughter, noticed the change in Joey. She could see that he was not just a pet but a companion who missed her father. His confinement to the cage seemed to reflect the grief that filled the home.

Joey sat in his cage, he would not come out, watching the children playing outside through the window. He mimicked their laughter but felt increasingly lonely. The once vibrant sounds were now filled with sorrow. Claire felt the same way. She missed her father and believed that Joey did too. She knew it was time to take action. After visiting the vet, she learned that showing love and providing a stimulating environment could help Joey heal.

Determined to bring joy back into their lives, Claire tried many things. She read books aloud, filled the house with colorful toys, and played Harold's favorite music. She hoped that the familiar tunes would lift Joey's spirits. But despite her efforts, Joey still seemed lost, and the twinkle in his eye faded.

One bright Saturday morning, Claire made a decision. She would visit a local pet store to find a new friend for Joey. Among the chirping birds, she spotted a young African grey with bright eyes and a playful attitude. This little bird seemed full of life, and Claire felt an instant connection to him. She decided to take him home and named him Pip.

When Pip arrived at the bungalow, he filled the space with energy and joy. Joey, initially hesitant about the newcomer, soon grew curious. "Come play, Joey!" Pip would call, hopping from perch to perch. Slowly, Joey began to perk up. With Pip's encouragement, he joined in the fun, his spirits rising a little each day. It was as if Pip's youthful energy revived Joey's own zest for life.

As Joey's happiness returned, Claire noticed something interesting. He began to talk in Harold's voice, accurately repeating some of Harold's favorite phrases. One morning, while Claire was in the kitchen, Joey squawked, "Don't forget the toast!" in Harold's familiar tone. Claire felt a mix of comfort and sadness. It felt like a piece of her father was still present in the house, whispering memories alive again.

Joey lived from the age of 70 to 78 years, and during those eight years, he and Pip formed an incredible bond. Joey helped Pip learn to talk and mimic sounds, while Pip kept Joey engaged and energetic in his golden years.

At first, Claire found it odd to hear Joey mimic Harold so perfectly. However, over time, she began to smile at these moments, cherishing the connection between them. Hearing Harold's voice brought back fond memories, and laughter filled the home once more. "Bloody brilliant!" Joey would say, and Claire would reply with laughter, feeling warmth spread through her heart.

Weeks turned into months, and Joey continued to thrive, his spirit renewed. Though his feathers remained the soft grey typical of his breed, his behavior was vibrant and lively. At 78 years old, Joey was again full of life and laughter, proving that love can heal even the deepest wounds.

When the day came for Joey to leave this world, Claire was heartbroken. Pip, the young parrot, seemed lost without his friend. But Claire understood that love never completely fades; it merely changes shape. Remembering how joyful Joey had been, Claire decided to adopt another baby African grey. She knew this new parrot would bring happiness back to Pip and help keep Joey's spirit alive in their home in the hills of Wales.

Claire realized that love, like the songs of the birds, echoes through time, binding hearts in an everlasting embrace. She understood how birds get depressed and anxiety, just like us humans do. The End.