30-day challenge - Day 16: Something that makes you sad.

I don't like sad pics and stories, but such is the challenge...

Regular viewers of my pics will no doubt know that my world revolves around Magic and Phoenix, two sun conure parrots. We snuggle, play, blow kisses, sing and dance together. They get fed better than I do, and they have more toys than most young children. They learn tricks, can ask for what they want, and generally demonstrate that they have little brains which are capable of understanding the world.

Unfortunately many parrots out there are not this lucky. Even today many species of parrots are captured from the wild, crammed into crates and shipped around the world, where someone will buy them (assuming they survive the trip) - and then often dump them when they find out that their cute living toy is actually a high-maintenance being with complex wants and needs.

Many of my facebook friends run bird rescues, so barely a day goes by without a story about another birdy who didn't get the loving home they deserve, instead getting given up or abused when things got too hard for the owner, who had not even thought about what was involved before making a purchase. Large parrots, such as cockatoos and macaws, can live for upwards of 80 years - yet some will spend much of that time in a tiny cage in a dark basement with no toys or companionship - because they bit, squawked or didn't do what the owner wanted.
I know this is true for other animals too - and it all makes me sad :(

If you have a pet, give them an extra special hug tonight to let them know that they are one of the lucky ones.

I dedicate my pic today, such as it is, to all those amazing, strong and huge-hearted people who run pet shelters and rescues, and deal with this heartache first-hand, day in and day out.

30-day challenge: http://365project.org/discuss/general/6112/30-day-challenge

[Tricia Hunt]

You're such a sweet pet owner! I hate how animals are mistreated. It makes me sick. If you can't handle the responsibility, you shouldn't own "pets" because they are little creatures with wants, needs, souls, and emotions, just like humans.

[Rebecca Briggs]

what a beautiful picture. animal cruelty makes me really sad too...there is no excuse for it.
your parrot looks beautiful..x

[Beth]

This is a sad story. So many bird and animals are treated horribly. I'm glad your parrots have a loving home. I always like seeing pictures of your birds.

[marg]

People forget that a pet is for life. I get sad too. This is a lovely tribute and a reminder to people that getting a pet is a big decision.

[cglist]

Yes, a very sad situation. Thanks for bringing some attention to this wide-spread problem.

[Jennifer C]

have to fav this, love your words and cruelty to animals breaks my heart!

[Andrea*2]

Agreed! Great thoughts to go with your picture.

[Megan Richardson]

great message today. Especially after the news story of the idiot teen in the Philippines who pegged his puppy on the clothesline, so often people are cruel to animals without even thinking that what they are doing is cruelty. Pet ownership should be recognised of the privilege it really is.

[Jennie Louise]

Lovely parrot face. My mum breeds Love Birds... just for her and neighbour to keep. They are so mischievious and loving. My young son is a bird lover too... this is a lovely message and a super pic. ;-)

[Mhel]

Im with you dear. Love those eyes, great shot!!!

[Abraham Lincoln]

Cool photo...

[Courtney]

Oh, what a wonderful way to spread awareness. Beautiful photo and thought provoking words. I just don't understand how anyone can agree to love and take care of a living thing and then mistreat it so badly. i just don't get it.

[stephanie dp]

the black and white is really effective with the narrative that you've written. phoenix and magic are lucky, as are you, to have each other.

[Margaret Tryon]

Alia, wonderful shot to tell your story. I don't think people realize the work involved in giving any animal a good home. To commit yourself to a bird that can live up to 80 years is major.

[Hope Russell]

That is very sad. Your choice of b&w made the photo fit.

[mimo]

Great tribute and very sad narrative. The beautiful shot really portrays your story well

[Kerri]

What a cutie you have here. Very sad caption though.

[ryncediez]

beautiful!

[Shyane Wiegers]

A very sad and touching caption! but i love the subject :)

[Barbara Warner]

A sad story but luckily there are lots of people like you out there who love and care for their pets.

[Megs Warren-Lister]

Amazing! Love it!

[Bill Dodsworth]

Wonderful message, reminder!

[ACRaszman]

Great shot and message. Why are people cruel to animals, or even each other? All relationships should be thought through before hand.

[Michelle]

Such an important message Alia x

[ottery]

Completely agree, I hate birds being in small cages. I didn't realise they could live that long.

[Aira]

I gave extra hug to my pets after reading this.

[Pyrrhula]

Wise words. People have to know pets are not toys or possesions.
they are a responsibility.
nice pic to it

[Mary Tjeerdsma]

FAV because of the message...You are so kind and tender hearted! It shows in your words and photos! Thank you for reminding people to think before they purchase an animal! Strong and beautiful message! I think your B&W is perfect for this photo and message.

[Juliette Packham]

great detail and lovely words. the B&W works really well.

[Netkonnexion]

Poignant.

[Lauren]

it was really nice to read your comment!

[Lauren]

that should say "to read your caption"

[Caren]

Great message. I agree with you, its heart breaking. Love the dedication of this shot.

[Lacy Kent]

Really amazing message and I'll be sure to love on my Kingston and Mowglie a little more than normal tonight. As far as the shot, just lovely.

[Vicki K]

Beautiful pic and I agree with your sentiment wholeheartedly, well said.

[Harsha]

great shot! lovely words

[Neva Barnes]

Aw, sweet picture. And your words are all too true. :(

[Rach_who]

Very true. Wonderful message.

[Oleta Clouse]

So true and it's heartbreaking.. I agree with you 100% regarding making sure you understand the needs and requirements before making any kind of animal commitment..

[Debbie Hartley]

Beautiful and touching! I work at an animal shelter and this is so true!

[Lynda Parker]

What a lovely picture of your parrot... and you know how much I love Little Miss Stevie. She's my world and everything. She gets all the food she wants and all the millet she'd ever want too; as well as fruit, cuddles, tickles and kisses.

Like you, I don't think my life would be complete without my little feathered friend around me. In their own ways, our little feathered friends are just as needed in our lives as we are in theirs.