The Day I Lost My Dog, I Met the Little Bird Who Chose Me

I never thought I would become this attached to a bird I haven’t even brought home yet.

There is a Green Cheek Conure at PetSmart who completely stole my heart and I may have done just the same to him.

The strangest part of this story is that the same day my family dog passed away was the same day I met him.

I was devastated that day. I wasn’t looking for another animal. I wasn’t expecting anything to make me feel better. I was grieving someone my family loved deeply.

Then I met this little bird.

I’ve gone back to see him every single week since.

Somehow, something happened between us that I still can’t really put into words. We played chase for hours. He followed me around. He wanted my attention. I’ve watched him around other people, and he doesn’t interact with them the way he does with me.

He chose me.

And every week, he still chooses me.

I leave the store and think about him the entire way home. Then I find myself counting down until I can see him again.

Maybe I’m crazy, but I honestly feel like we found each other when we both needed to.

I’ve done my research. A LOT of it. I know a Green Cheek Conure is a lifelong commitment, and I am taking that seriously. I’ve researched their diet, enrichment, lighting, veterinary care, cage requirements and everything else he needs.

I’m already prepared. I have his cage, food, bird safe lighting, toys and other supplies ready.

And because I know someone will understandably ask, this is not a situation where I can’t afford to care for him. I understand that the purchase price is only the beginning, and I’m prepared for the ongoing responsibility and expenses of giving him a proper home.

The problem is the upfront price PetSmart is asking.

I’ve asked if they would come down on the price, but unfortunately they aren’t willing to.

So here I am, swallowing my pride and asking strangers on the internet for help bringing home a little bird who somehow became so incredibly important to me.

If anyone is comfortable contributing, even a few dollars would mean the world to me. There is absolutely no pressure if donating isn’t something you’re comfortable with.

If you would rather support me another way, I also sell on Mercari, Vinted and eBay. Even purchasing something from one of my shops would help me get closer to bringing him home, and you’d actually be getting something in return.

And if you can’t do either, that’s okay. An upvote, a kind comment, a share or simply rooting for us means more than you know.

I already gave this little guy a name.

If I get to bring him home, I want to share the whole journey with everyone who helped us get there. His first day home. His cage setup. His first favorite toy. His personality coming out. All of his funny little quirks. Every milestone.

I want you to see the little bird you helped give a home to.

Maybe meeting him on the same day I lost my dog was just a coincidence.

Maybe it wasn’t.

I don’t know.

I just know that on one of the saddest days of my life, this tiny feathered soul walked into it.

And somehow, he gave me something to look forward to again.

Maybe sometimes the animals we meet when we’re hurting are the ones who help put our hearts back together.

Maybe sometimes soulmates have feathers.

I just want to bring my little guy home.

Hopefully my next update will be the one where I get to tell you all that he finally came home.