My family used to have a bird when I was growing up. A parrot that would bite everyone. Only if you let it bite you enough would it start to let you hold it, but even then it would randomly bite you. Made me never want a bird again.

But after my parents passed I moved into an apartment complex with our dogs. And when I woild walk the dogs I would pass by this bird that was always outside on someones second story patio. Not only always outside, but in a small cage, barely any toys, never covered, and kept underneath LED light straps that never got turned off. Plus, the patio was facing the only open field in the place so it had no nearby friends or cover from the wind.

I woukd walk by and whistle; eventually it leaned my whistles and would call them back. Figured it would give him some stimulation at least. And I knew it deserved a better life, but there was no way I would take it as ive had the previous bird and it didn’t go well. But eventually winter came, and still the bird was outside, uncovered, and underneath the lights.

So I ended up writing a note and leaving it on their door asking to have the bird since it was one of the only things besides my dogs that brought me joy. And eventually they texted me saying I could come grab him.

Well, this bird is amazing. I was hoping he would maybe just chill on my shoulder from time to time, but he loves to hang out there. Plus I can rub his neck and he’ll close his eyes in comfort. And I give him showers. And he loves chewing paper. He eats seeds I crack from my mouth. I bought him a backpack so he can come on walks with us or go to fairs and stuff like that

Not only is he a stable part of my family, but a few people i know have bought birds of thier own because they love him so much

All this to say, you really dont know what the future will bring. Even if you say you really dont want something, life may bring it to you in a way that makes you question why you were so scared to begin with.

But yeah. Here’s Wilson in all his glory