AOnce in a Lifetime Birdie

By Caroline McGarrity

If I can find the right words - (if there are any), I would like to tell you about a very special female Nanday conure parrot named "Muffiepuff."

She is an angel with feathers and the queen of my heart.

If God came down from heaven and offered me every bird on the earth in exchange for Muffiepuff - I would have to politely tell Him, no thank you! She is a "once in a lifetime" birdie and no other bird could ever take her place.

I found her in a pet shop. She was hanging motionless from the top of the cage by her beak and her feathers were plucked. I spoke softly to her, but got no response. Immediately I knew she needed to be with me. I asked the store clerk, "how much does this bird cost?" She gave me an amount that took my breath away!

I said, "this bird is sick, you will never get that much for this bird. If you will take $100 for her, I will buy her." So I left my phone number and went home, hoping I would get a phone call.

No sooner did I get home and the pet store manager called and offered the bird to me for $100. Needless to say, I hurried back and bought this precious little bird. I took her home and immediately began ministering to her with love and attention.

I put her in a cheerful bird cage filled with colorful toys and bells. I made sure she was near the window where she would get some much needed sunshine and the outside birdies seemed to interest her.

Changes were almost immediate. She started to make a lot of noise and play. It was wonderful to see her wrestling with her toys and ringing the bells. Her pretty feathers are back, she developed a hearty appetite and wears a "that's all mine" attitude which looks beautiful on her.

It amazes me that God could take one little handful of feathers and fill it with so much personality, love, friendship and loyalty.

There were many sleepless nights and tears and vet visits associated with keeping Muffie alive, but I will be forever thankful that the Lord blessed my life by giving her to me, along with the responsibility of caring for her.