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Post by cnyguy on Nov 2, 2016 20:20:22 GMT -5
Since today was probably one of the last warm days we'll have here for a while, I decided to take Ralph to visit our friend at the nursing home. He was less than enthusiastic about getting into his transport cage, which he hates, and no happier about riding in the car (though we're only going a block away). He's very well behaved at the nursing home. So many of the residents and staff really enjoy seeing him. A lot of the people used to have birds themselves and like to reminisce about them. Everyone asks lots of questions too. Of course, "does he talk?" is the most often asked question.  Naturally, Ralph (who isn't the most talkative parrot anyway) hardly makes a sound while he's there. One woman wanted to know if Ralph could stay there all night. I don't think Ralph liked that idea too much; by that time, he was ready to go home and get out of that little cage. He earned some extra treats for his good behavior, and for bringing a smile to some faces that may not have much else to smile about.  |
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Post by julianna on Nov 3, 2016 13:29:56 GMT -5
That is a very thoughtful thing to do cnyguy. I am sure everyone appreciated the unusual company. We are also on our last few days of nice weather and the snow is just around the corner.
Ralph is a good little boy and knows how to make others smile. He just has to look at them with his big eyes... and the smiles come.
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Post by siobhan on Nov 3, 2016 15:42:53 GMT -5
I've often thought about taking one of mine to a school or something, but now that Maggie's gone, I don't think I have a suitable candidate. Rocky is still too nervous about every little sound and there's the Beak to think about, and the others would be murder to get into a carry cage. It's a good thing Ralph is such a gentleman.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Nov 3, 2016 16:15:15 GMT -5
If I could desensitize Shah, I would also like to take him to the nursing home (which is a block away). Animals bring such joy to these people. Good on Ralph for making their day so special.
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Post by aaron on Nov 3, 2016 22:20:52 GMT -5
What a nice thing to do! I'm sure he was a hit |
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Post by Caseysmom on Nov 3, 2016 22:42:25 GMT -5
Sounds like you brightened everyone's day, not just your friend. Neat. There are 5 senior residences within a kilometre or two from my house. maybe next summer that would be an idea
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Post by beccilouise on Nov 4, 2016 10:58:57 GMT -5
aww, good little Ralph! It's so good to be able to take them out and about to meet people. Little Maya is loved whenever we go to a school or workshop together. That experience is so precious for vulnerable people. Good little Ralph!
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Post by biteybird on Nov 4, 2016 17:15:21 GMT -5
Good on you and Ralph for bringing a bit of interest to people's lives - I imagine being in a nursing home would be rather dull, with the highlight of each day probably being meal/snack times...
It's great that Ralph is such a gentleman! I'd be worried about taking Bonnie to visit people, as I think she'd be a pain (noise-wise) and try to nip people.
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Post by cnyguy on Nov 4, 2016 20:23:48 GMT -5
Ralph is the first (and so far, only) parrot who has been allowed to visit at that nursing home. I had to get special permission to bring him in, though they regularly allow dogs and cats to visit (with proof of vaccinations). Our friend was feeling depressed and discouraged while recovering from surgery last year and I thought Ralph might cheer her up a little-- which he did. I wasn't expecting him to be so popular with so many of the other residents, and some of the staff too. They do have activities at the home every day-- arts and crafts, bingo, trivia games, movies and so on, but a visit from a real live parrot seems to beat all those things. |
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Naturally, Ralph (who isn't the most talkative parrot anyway) hardly makes a sound while he's there. One woman wanted to know if Ralph could stay there all night. I don't think Ralph liked that idea too much; by that time, he was ready to go home and get out of that little cage. He earned some extra treats for his good behavior, and for bringing a smile to some faces that may not have much else to smile about. 
