On April 21 of 2005, I drove to an airport terminal in Portland, Oregon to meet a beautiful soul who would become my most cherished lifetime companion. He was a gorgeous, but homeless, hyacinth macaw who was in desperate need of someone to love and care for him. I named him "Zaffer." It was the beginning of an incredible, yet heartbreaking relationship.
The flight arrived around dusk that evening. I reported to the terminal counter just before it touched the runway. I then waited anxiously through the cargo offload period. The attendant eventually wheeled a dolly into view upon which I could see a striking blue macaw within a large transport crate. That macaw of course was my new companion, Zaffer... he was about to change my life forever (and I, his). I still remember the attendant's comment as they approached the counter. He said, "Now THAT'S a bird!" I could not disagree with the remark. Zaffer was quite an impressive sight!
Zaf's feet were tightly clinching the bars of the crate door as he surveyed the surroundings and gazed ahead. He was astonishingly beautiful to me! I enthusiastically uttered my first greeting to him as he observed me through the bars. He remained silent, maintaining a relative calmness. He seemed focused on merely watching the activity from his hanging post on the crate door. There was a dowel perch mounted in the crate, but he seemed disinterested in utilizing it.
Soon it became time for us to leave. I thus proceeded to sign the paperwork and load Zaf's crate into my vehicle for our trip to his new home. As they say, the rest is history.
It disturbs me beyond measure that grave pain and suffering became intertwined with all of the love and fun Zaffer and I shared through the yearsI adored my loving friend... to helplessly watch him fade in pain was an absolutely horrific experience. I miss him infinitely
Note:
Zaffer passed away 14 months ago. My dearly loved military macaw, Maynard, passed away 5 years ago. Maynard died on March 29, 2019. He took his last breath as I was rushing to transport him to the veterinary clinic to be euthanized. So disturbingly, Maynard experienced unimaginable agony before he passed away. He'd suffered a major stroke in 2011 and developed a severe seizure disorder that would eventually impair his ability to function (on multiple levels). I will be forever haunted by his severe suffering, as well as by the suffering Zaffer experienced during his final days. This year (2024), I spent March 29 at our local hospital's emergency department for my own cardiovascular issue. Naturally, Zaf and Maynard were on my mind (as they continue to be each day). It is a brutal world.
Some photos:
Reply With Quote
