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Message # 302
Subject: Sylvia Crow
Billie Jean Register,  31 yr old Female
Date:Wednesday, November 14, 2007 @8:55 PM pacific time
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Jim‚

Thank you for responding to my message‚ very appreciated.  So‚ Sylvia flys but stays in your back yard?  I’m not sure I can find a vet to help us.  I’ve already called a few and I don’t think they can legally.  It may be too late.  We’ve had this crow for 3 weeks now.  He’s very active but his wing is setting quite low.  If you don’t mind calling me‚ I would appreciate it.  My phone number is (503) xxx-xxxx.  If I don’t answer (late afternoons thru evenings are best)‚ then please call my boyfriend Byron at (503) xxx-xxxx.  If it’s not too much trouble‚ of course.  Otherwise‚ I can check this website after Thanksgiving (no internet at home right now) and maybe you can advise if I should build a home for him outside without setting his wing or have him euthanized?  Thank you so much.

Billie Jean

Webmaster Comment: There's some info about Sylvia on the home page here and also here. We built a cage for her, quite a large cage as pictured on the home page. This is what it says: "March 2005 - Update - All three crows have experienced incredible health, so much so, that I came to the conclusion that I could not keep them caged any longer. I opened the cage door, for one crow at a time, and watched as they took off into the sky and trees. For the very first time in his eight year life, Dylan was about to fly for more than 20 feet. He flew far over the treetops, hundreds of feet into the air, swooping down then up again, in obvious joy, for about five minutes before lighting in a tree. It was just amazing to see. I believed I saw them here and there for the next few days, coming back for some food, then they were off, enjoying Spring and their new freedom."

So, Dylan and Roshi flew very well, for the first time. They can now fly anywhere. Sylvia flew high into a tree but we doubt she'll ever be able to fly into the clouds to join her friends. Her life may simply exist as moving from tree to tree. But she knows how to feed herself. We felt this was much better than confining her.

I called you but got voice mail. Will try tomorrow.

I've called many times including calling Byron but always get voice mail, and unfortunately, I don't have any more time. So, I can only say, good luck, hope it all works out. For your privacy I'm removing your phone number here. - Jim
Message # 303 (Reply to message #86)
Subject: Jean-Claude
Pam,  53 yr old Female
Date:Thursday, November 22, 2007 @7:06 PM pacific time
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It has been a comfort to me to read your message.  I myself have been having feelings of self hatred over euthanizing my cat yesterday.  I can’t believe he’s gone!  I loved him so much and he loved and trusted me.  He was so sick‚ couldn’t eat‚ drink‚ potty right.  Tumors around intestines‚ lymphnodes.  It seems like this happened so fast!  I couldn’t stand to see him suffer anymore.  I couldn’t let him go thru anymore‚ but I still wonder if I shouldn’t have grabbed him and run out of the room‚ like you said.  I will never have another cat like Dickens.  He was so affectionate.  On top of a ton of guilt‚ I miss him so much.  It hurts so bad‚ overwhelming.  Thank you for your message.  I hope all is well now.

Webmaster Comment: Of course, you'd feel just as bad, perhaps worse, if you had let him suffer. You correctly put yourself into his place, understood that you would have wanted the same help if it were you. Suffering is horrible. It was time. You certainly made the vottrvy and humane decision. - Jim
Message # 304
Subject: Sylvia Crow
Billie Jean Register,  31 yr old Female
Date:Sunday, November 25, 2007 @9:13 PM pacific time
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Jim‚

I’m so bummed I missed your call!  I actually misplaced my phone for a couple of days and asked my boyfriend to listen for your call on his phone.  Anyway‚ I’m sorry if I wasted your time.  I really appreciate your input so far and was hoping you could answer a couple of more questions.  You could just email me back on this message board or at my personal email if it’s not too much trouble.  I’m just wondering if it’s humane to keep the crow if his wing hasn’t been worked on by a vet.  His wing has set pretty low and he obviously would be unable to fly again unless a miracle occurs.  He does balance pretty well and jumps from perch to perch in our house (newspaper down‚ of course).  I was curious about your opinion because we can’t keep him in the small cage he’s in now.  Also‚ how did you build your cage and can you keep a crow outside all winter long?  Unless you live close to Portland‚ Oregon and want another friend for Sylvia?  I would really appreciate if you have an opinion.  I need to make a decision that’s best for the crow.  Thank you.

Webmaster Comment: Hi Billie Jean. I emailed you yesterday but you have not replied to my email. I've called but cannot get you. There's no way to contact you. It seems apparent you have not read all the information about Sylvia posted on this website or you would have read that we released her long ago, along with her friends. Crows can survive well all winter but they should have a shelter of some kind to help keep warm from the cold, wind, and rain. The same is true during the hot summer so they don't get too hot.

You asked: "I’m just wondering if it’s humane to keep the crow if his wing hasn’t been worked on by a vet." Honestly, Billie Jean, I cannot answer that one for you. It's a personal choice. That is not my purpose. If you have any more questions, please just ask them here. Good luck. - Jim
Message # 305
Subject: Boo Boo your so cute.
Joan Taylor,  57 yr old Female
Date:Friday, November 30, 2007 @1:42 AM pacific time
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Hello.
I am so deeply sorry to hear about you cute little pet my heart goes out to you.
Boo Boo is with all the other little Animal’s now all running and playing together At RAINBOW BRIDGE.
I know what it’s like to lose a pet‚ i had to have My Beautiful Cat Tibby put to sleep on the 15th of December 2006 which broke my heart to do.
My Tibby and your Boo Boo will be running and playing together at RAINBOW BRIDGE.
If you wish to visit My Tibby here is the website address.
http://www.myfriendtibby.com
Hope you can visit My Tibby.
Very Best Wishes To You.
From Joan Taylor.
England.

Webmaster Comment: Joan. What a lovely website in memory Tibby . Thank you for sharing with us. I'm sure you did the right thing. You're one of the good people. - Jim
Message # 306
Subject: Sylvia Crow
Billie Jean Register,  31 yr old Female
Date:Friday, November 30, 2007 @9:22 PM pacific time
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Jim‚

Hello!  I know I have been difficult to contact lately so I appreciate your patience.  I’m having all kinds of technology problems: cell phone finally broke (it’s old) and computer’s video card went out(also old).  Anyway‚ I have read all the website information.  I misunderstood one of your messages that I thought stated Sylvia still hung around the backyard.  I’m so happy that you were able to heal all of them and they could return to the wild.  We could build a cage for our crow but I really don’t think he’ll fly again.  His wing is hanging below his body and it’s been about 5 weeks now.  So‚ have you ever heard of any miracles of a bird flying again that has a wing hanging below his body?  

I know you can’t decide for us but I’m just completely lost and it’s been very difficult trying to get any vets to help us‚ even a vet that I know personally.  They all tell me it’s inhumane to keep him in a cage‚ even though I let him out at night.  You have been the only person willing to advise us and I greatly appreciate the help.  Did your vet ever say anything about what would’ve happened if Sylvia’s wing was left alone?  Also‚ wouldn’t a bird be completely miserable if it had to live in a cage the rest of it’s life?

Billie Jean

Webmaster Comment: Billie Jean,
Get a basic idea how the cage was built by looking at the links on the home page. Those are photos of the cage I built. They show six metal pipes two inches in diameter, going into the ground two feet deep, each into cement. I used heavy gage fence wire, much more than you would ever need. If I had it to do over, I’d use chicken wire instead. You have to be VERY, VERY certain all possible exit (or entrance) holes are covered. The crow will find every way to get out, and other animals to get in.

Sounds to me like your crow would have problems surviving in the wild if you released him. A low hanging wing will not heal any higher, meaning he will never be able to fly well. Sylvia had the one wing hanging a bit lower. But with that metal pin and lots of exercise, she was eventually able to fly ten to twenty feet into the air, from tree to low tree. From my experience, I believe it MAY be possible, at great expense, for a vet to rebreak the wing, set it again, then have it heal better. But I would not advise it. It would be a very, very long chance. You'd have to talk to a vet about it, and the vet would probably have to see the crow first. You’ve already done this. You need a vet who will help. That may not be possible. And some vets may keep the crow and turn it over to authorities. Be careful. The net result will almost certainly be that the crow will never be able to fly high or well, no matter what. That leaves putting the crow to seep, releasing him in the wild far out into the country, next spring for him to survive or not, or adopting him as a pet. You can certainly take any perspective you'd like. I mean the crow wants to live and if he has anything to say about it, he would beg, if he could, to stay alive. Who the hell would believe otherwise? But the end result may, or probably will be that the crow **may** suffer needlessly, at some point. I hate saying that because I know I can easily put myself into your place. If your crow is in the house, cov er the windows with postit notes, something so the crow will know there is a window there or he may fly into it and break his neck.

I went to great expense and much more trouble, over a hundred hours building a large cage. I admit, I overdid it. Sylvia seemed basically happy. But I could not ask her. (I have no idea if Sylvia was male or female). She looked forward to her cheeseburgers and other food, and the company we give her. But it was never enough. She would spend most of her time looking outside for other crows. That is, until we found the other two crows to keep her company. You can't expect that to happen.

> Did your vet ever say anything about what would’ve happened if Sylvia’s wing was left alone?

The vet who performed the operation said it would cost around $300 but actually charged us $900. He was a money hungry jerk. The other vet is a woman, the helpful vet, who has cancer but is so decent she found the other two crows to keep Sylvia company. She had no experience. Guess I'm more of an expert now as to what to expect. But she did tell us she doubled Sylvia would fly again. The net result is that Sylvia did fly again, but only at low levels. That may be what she meant. Is that enough to survive? I don’t know. But I do know she was much better off when we released her than when we found her.

Then there is the subject of legality. I have no idea what the laws are in your area or what could happen. I made the decision to screw the system and root in favor of the crow, at all costs. But then I'm rebel. I grow attached to animals who need my help. I may not be too bright.

No matter what you do, you're going to feel guilty. That's for certain. Believe it! The easy thing to do might be to keep the crow in a large cage so it can be comfortable, eat, and enjoy any bonding with you. But remember, that cows can live for 20 years or more, possibly much less in captivity, or is it more? I don't know.

I'm afraid I have not actually helped you with certain or absolute solutions, no good solutions. The crow certainly wants to live, even with limitations. They love life as much as the rest of us. There’s no difference. I suppose an analogy would be to ask you if you'd want to live in a zoo with no legs. And if that were the only option, would you have someone give you an overdose to go to sleep forever?

The problem of course, is that you probably can't get any agency to help you because it is a crow, and there are certain regulations and there are, of course, so many crows. That doesn't affect me. One life is just as important as the rest of the multitude. I do what makes me feel complete, what seems right. In the long run, you can read what I've written but come to your own conclusions as to what is best for you, and for the crow. But believe me, those two considerations are most definitely separate. There's YOU and there is the CROW. What is best for the crow depends on if you ask the crow or ask others. You may want to attempt to consider how you'll feel a year after you make your decision.

Please feel free to ask any other questions you wish. And if you'd like me to remove your email address, for your own privacy, just ask. Please let us know how it goes, what happens, etc. I'm very interested.

Merry Christmas,

Jim
Message # 307
Subject: Sylvia Crow
Billie Jean Register,  31 yr old Female
Date:Saturday, December 08, 2007 @5:30 PM pacific time
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Jim‚

Thank you so much for your detailed response!  It has given me a lot to think about‚ so I will let you know what we decide.  My boyfriend is the one who is the huge bird and animal lover!  He has saved birds before (not crows)‚ but their wings have always healed on their own.  He wanted me to tell you he’s glad you screwed the system because he feels the same way.  He had to resort to homemade slings and happy hats (didn’t work‚unfortunately) because NO ONE would help.  He insists on trying to help this bird as much as possible before making the ultimate decision.  I support him in his endeavor of course.

My boyfriend thought the crow’s wing would heal like the previous birds he helped‚ but no such luck.  Our crow can’t move his wing at all!  I don’t see any possibility of him flying and he can barely balance.  In response to your scenario‚ I would probably want to be put to sleep instead of living in a zoo with no legs‚ but my boyfriend agrees with your answer.  So‚ hard to tell.  Personally‚ I would be lonely.  It’s too bad we took the other two crows we found to the Audobon (spelling?) Society.  Our crow would’ve had companions and the other two would still be alive.  I took care of the first crow who was quite receptive.  I cried when they took her to be euthanised.  I truly thought they would save her.  The second crow was in better shape than the first‚ so we both thought he would be saved.  No such luck.

Thanks for the idea about the window.  Our crow (we haven’t agreed on a name yet) has jumped into a window.  We just closed the curtains but sticky notes are a good thought.  I’m sorry that vet took so much money from you but I’m sure Sylvia appreciated the generosity.

Since our crow can only jump and half–walk‚ our only choices are a disabled crow in a cage or putting him to sleep.  It’s up to my boyfriend ultimately since he would have to build the cage. He was already considering chicken wire and thought wood posts would work. I will let you know our decision. Thank you for all your help.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Warm Regards‚

Billie Jean
Message # 308
Subject: Update!!!
Robyn,  14 yr old Female
Date:Thursday, January 31, 2008 @6:06 PM pacific time
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Hi everyone.
I was looking through google one day and realised that my post was on here So i clicked on the link and it brought me to a message that i wrote 3 years ago‚ when i was 11. I would just like to update everyone on my gerbals. I do not have any gerbals now. I gave away all my gerbals and their big white house to a family who was looking for gerbals. It was really cool to come on this website and read my post which i didnt even remember. When my little gerbal died‚ my friend and i buried him outside behind my house. Her name was J.C. She will always be remembered.

Webmaster Comment: Thanks for the update, Robyn. Hope everything else is fine with you. Do you have any more pets?
Message # 313 (Reply to message #281)
Subject: my piggy stoped eating!
James faulkner,  11 yr old Male
Date:Monday, March 24, 2008 @4:36 PM pacific time
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Hi. I'm sorry to hear the message about, "my ginni pig died", giving birth to her babies. It's so sad. I wonder why he stoped eating.
Message # 314
Subject: my boxer girl holyboo boos
christine snurfeil,  59 yr old Female
Date:Saturday, April 05, 2008 @2:51 PM pacific time
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i have just lost my beautiful boxer girl holly boo boos after ten years to a massive stroke‚  the vet told us there was nothing he could do‚ so we had to let her go. it was the hardest thing ive ever had to do‚ the pain i feel is so bad and i cant stop crying‚ please does any  know if the sadness gets better‚  because right now i cant seem to move on‚ its now been two months and it feels like it was only yeaterday‚ thanks

Webmaster Comment: Christine: Yes, the sadness will gradually subside and eventually you'll go an entire week of not thinking about it. That's so hard to believe now but it will happen. It took me a many months before I could go an entire day without that horrible sadness and gilt.

But without any doubt at all, especially in your case, you did the right thing. And I know you wanted just one more day, just one more hour. We all have our time. And now, thanks to you sharing, you've given us a brief glimpse of what you feel. We now we have visions of Holly in our minds, how you loved her, and in such a big way, she is now part of us too.

We're thinking of both you and of Holly.
Message # 315 (Reply to message #314)
Subject: my boxer girl holyboo boos
christine snurfeil,  59 yr old Female
Date:Friday, April 11, 2008 @10:42 AM pacific time
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Thank you web master for the lovely message you left for me‚ i‚m sure that the pain does get better but right now its very raw‚ holly was my best friend‚  my protector‚ she made us laugh so many times when she got silly‚ and when she sneaked on the sofa and hoped no one saw her there‚ these memories help me some days and other the tears just come when ever i think of her‚ i am finding it very hard  being without my beautiflu girl‚ we have got a plaque made for her and slao red and yellow rose bushes that the girls at work sent to me‚ she loved them so much and they loved my holly boo boos too‚ i know that she is happy and young again in rainbow bridge‚ i hope she will wait for me there‚

Webmaster Comment: It's so wonderful the way our loved pets accept us. I guess that's why we love them so much. I wish there was something more I could say or do, but you know as well as I that it takes time and there is nothing that will make it any easier for you. The love you have makes the pain you feel so much stronger. We are all so much better off for being able to share our lives with the ones we love, however brief, filled with love and joy. And of course, that is why we started our website, because of the love we had, still have, for Booboos. Thanks for getting back to us. Please write as many messages as you like. We enjoy hearing about Holly.
Message # 317
Subject: my beloved dakota
Lexus,  12 yr old Female
Date:Sunday, April 27, 2008 @7:24 PM pacific time
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My dog dakota died on my b day when i was having a party and i feel sooo bad because i was NOT there to be with him when he died my parents rushed him to the vet when i was asleep with some of my friends i never cried in front of friends before but i did when i heard about the bad new Some very mean dog came in our yard and bit him to death im still crying right now so i wanted to go and kill those darn dogs but i love animals so i wont. but i am still mad at those dogs and will protect all the rest or my animals forever my friends say go and get a new dog but i love him and i wont.i am still CRYING MY EYES OUT!
Message # 318
Subject: My beloved dog dakota
Lexus,  12 yr old Female
Date:Sunday, April 27, 2008 @7:39 PM pacific time
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I still call his name every time i go outside. sometimes i think well lets go and see how dakotas doing then i start crying and crying to remember hes dead.i cant and will not for awile get over it!im a Wreck!I want a new dog but not yet but in a couple or years i might just find a new friend sorta like him.But what really hurt me was that i never got to say Goodbye!i am soo messed up right now and balling my eyes out i keep forgetting that hes dead and i think its all my fault because i put him outside at night!my mom says its alot to take on for a little woman.if you read my other message you will see the whole story.but i will never ever get to say goodbye.i still call his name…

Webmaster Comment: Lexus. It is NOT your fault. Not in the least. And I understand you wanted to say goodbye. It's only natural. But by far most of the time none of us get to say goodbye but have to understand that we have already done so by loving our pets. It's not the goodbye that matters as much because it can never be enough. It is the moment, all the special moments you spent that make the difference. We know you love Dakota. And Dakota knows it. Of course, none of this can help you. And yes, it will take time, and even all the time can never erase all the pain. But it will eventually because bearable. Thank you for sharing Dakota wity us.
Message # 319
Subject: my dag beloved dakota
Lexus,  12 yr old Female
Date:Sunday, April 27, 2008 @7:43 PM pacific time
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holy iv seen the story about rainbow brige Wow you did too how awsome!
Message # 320
Subject: My beloved dog dakota
Lexus,  12 yr old Female
Date:Monday, April 28, 2008 @7:22 PM pacific time
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Thank you webmaster i love your story. And it makes me feel sooo better!
Message # 321
Subject: My precious Dakota
Shelly,  48 yr old Female
Date:Thursday, May 01, 2008 @11:54 AM pacific time
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My daughter wrote about our loving and faithful Kota Bear‚ thats what we all called him‚ because he looked like a fluffy little bear. I’ve cried so much and have had such headaches. I have had other animals in my life time that I loved and some have died‚ but this has been the most difficult time for me‚ my 12 year old daughter and my husband. I’m having a hard time writing this because its so painful to think about‚ but I can’t stop thinking and hurting. I have truly lost a family member and he’s never coming back.

The thing is that he died on Sunday April 27th‚ my daughters birthday slumber party was from the 26th to the 27th and Kota Bear was having so much fun with the girls. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body and he just loved to smile and give big kisses. It hurt so bad to have to wake my daughter and her friends up early Sunday morning and trying to find the way because of our own pain to tell her that her dog was dead.

The worse part was to tell her that the 2 dogs that had been hanging around our place for over a year‚ dug a hole under our fence and came in our yard while we were sleeping and killed our precious Kota Bear. I love animals and people need to take care of their animals‚ train them and love them so that they will not do this. My daughter and I have had bad dreams and not sleeping well since this happened.

She sleeps with us and she jerks and wakes up crying and calling for Dakota. I feel helpless and I can’t make things better‚ I love the Lord and he gave me comfort but I still can’t stop thinking. My daughter missed school for 2 days and when she went back to school yesturday‚ she came home depressed and said she had the worse day ever. Her teacher was talking about her own dog having fun walking and the other kids started talking about their dogs and Lexus just hurt. Then we went to the bank to cash her check her grandma gave her for her birthday and in walked a little girl carring a puppy.

I know we need to move on but its so hard to when it hurts so so bad. We have a Duck named Olivia and she really missed Kota Bear‚ he used to snuggle with her and give her kisses‚ she used to pick at his belly while he was laying down‚ at least I have pictures. I have an outdoor cat named Dozer that Kota Bear used to hang out with and sleep with in the cool grass. Last night when we went to feed the horse‚ Lexus said theres my boy as she saw Dozer coming and I thought she meant Kota Bear and I called his name.

For just a moment I had forgotten what happened and Lexus looked at me so sad. We are going to do a memory board with pictures of him and all his friends and the rainbow bridge poem. My Dakota was with me all the time‚ we just hung out and played ball and walked and gave love and now he’s gone. I want the hurting to stop‚ I never thought it was possible to hurt this bad over an animal I love.

Nothing can ever take the place of my precious Kota Bear. Thank you for listening!

Webmaster Comment: Dear Shelly, I am so sorry to hear about Kota Bear. My husband is the Webmaster for Booboos.com. When he told me about your loss, I had to respond. I was very touched by the way you describe your beloved angel Kota Bear as well as your other animal family members. It sounds as though you live a life very similar to my own. We are surrounded by horses, cats, and dogs. I have one dog, her name is Ruby. And like Kota Bear she is well loved and well behaved.

Our slightly distant neighbors have three dogs (or more) and they're not cared for right correctly at all. If one dog gets loose, it won't be threatening but if all three get loose, they act with a pact mentality and are very threatening. I have been frightened by these dogs in the past and have worried for Ruby. Ever since then, the dogs are kept confined. I have wondered about the dogs who killed Kota Bear. Do you know the owners of these dogs? Have they been forced to keep the dogs confined? I worry this might not be the best time for me to ask these questions but I do so because our living situation seems so similar.

People often ask for advise on how to deal with the pain of losing an animal family member. The pain is as real and as strong as losing a human family member. Because I am lucky to have other animal family members, I transfer even MORE LOVE AND AFFECTION towards them. Your duck Olivia will be suffering greatly. Ducks and geese often transfer the majority of their attention to one person or animal. It sounds like Kota Bear was Olivia’s best friend. I believe your daughter [as well as you] will benefit greatly by transferring even more of the love and affection you felt for Kota Bear to your other animal family members. I sincerely hope you and your family are starting to heal and to feel better.

Sincerely,
Annie
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