So, after the trapeze lesson, I was soaring (pun intended). I was still smiling and comparing notes with my friends when I got a call on the ride home: “The parakeets flew away.”
I came crashing to the ground.
My daughter had taken the birds outside, and they had been faster than her. She was already feeling guilty, and she can be super-hard on herself.
I was crushed. When my daughter went to get her bird (Blueberry Jell-O, aka, Jell-O), I was overwhelmed with an… affinity with another parakeet. I’ve never been a pet person, but I loved that bird instantly. I still can’t explain it. So I got one too, and named him Captain America (his friends call him Cap).
Captain America, aka Cap (left) and Blueberry Jello-O, aka Jell-O
It was a great decision. The birds like each other, even though they play-fight all the time. They always want to be together. My daughter is the one who takes care of them, bringing them fresh food and water every morning, cutting vegetables and fruits for them, and making sure they get their exercise. She has read five parakeet-care books (so far). She does homework with them perched at her desk, and reads books to them.
Now they were gone, and she would never forgive herself.
By the time I arrived home, she was still crying like I’ve never seen her cry, saying things like “They are going to die, and it’s all my fault, just mine” (drama runs deep in my side of the family).
But while I was consoling her, Wonder Wife told me she had tracked the birds! The parakeets were thirty feet high, higher than I had been just an hour before, perched on one of the branches of the majestic Douglas Firs that line the road behind our backyard.
I couldn’t believe it! The birds had stuck around. I was so glad, because I could get one last glimpse at them before they flew away for good. But, at the same time, I had a sliver of hope that they might come back.
It was a cold, windy day, so I got my jeans and coat and went outside. How do you convince runaway birds to get back?
Without the binoculars, I couldn’t see them, but I could hear them. Incredibly, we could recognize their singing. I jumped over the fence, used my hearing as a guide, and stood directly underneath their sound. I saw them. I whistled and called their names. They moved higher. I rang the bell in one of their toys. They flew to another tree, farther. I ran after them, all the while looking up to keep track of them, disregarding thorns and stumps.
At that moment, I was sure we were losing them. I cared for them much more than I’ve ever realized.
They stopped. After twenty of minutes of pleading and cajoling, they flew closer to our house! Still very high, though. Wonder Wife brought food, treats, and water. For the birds, that is. We thought they were hungry. I surely was. It was about 4 p.m. then, and I hadn’t had lunch, even though I had, well, trapezed, for two hours.
We kept at it. My daughter had calmed down. She was working to bring the birds back. We all panicked when they flew to other side the road. On the other side, the road borders the woods. It’d be impossible to keep track of them with the densely packed trees. But a few unnerving minutes, they flew back, to a tree next to our fence.
It was getting late, and the wind was picking up. I was worried about the birds’ health: the vet said they are used to warm temperatures and even told us the house temperature shouldn’t drop below sixty. I remembered how they love to stay perched on top of their cage, so I hopped the fence once again, went inside, and brought their humongous house close to their field of vision. Cap seemed to like it, and for the next hour or so, he flew to lower and lower branches. He also seemed tired and too weak to fly long distances.
When it was almost dusk, Cap decided to fly to top of our backyard’s fence! For the first time in three hours, one of them was within my reach. I tried to cup him in my hands, but he flew to the neighbor’s backyard! Convinced that his cage had attracted him, I took it there. Cap was perched in a bush. Wonder Wife was able to get him.
We immediately put him back in his house. I was elated that we had gotten one of them back.
All this time, Jell-O observed us, and he even came down a few branches, but he was still too high. When it got too dark and cold, we decided to move Cap and his cage inside. We brought flashlights and a camping lamp outside. Jell-O got comfortable perched on a branch about ten feet high, and he seemed to settle in. Fortunately, even though the tree he chose was on the other side of the fence, the branch he chose extended into our backyard. The wind was very strong now, and the branch swung in the wind. However, Jell-O closed his eyes and raised one leg. He was going to sleep. In my mind, he might as well sleep in Antarctica. There was no way he could survive a nighttime temperature in the low thirties.
We tried to use a ladder, but no hard surface nearby could support its weight. I climbed the kid’s playset: he was still outside my reach. A small, foldable ladder sunk into the dirt.
We believed that he was very tired, and that if we could just nudge him, he would fly down. So we swung the branch to make him lose his balance. Nothing. We sprayed water at him. Same result. I used a long mop handle while on top of the sunken ladder, so he could see a shiny branch, and maybe decide to perch on it. The handle scared him, though, and he flew away, into the night.
I tried to follow him, to no avail. I couldn’t hear him: he wasn’t singing anymore. Jell-O was gone.
* * *
So, around 7 p.m. I had lunch under protest. The escape had affected me more than I expected. My daughter and I made a pact: we’d wake up before dawn and search for Jell-O.
Already inside, we took Cap out of his cage for exercise. He did something he had never done before: he flew straight to the window and hit the glass. He didn’t get hurt. I was surprised to learn that he knew that Jell-O was still outside.
After a restless night, I woke up before dawn and before the alarm rang, but not before my daughter. While she had breakfast, I walked around the neighborhood, looking up and down, whistling and ringing the bell. I probably woke up most of my neighbors. After an hour, I came home, defeated and dejected.
Two hours later, Wonder Wife left for her search. I had given up, and I think I was more shaken than my daughter. We were hosting a Superbowl party later that day, and the household chores kept my mind off the birds. All of a sudden, Wonder Wife appears on the deck, running with something in her cupped hands.
She had found Jell-O! Alive! He was on the sidewalk four houses down the street. As soon as he was inside his home, he started to eat. Both of the birds sang. Except for a feather out of place, Jello-O was perfectly healthy. I can’t describe the infinite joy that overtook me. I was happier than my daughter.
And so, so grateful.
I spent hours saying, “I can’t believe it.” Jell-O braved the wind, the cold, the hunger, the unfamiliar environment. He somehow dodged the neighborhood cats and dogs.
My daughter later said, “They had an adventure.” And it was exactly how it felt: like a Disney movie. After many difficulties and tribulations, the animal hero comes home, against all odds, to their family and a happy ending.
Sometimes I attribute a lot of significance to a seemingly trivial event. But, in this case, I feel justified. My daughter said, “I’m so glad that they’re back. Our family is complete now,” and I agree with her. Not only that, but we supported one another, and we were strong.
During the Superbowl party, I found myself checking on the birds from time to time. They were in my office, safe from the ten kids bouncing around the house. I need to see Cap and Jell-O, mostly to reassure myself they were really back.
Most of all, I felt something else was going on. I wouldn’t label it “spiritual” or “magic,” but the birds’ return, unscathed, was one of those moments when you just know that there are other forces in play. It may sound silly to anyone else, but I’ve wished for a positive resolution to a hopeless situation, and it came to be. Now I’m a believer. I don’t know what I believe in yet, but I believe it very strongly. 
Great post! Having just written about losing a pet I can absolutely relate to how you must’ve felt. And I am glad that it had a happy ending for you and your family. Cheers and thanks for this. I enjoyed it.
Thanks, Joe. I’m sorry about Butterscotch.
Awesome story Fabio! In so many ways, truly awesome
. I’m so happy your feather babies are back home. I know how I felt when I lost track of one of my fur babies. I thought he’d run out the front door and into the night, gone forever. It turned out he’d found his way into the attic. That moment of realizing they are back in our arms is priceless. 
Melinda, I felt so much relief and gratitude. It made me appreciate them even more. I’m glad your fur baby was just hiding.
I love the whole story, especially the HEA, Fabio.
The part that sticks with me (aside from the emotive, spell-binding way you weave the tale) is the message about teamwork, belief and happy endings.
Yes, I, too, believe something stronger played on your team. LOVE your last line. “…but I believe it very strongly.”
I wouldn’t say we’ll be living happily ever after–but we’ve been happy so far
Thank you so much for the kind words, Gloria! It means a lot.
So glad both birds are back and unharmed! It really seemed like a great adventure for them, and you conveyed it into a fabulous story, but I’m sure it also was nerve-wracking (for the human part of your family). I felt sorry, especially for your daughter, but fortunately everything turned out great. Kudos to you and your family for such a perseverance in looking for the birds and coaching them back home!
Thanks, Angela. The search was stressful, but the ending was… happy!
Oh great story. Your retelling had me on the edge of my seat, really, praying the birds would be okay, worried they would not. Much to my relief I got to the end and they were fine.
Then you felt just like we did, Asrai
Thanks for stopping by!
Whew! I’m glad the birds are home, Fabio. As I was reading, I felt for you and your daughter, (drama runs deep on my side of the family, too) and admired Wonder Wife’s problem-solving ability. Thanks for letting us share in your family’s happy ending.
Thank you, Pat. I needed to write it. It was supposed to be a journal entry for my family. But I thought I should share it with you.
I’m glad I did.
Awww! I’m so glad the birdies came back! Like Asrai, I was really worried! I know the panicky feeling when one of the dogs gets loose, and they’re big! Or worse, the gerbils (because of the dogs). The few times I’ve taken my turtle out and let her roam around the yard, I’m afraid to let her get more than a few feet away! I’ll bet your daughter doesn’t let the birds out of the house again.
Now I understand the feeling, Jennette! Bigger animals can be a threat, and I was worried about that too.
My daughter is very responsible (sometimes too much), and she only let the birds out because she was afraid they weren’t having enough exercise. Poor little girl.
We are all so relieved and grateful!
Lovely post, Fabio – the whole story is heartwarming, but I agree with Gloria…that last line is just masterful.
Wow, Jenny. Thank you
Aw, you’re making me all misty eyed! That is such a sweet story and I’m so glad it has a happy ending. Miracles really do happen and your Jell-O is living proof of that.
Oh, Tameri. I will not lie: I got a little misty-eyed too during the search. I’m glad you liked the story.
Great story Fabio. and I’m so glad you and your family had a happy ending – pets become so important to us. they truly become our fur or feather babies. Glad you realized how important they are to you.
Sometimes you must lose something to give it the proper value, I guess. I’ll never take them for granted. Ever.
Thanks for your support, Louise.
Oh, thank goodness your story had a happy ending, for you and all of us! I held my breath like I was reading a thriller. I have a bird, by marriage, and never before imagined what incredible beings and pets they can be. Hooray for Cap and Jell-O! I heard a children’s book coming on, by Mr. Bueno. Hmm…
“A bird by marriage”?
Loved it.
A children’s book? That’s an idea. Maybe I’ll talk to Julie Hedlund about that!
What a great story, Fabio. I was rooting for you and the parakeets all the way. I’ve done the lost-and-found pet thing, and I loved you going into the den to check on them.
Hi, Jennifer! Yeah, you can’t quite believe they’re back. I smiled a little bit every time I looked at them that day.
Oh I agree with August Fabio! This story would make a fabulous children’s book!
I do not know what was wrong with me today, but I didn’t realize that you had posted. I am so sorry to have gotten here so late and I will share this on twitter in the morning.
Can you believe how much those feathered friends can affect us? What a panic! Your poor family Fabio must have gone out of their minds. Your children must adore you for going above and beyond the call of duty to find them. And the fact that Jell-O was still alive is amazing. Wow, what a story.
Thank you for sharing this. I’m so glad I didn’t miss this one. I must be losing it Fabio. LOL!
No worries, Karen! We’re so busy sometimes, and there are so many wonderful blogs to check out. I’m honored that you always visits me
I’m so happy they came back! I, too, was on the edge of my seat. I was worried this story would end much differently and I didn’t want it to. But I kept reading – just in case they flew back home.
I completely identified with how you felt walking around your neighborhood first thing in the morning. I did the same thing when one of my inside kitties got out. The feeling that overcomes us when we find them and bring them safely back home is almost indescribable, but you did it very well.
Masterfully written and such a wonderful ending!
Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer! Your words are so kind.
I agree. The intensity of our anxiety is only matched by our relief after we find them.
Oh my gosh, thank goodness for the happy ending. Your last line gave me chills and goosebumps!
Ginger! I am so relieved it had a happy ending. For the sake of the birds and because my daughter didn’t deserve the self-imposed guilt. I’m glad you liked the line. It’s true, by the way
I’m so glad they made it home safely. Back in early October, we had one of our cats (who’s declawed and had never been outside) accidentally knock the screen out of an upstairs window and escape. By the time I realized what had happened, it was after dark and we couldn’t find her anywhere. I was sure she’d get hit by a car or killed by any number of things, especially since she has no claws to defend herself. At 3 am, she somehow climbed up onto the roof, found her way back to the same window, and cried until we let her in. She stays far away from all windows and doors now
Wow, cats are so smart and resilient! Well, and nimble and agile
I’m glad you got him back.
We had hamsters that would get away and go down the vents and then turn up in the strangest places weeks later. I found 2 wild snakes in my house! One became a pet for 6 months until the next summer. The other I just put in a fish tank until it warmed up outside the next day.
I am glad that you got them back!!
LOL! I’ve heard of people giving a new home to stray cats and dogs, but to stray wild snakes? You’re something, Susie!
Fabio, you had me on the edge of my seat! I know so well what it is to have my heart bound to a dear, sweet creature and to be terrified that I’d failed them. And, yes, these kinds of heart wrenching situations do seem to connect us to some underlying magical thread. So happy for their return! Thanks so much for writing this post.
Thank you for visiting, Alicia. I’ve gained a new understanding of what means to have a pet. What an experience!
Great post, Fabio! Excellent writing. So glad it was a happy ending for your family.
Thanks, Trish! Glad to have you visit.
Fabio, what a lovely story! Here in Florida, we see parakeets and parrots who have escaped their homes quite often. They seem to fare well in our warm climate, but I always worry. Maybe they’re something like your birds and have a way of finding home? I hope….
I hope so, Diane. A escaped pet is heartbreaking for the owners, especially if they’re kids.
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Fabio, how truly fortunate you and your family are to have these lovely creatures as part of your family. Their adventure — and yours — was very exciting to read about but I hope you never have to go through that again. My they stay safe I your house.
We feel very fortunate, Sheila. We’ve always been very careful, and they still flew away. And now we’re even more attached to them.
I love happy endings! It sounds like a picture book or a chapter book! I love the parakeets’ names. So cute! And how the whole family worked together to get the birds to come home. Love the dedication your daughter has for the pets. And, aw, you hooked us with her crying and blaming herself! Pulled us right in, hanging on to every word! What an awesome post, Fabio.
And you’re taking trapeze lessons? Wow!
Yeah, it was an eventful weekend, Lynn
My daughter takes her responsibilities very seriously, and she loves her pets. It was hard on her.
I’m very happy that you liked the post.
Along with everyone else I have to say that I’m glad that story had a happy ending! Losing a pet can be a scary experience. After looking for hours…with the help of three other family members who drove out to help us scour three country roads for Sam (20+ pound brat of a cat), he turned up. Sleeping under my dressing table. And yes, we had looked there, under beds and everywhere else in the house. Not sure how he managed it but, while we were outside freezing, he was warm and comfortable.
Sorry, but I laughed when I read your comment
Another proof of the intelligence of cats! They know how to live, don’t they?
You should write a post about your adventure too.
I laugh about it, too…now. That day it wasn’t very funny. I was torn between wanting to hug the stuffing out of him…or shake him like a rag doll for scaring my daughter and I like that. Not sure I’ll ever blog about that (it was about four years ago so I don’t remember much about it now). But I did write about his favorite snacks being Slim Jim’s and Doritos. He’s pretty fond of mozzarella cheese, too. This is all stuff my daughter has discovered…NOT me.
Proving I am a sappy marshmallow once again, I was in tears as I read this post. Oh, Fabio. I am so very glad you found your parakeets! Reading your post was like a Disney animal adventure story. I, too, have had lost pets – more than once. Fortunately, we’ve found them every time, often with a lot of drama in between. Wonderful post, Fabio. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, I can’t imagine having to go through this multiple times. You’re very strong.
Thanks for the lovely words, Lynette!
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Just popping by from Susie Lindau’s party Fabio… great story! I was sure one of the birds would have escaped well and proper, but great to hear you got them both back safe and sound!
Thanks, Tom. I visited your blog too. The “One Day Last January” post is a great piece!
I too found your blog through Susie…what a terrific story! I’m all about a bird named after Captain America.
Captain America thanks you. He’s excited about the Avengers movie.
Glad you stopped by!