In 1998, Twinkle Toes was turned over to the Exotic Bird Rescue group in Eugene, Oregon. She was listed as a "found" bird by the organization because the man who turned her over to the group said she flew into his garage one evening. Her original owner was never located.
I was a member of the Exotic Bird Rescue group and was contacted to be a foster home for her until a permanent home could be found for her. She was such a sassy little spitfire with personality to spare, that after our first night together I decided to call the rescue group and submit my paperwork for her adoption. She's been a part of my life ever since.
Twinkle Toes passed away Sunday morning... I'm grateful that Alan was with her, comforting her and giving into her demands for a head rub. She loved head rubs. She loved Alan. And millet. And pencil erasures. And biting off the edges of paper. Important papers! She was always getting into trouble. But she was worth every bit of that trouble.
I never would have imagined that a little bird could be missed so much...... I'm so very sad.
I am so sorry to read about Twinkle Toes, being an animal lover and having a bird of my own, I am so grateful that God made animals for our pleasure, because that is what they bring...pure pleasure. Memories are priceless - and what a great photo!!!
Posted by: Lovely Linda | July 28, 2008 at 03:40 AM
They walk with us but for a little while, but oh, how much better our lives are for it.
The memories and the love will always be with you. I hope you can find comfort in that.
Posted by: Vianna (in FLorida) | July 26, 2008 at 08:04 PM
I am very sorry for your loss too. Pets are a part of our families and their passing leaves a hole in our heart.
Blessings to you and Allen.
Posted by: Pat | July 24, 2008 at 03:14 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about Twinkle Toes :(
I'm glad Alan was there for her. She was one spoiled birdie!! :)
Posted by: Jennifer (jkincolorado) | July 24, 2008 at 01:42 PM
As an animal/pet lover - I can't say enough how sorry I am for your loss. Big or small, winged or furred - we love them like family, don't we.....
HUGE hugs, Anna.
Posted by: QC | July 24, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Anna, was so sorry to hear about your friend's passing....and so glad that Alan was there to keep her company.......I have fur and feather babies too(no two legged ones though) and they are definitely part of the family.....my heart goes out to you and yours.......will be thinking of you
Posted by: Pamm | July 24, 2008 at 08:15 AM
I'm sure that because you live on a farm you've lost more loved pets than I have, but I've lost a fair number of cats and I have 3 wonderful parrots that I would sure miss if something happened to one of them. I currently also have 3 cats.
I have you and Allen in my prayers (sure hope I got your husband's name spelled correctly!).
Hugs,
Robin
Posted by: Robin | July 24, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Oh Anna - I'm so sorry to hear this! I do know how much our birds captivate our hearts! I'm sad with you. HUGS!!!
Posted by: Jami | July 23, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Oh I'm so sad to read this story! I feel for all of you!
Posted by: Diane Lapointe | July 23, 2008 at 07:56 PM
So sorry to hear of your pet loss.
Nice photo...cute bird!
I am sure you have many fond memories..
pets are wonderful!
Posted by: Dee | July 23, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Oh Anna, I am so sorry – she will definitely be missed. The ends of shoelaces will never be the same; when I look down at them I will always think fondly of her.
Posted by: MicheleP | July 23, 2008 at 07:14 PM
What a beautiful bird! It's so hard when we lose an animal we love but you know he had a happy home with you.
Posted by: Ellen | July 23, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Hello Anna
Sounds like she had a wonderful life with you and animals know when they are loved. Anyone who doesn't like animals doesn't have a heart and you and Alan have shown your hearts are as big as the all outdoors!
Your animals are lucky to have you as their protectors.
Posted by: jayne | July 23, 2008 at 02:18 PM
I am so sorry to read about Twinkle Toes. It's so hard to lose pets after they have given so much of themselves in love and friendship through their years. Twinkle Toes looks so very much like my "Luckybird", my almost 15-year old cockatiel. My heart goes out to you and Alan in your loss.
Posted by: Simmy | July 23, 2008 at 01:19 PM
So sorry for your loss. A pet is a pet, no matter what. Be strong.
Posted by: angie | July 23, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. Hopefully your memories of her will help you through this.
Posted by: Terri Moore | July 23, 2008 at 10:32 AM
It's so hard to say goodbye to a pet...but she knows how much you loved her-and you have the comfort knowing that you provided her with a wonderful life! Gotta go get a tissue now...
Posted by: Danielle | July 23, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Anna, Just wanted you to know how sorry I was to hear of Twinkle Toes passing. It is always hard to say goodbye to our furry or feathered friends as is the case here. She was well loved and cared for and will be fondly remembered. Sharing in your sorrow. Hugs, Ida
Posted by: Ida | July 23, 2008 at 09:42 AM
And consider designing a cockatiel stamp sometime. A nice tribute to TT, I'd sure
buy one. Thanks Anna!
Posted by: Mary S | July 23, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Blessings and love to you and Alan. I, too lost a cockatiel, "Myra", after only 10 years. She shared my sandwiches, loved scrambled eggs and toast, spagetti. She would SCREAM when she heard my car in the driveway and keep screaming until I got in there to say "Hi Baby". Heaven help me if I had to dash to the bathroom before I could say Hi ~ she screamed the whole time. I loved her and her antics tho. Interesting how these critters get into your heart. So sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Ruthy Gray | July 23, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Im so sorry , The loss of a PET is very difficult They are special pieces of our family!! BIG HUGS
Posted by: tyrymom29 | July 23, 2008 at 08:31 AM
So sorry to hear about TT, she looks exactly like our PJ, and the way you describe her is so similar...head rubs, erasers...Was she crazy for popcorn too?
Birds are great pets, I know how you feel.
I check your blog almost every day to see your artwork and beautiful animal photos.
Hugs!
Posted by: Mary S | July 23, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Oh Anna, I am so sorry about Twinkle Toes. I am sitting here with tears mourning with you. If I were there, I would give both you and Alan a big hug.
Posted by: Sandy Hill | July 23, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Aw Anna I am so sorry to hear of your and Allen loss. Sweet photo!
Posted by: Chris Mott | July 23, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry for your loss. We have many pets (including parrots) also and when one is gone it leaves a space we need to fill with warm memories. Bless you for taking this sweetie in and giving it a happy home, a good life and lots of love.
Posted by: Nancy | July 23, 2008 at 07:41 AM
I'm very sorry for the loss of your beloved Twinkle Toes. She looks absolutely adorable in that picture. Isn't it funny how the little furry and feathered creatures make their way into our hearts. It's been 2 1/2 years since I lost my dear kitty (also a rescue) and I still miss her today.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Posted by: Michelle | July 23, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Huge hugs... they are family no matter whether fur, fins or feathers!
HUGS
MichelleO
Posted by: Michelle Oatman | July 23, 2008 at 07:16 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. The pain of losing a pet hurts. Hugs to you and Alan.
Posted by: Cindy H. | July 23, 2008 at 06:54 AM
Poor twinkle toes, I'm glad that Alan made her happy during her last moments. I had a Cockatiel named Mercedes. My mom would whistle to him and he learned how to sing When the Saints go marching in......it was sweet. He has passed on now too but I wanted to share a memory.
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | July 23, 2008 at 06:47 AM
**HUGZ to you & Alan.
Posted by: Michelle | July 23, 2008 at 05:51 AM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Isn't it amazing how these little critters weave their way into our hearts? I am glad Lady Bird has arrived to help ease your pain. You will always have a special place in your heart for your sweet little friend.
Posted by: Sheri Danielson | July 23, 2008 at 05:45 AM
((hugs))
Anna! How sad! It's so hard to part with any member of the family-furry or feathered. I am glad that you have wonderful memories of your sweet tweetie!
Posted by: jen del muro | July 23, 2008 at 05:29 AM
Anna, you have my complete sympathy. {{{}}}
We found our cockatiel, Colonel, in our front yard in Las Vegas, NV in 2000. He's still with us and as crusty as ever.
Be at peace.
Posted by: margaret | July 23, 2008 at 05:01 AM
Ah, I'm so sorry! I know you miss her so much! She is so beautiful!
Posted by: CherylQuilts at SCS | July 23, 2008 at 04:56 AM
Isn't it amazing how a pet can touch our lives? They become extensions of us. I am so sorry that she had to go, however it sounds as though you had many wonderful times with her. I'm glad that Alan was with her. And I'm so thrilled that there was a new birth on the same day. {{{{{HUGS}}}} to both of you. Again I'm so sorry about Twinkle Toes
Posted by: The Queen | July 23, 2008 at 04:36 AM
Anna, what a blessing to have had Twinkle Toes in your life! You are fortunate indeed as it sounds as though she brought you great joy.
Posted by: Susan | July 23, 2008 at 04:12 AM
I am so sorry to hear about Twinkle Toes! It is always hard to lose a pet and I feel for you. I'm happy Alan was able to comfort her at the end. Lady Bird is pretty darn cute! Looks like her mommy!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | July 23, 2008 at 03:40 AM
You have my deepest sympathy. My cat, Rascal, died a year ago in August from cancer and we felt like we lost a member of the family and I still think about him every day. my heart goes out to you, keep fresh in your heart and mind all you special memories of Twinkle Toes.
Posted by: Debbie D. | July 23, 2008 at 03:40 AM
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Fur & feather children always have special meanings in our hearts and lives and it's never easy when they pass. Hugs to you both.
Posted by: Dotty | July 23, 2008 at 03:20 AM
I think originally I came to your site for stamping - and your stamping and watercolor are amazing, but the thing I love MOST about you is your love for animals. A lot of people who have a lot of farm animals lose that tender heart you have for loving each and every one. When I read your blog I think of James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small". Thank you for sharing all that with us, and thank you for sharing little Twinkle Toes. What a lucky little bird he was. Your hubby is a sweet man too.
He was a gorgeous bird.
Posted by: Lydia | July 23, 2008 at 02:57 AM
Oh, Anna! I am sorry to hear about your loss of Twinkle Toes. Ten years is a long time and I'm sure she filled your daily life with my interesting pleasure. I'll be thinking of you.
Posted by: Kittie | July 23, 2008 at 02:20 AM
I'm so sorry about Twinkle Toes' passing away. She was a beautiful bird, and you made me smile reading about her. I inherited an albino cockatiel, Angel, who has some of the same quirks as Twinkle Toes, especially loving head rubs. She will sit as still as can be and close her eyes, as if saying, "ahhhhhhh, that feels gooooood" as I rub her head. She also loves to sit on my shoulder and chew on my earrings or my necklace, and fly around the house chirping her head off. Prayers for you and Allen as you miss Twinkletoes.
Posted by: Connie | July 23, 2008 at 01:04 AM
with sympathy, it is always beautiful in your hearts, and well-remembered.
Edna
Posted by: Edna | July 22, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Oh Anna, I lost my dear peanut (pied pearl cockatiel) This past feb, it was awful, I too held her as she passed. I have her mother and boy friend and another here still. My daughter still goes out to visit her grave in the backyard.
My heart goes out to you...
Posted by: Cyndie Planck | July 22, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Anna I am so sorry for your loss. I am a dog mama to an elder stateswoman and I dread that day that I know always comes too soon. I have never known a bird of any sort, but I know if I did it would be just as deeply imbed in my heart as my Dagny. I pray for you and I know better days will come. She will be missed I am sure.
Posted by: Laurie Hunt | July 22, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Johnny B. Goode, our cockateil, and I send our condolences to you and your family. What a wonderful family you were for Twinkle Toes to be with! I am so glad you have good memories. =-)
Posted by: Liane | July 22, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Hugs to you and Alan! So sorry your sweet little spitfire isn't with you anymore.
Posted by: SusanH | July 22, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Anna, I am so sorry for your loss. Know you and yours are being held in the Light. May you meet Twinkle Toes at the Rainbow Bridge someday. You were lucky to have each other!
Posted by: Julie (Joypup on SCS) | July 22, 2008 at 09:57 PM
I havent had a bird since I was in grade school but he flew into my grampa's bedroom and stayed. We named him Charlie after Charlie Gehringer from the Detroit Tigers-way before my time but it worked. It was a grampa and me thing.
Later I had bunnies, rats, mice, piggies,cats, dogs,but never another bird.
There is a special place in heaven for someone like you Anna. Bless the beasts and the children. YOu are doing your part very well.And I bet you will again and again.
Posted by: JanScholl | July 22, 2008 at 09:46 PM
I'm so sorry for you and your family... My son had to put his Livey Girl (Lab) of 13 years to sleep last week. We all were so close to her. If I may I would like to send a email my daughter his sister wrote about Kevin and Livey. We love our pets like our family God does it hurt when they leave us... xo, Peggie inLas Vegas
Posted by: Peggie | July 22, 2008 at 09:43 PM
When you look up into the night sky that extra bright twinkle is her smiling at both of you.
Posted by: Kathleen | July 22, 2008 at 09:30 PM
So sorry to hear of the loss of such a special friend.
Posted by: Angela K | July 22, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Aww I'm sorry to hear you lost Twinkle Toes. Hugs!
Posted by: Amy | July 22, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I am so sorry for your loss of Twinkle Toes. That sweet little bird was so lucky to have you for "people"!
Posted by: Janet S | July 22, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Anna,
I know what you are going through, friends of ours about 5 years ago caught a cockatail in their backyard and never found the owners. We adopted her and named her Spikey. She was a loveable, sweet, baby and demanded to have control of the computer keyboard! About a year ago a tumor started growing on her bottom, at first we thought that it was an egg that binded, but running her to a Vet (Which is very hard to find a bird vet) he said there was nothing we could do for her and it depended on how fast the tumor grew, but guarnteed us she was in no pain. She still flew and snuggled with you. Well it came a time that she spelt all day and wanted to be carried like a baby and was having a hard time balancing on the perch. So me and my daughters had her put down and it still makes me cry how she just crawled up into my hand put her head down and went to sleep. We buried her in our backyard, and have since replaced her with a Blue Quaker now Sammy makes us smile. These little fellows are just like family. Keep your pictures and remember the good times, Twinkle Toes is now keeping Spikey company. God Bless!
Bev
Posted by: Bev (Rette Mom) | July 22, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Oh, Anna, I am so sorry about your lovely little Cockatiel. I am also a former owner of a Cockatiel and they are darling birds. You have my sympathy.
Posted by: Shala | July 22, 2008 at 09:19 PM
I'm so sorry for the loss of your little Twinkletoes, Anna. It's always difficult to lose a pet who has been with us for such a long time. They are members of the family for sure.
Hugs,
Karen
Posted by: Karen Lindsay | July 22, 2008 at 09:17 PM
HUGE HUGS to you from me...I'm so very sorry you lost your precious bird. She was so beautiful! I love animals TOO much, and I understand your grief. I'm glad Alan was with her...bless him for being so caring and kind. My sincere sympathy to you, I am also very attached to my pets...{{{{{HUGS}}}}}again, you can't have too many hugs.
Posted by: diane mcvey | July 22, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry. I have tear in my eyes. I too had a rescued Cockateal some years ago. I love birds so much. Her name was Pete, because the previous owners thought she was a male. She ran our house. She loved to get into the coat hangers in the closet and nap! She loved riding on my shoulder, eating Mac'n'cheese from my kids bowls, and chatting while I worked around the house. She too loved head rubs - perhaps it's a bird thing. My heart is aching for you, I know how you feel the loss.
Posted by: Barb Hardeman | July 22, 2008 at 08:44 PM
My heart is filled with sorrow for you dear Anna. Sending you wishes of comfort and peace.
Posted by: jodie | July 22, 2008 at 08:37 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! It is so hard when beloved pets leave our lives.
Posted by: Crystal N | July 22, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Awww Anna, I'm so sorry; how strange how our lives can change from one day to the next!
Posted by: Kathyc on SCS | July 22, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry. {{{{hug}}}} to you and Alan.
Posted by: Danita (Moberkitty) | July 22, 2008 at 07:56 PM
i'm so sorry to read of the loss of your little friend. These little friends bring so much love into our lives - and you gave her a good life. That's something to remember.
Posted by: Tracy | July 22, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Anna, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Twinkle Toes. Even though some pets can be so small, they leave a LARGE gap when they are not with us anymore. {{Hugs}} to you and Alan.
Posted by: Peggy F (lefsegirl) | July 22, 2008 at 07:44 PM
I regret to hear of Twinkle Toes' recent passing. Her memory will continue to live in your heart, though. I'm glad to know that she became an integral part of your life and of the love and wonderful life you gave her. With heartfelt sympathy, Gabriela.
Posted by: Gabriela | July 22, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Oh Anna... So very sorry to hear about your loss. Big hugs to you and Alan.
Posted by: Lisa | July 22, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Anna and Alan, I am so sorry for your loss. As hard as it is to have lost her, I am sure that Twinkle Toes enriched your lives. Love is funny...it can feel so good and it can hurt so bad! Try to remember the good times.
Give each other a big hug.
Posted by: terilee | July 22, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry. Our pets are such a big part of our lives and the joy they bring is unparalleled. Hugs to you sweetie.
Posted by: Lynn Mercurio | July 22, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Anna, so sorry for your lose. A lose of pet is so very sad. My heart goes out to you and Allan. She was a lucky bird to have you guys!
Posted by: Kathy | July 22, 2008 at 06:58 PM
So very sorry to you and Allen. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Posted by: Tracy | July 22, 2008 at 06:52 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss Anna. Our family raised cockatiels for a while and I know how precious and loving they could be. She sure was a cutie!
Posted by: Maureen W. | July 22, 2008 at 06:31 PM
I am so truly sorry for the loss of Twinkle Toes. There is something so special about being loved by an animal. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and I sympathize with you. I hope that your sadness is replaced by funny memories of her. Take care.
Posted by: Tammy Nichols | July 22, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Oh Anna - (((((HUGS)))))
Posted by: AmyR | July 22, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I'm so sorry you lost Twinkletoes... It's never easy loosing our beloved pets. (((hugs))) Anna and Alan. I'm glad Alan was there for Twinkletoes and is now there for YOU.
Posted by: Joanne Johnson | July 22, 2008 at 06:07 PM
I am so sorry Anna. Thank goodness for Allan and head rubs!
Posted by: hb | July 22, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Oh Anna, BIG HUGS to you and Alan! So sorry to hear about your loss! What a cute bird she is!
Posted by: Jackie W. | July 22, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Awww, Anna ~ I'm so sorry!! What a beautiful bird! My grandma had to put her 17 yr old cat down yesterday, so I definitely share in your grief!!
Posted by: Michelle (MilwaukeeMommy) | July 22, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Sending prayers your way...
Posted by: Jacque (SCS: Petals) | July 22, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Anna, I am so sorry for your loss! You gave her an excellent life and she was obviously very loved! It's so hard to lose our furry and feathered friends! I hope the good memories of your time with her helps during this tough time.
Posted by: Michelle H in NY | July 22, 2008 at 05:02 PM
I'm so sorry Anna. I just returned from the vet - I had to let my 17 year old kitty go to sleep. I share your deep sadness tonight. :(
Posted by: Michelle Adams | July 22, 2008 at 04:56 PM
So sorry for your loss Anna. Twinkle Toes was a lucky bird to be rescued by you. We rescued a Cockatiel named peaches several years ago who was as much of a character as your treasured friend. (((((((hugs)))))))
Posted by: Shelly | July 22, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Anna, your post brought tears to my eyes. I know what it's like to lose a loved pet, whether a dog, a cat, a bird ... whatever it is, it is HARD. They are part of our families. I will keep you and Alan in my thoughts at this time. Your wonderful memories will help to keep Twinkle Toes close to your heart! Debby
Posted by: Debby W. | July 22, 2008 at 04:32 PM
I am so very sorry for your loss. Who knows why we love so deeply but we do. I think it is our great strength as a species and our vulnerability. I know you will miss your friend.
Posted by: Martha | July 22, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Oh, I have tears in my eyes...my heart aches for your family. I still miss my pets after many years...Hugs
Posted by: sue kment | July 22, 2008 at 03:50 PM
I am very sorry. I, too, am glad Alan could be there.
(((hugs)))
Sounds like it was a little bird with BIG character!!
Posted by: Juliana | July 22, 2008 at 03:48 PM
I'm sorry. Rest in peace Twinkle Toes. I'm sure she was a very lucky bird to have been part of your lives. She'll always be in your hearts.
Posted by: Lisa | July 22, 2008 at 03:42 PM
So sorry for your loss. Twinkle Toes was so very lucky to been loved by you and Alan, and I am sure she showed you a ton of love (through the mischief!) We all miss her along with you.
Posted by: Lauri | July 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM
i'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Diana B | July 22, 2008 at 03:31 PM
What a beautiful bird Twinkles Toes was. Interesting how that she knew which papers were important. ;)
I know the sadness of losing a beloved pet/friend. (:) big hug for you Anna!
Posted by: Sharon in NE | July 22, 2008 at 03:23 PM
I know how you feel, my daughter and I had a cockatiel named "Buddy"
I was working at a pet store at the time,recently divorced, working 3 part time jobs and going to school. We had no time,money or space for the dog my daughter begged me for.Based on info from customers at the store we "settled" for a bird,I couldn't understood how a bird could ever be a real pet but was I ever wrong. Buddy was a great pet for us at the time, she loved millet, sitting on my daughters head or shoulder while she did her homework and chirping and dancing around in her cage when we came home each day. Sadly we only had her for 3 years ,never did know what happened.I rushed her to an aviary vet, but she didnt make it through the night.
No one understood how we could be sad, because after all "it was only a bird" but she was such a good girl and so funny.
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. She's lucky to have been well loved.
Posted by: Beth R. | July 22, 2008 at 03:16 PM
((HUGS)) to you. I'm glad you have such wonderful memories in your heart to keep her spirit alive with you...
Posted by: Shelby | July 22, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Pets are a part of our family, an everyday companion. They leave a gulf in our lives when they go. I'm so sorry.
Posted by: mamajulie | July 22, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Big Hugs Anna,
Losing any well loved pet is hard....
Posted by: Sally (CKMom) | July 22, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Anna: So sorry you lost such a sweet little friend. Hugs to you and Alan.
Posted by: Troy Louise | July 22, 2008 at 02:51 PM