Masey Goes Home

By Larry Marranzino

Through a letter posted to The Eclectus Connection, I became aware that a list member could no longer keep “Masey”, a special Eclectus redhead who had shared his home for several years. I wanted to adopt her, but the logistics of getting Masey who was on the East Coast of the U.S. in New York City to my home in Los Angeles on the West Coast in California would require this bird to “fly” across the entire United States. To Masey, it might have seemed like an exciting trip but to me, it only seemed overwhelming! Friends encouraged me to ‘go for it’ so I persevered and wrote to the list about my wishes to adopt Masey. The response from the list was incredible! I received many offers of help from kind TEC members who were willing to drive for many hours to help get Masey to her new home. This strengthened my resolve to find a way to make it happen!

One of the first responses was from Sheila, Masey's breeder, who stated that she had friends in Staten Island, NY who might help. Soon, Connie and Ray offered to help Masey and me! Just when everything seemed to be working out, there was a glitch in the plans that made me wonder sadly if I would ever have the privilege of having Masey share my home. Then when I was about to give up hope, Sheila worked her magic and called me with the good news that all was well! I then contacted Connie and Ray again (who were quickly becoming good friends as well as Good Samaritans, and Bob to coordinate getting Masey.

Through contact with Bob, I learned that another lady was interested in Masey and that I would have to wait until the next day to see if Masey would be going home with someone else. Needless to say, that night seemed long and the wait felt endless. The next morning though, Bob contacted me with the incredible news that Masey would be coming home to me! The emotional roller coaster was once again climbing upward.

The plan was for me to wire the money for Masey to Connie and Ray. They would pick up Masey on Thursday and fly her to me in LA. Thursday arrived and the wire transfer still wasn't there. Unbelievably, Connie and Ray used their own money for Masey and picked her up from Bob! In addition, they kept her for a few days until time for her flight. They work for the airlines which allowed Ray to check on Masey after she was strapped in for the flight. Masey came to the front of the carrier as if to say thank you and goodbye to “Uncle Ray and Aunt Connie”.

Masey arrived at noon on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002. I worried needlessly as she had snacked on apples and dry foods during her first class flight all the way from NY to LA. Thinking that I'd probably get an unfriendly bite because I was a stranger to Masey, I tentatively offered my hand. Instead, Masey gently beaked my finger as if to say hello.

Thanks to Sheila, Connie, Ray and Carolyn who went way beyond the call of duty, Masey is home at last forever in LA with me.