Chris Models on CBS' Early Show

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7171257n

Chris was a model on CBS' Early Show during a Holiday Gifts for Pets segment yesterday morning.  I'm so proud of him!  He was such a good boy.  He had to stay inside one of the featured items: a backpack bird carrier, during the segment and he was very quiet and cooperative.  He's the ultimate professional!  It's the second time he's been on the Early Show, so today he was happy to see some friends he'd met before.  He also made new friends with the other models including a very sweet little boy who was modeling some Christmas pajamas and a very cute dog named Emily, who is up for adoption at the Humane Society.   CBS was great and our treatment was first class.  They provided a car service to pick us up and take us home.  If only Chris could go over there every day and have something to keep him busy while his mom stays home and gets her work done.  I hope they give him a call if their resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner Bell ever needs a co-host!  Enjoy the video and keep your eye on the orange carrier in the lower right corner and the white bird inside.

Holly in the Hospital

Poor Holly is spending the night at the Animal Medical Center.  He was having some respiratory distress so we went over to the hospital and they put him in an oxygen tank for the night as a precaution.  In the morning he will have some tests.  This happened to Holly once before, two years ago.  Pionus parrots are susceptible to respiratory infections, but hopefully it's not too serious and Holly will be home tomorrow.  Incidentally, I was quoted an estimate of $1,000 for Holly's medical care.  (Keep some room in that oxygen tank for me!)

Holly on the jungle gym, playing with his music box

Chris was pretty upset when we left and I could hear him screaming as I walked down the hallway.  When I got home without Holly Chris was very quiet.  I immediately told him where Holly was and what was happening.  He looked apprehensive.  Finally, I said "Rozy is a good boy" and he perked up and fanned his feathers around his beak (a sign of contentment) and looked relieved.  (Rozy is what Chris calls Holly.) A little while later Chris came out of his cage and he seemed to be looking around for Holly.  He has spent most of the evening playing quietly and less enthusiastically than usual.  Periodically I have been saying "Rozy is a good boy" and "Rozy will be home tomorrow."  At one point Chris said "I love him."  I have no doubt.