Testimonials

We have received a lot of letters thanking us for all we do. Here are a selection of testimonials that owners and visitors have sent telling us how we have changed their lives. If you would like to share your experience too, send an email here.

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Subject:	A true rescue ran with hearts and hands
Date:	Tue, 1 May 2012 12:53:42 -0700 (PDT)
From:	Lisa Romano
To:	secondchancebirdrescue@rochester.rr.com

I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to second chance rescue for helping us to relocate our Macaw and Amazon which we had from hatch. Both birds were purchased as anniversary gifts early in our marriage and brought much love and devotion over the next 10 years. We had several pets until recently when doctors said the pet dander was a main trigger for my asthma. In an effort to minimize to situation, the animals were moved into a room of their own away from the open social environment they were used to. Shortly after we started to notice signs of stress like losing feathers and being board even with toys. We began looking for help and quickly found not all rescues are created equal. Some were driven by personal gain or profits others by politics. This was deterrent for quite a while because we couldn't let them go to that and we could not find any personal parties interested in them either. I could have sold these birds many times but I was not convinced that their health and well being would be a priority. I offered these birds for FREE with everything so they would have the best chance for adoption and focus would be on the birds not the finances. Almost a year passed and I thought I would try again before winter. This time I found second chance rescue and researching encouraged me to call and inquire, I worked with Kim B who made the experience as stress free as possible for me and the birds. I did not want to see them go after 10 years but I knew they needed more then I could do with my asthma. I continue to get updates and stay in contact with Kim which has left me comfortable with my decision. She has gone above and beyond for my birds and has cared for them and found them great homes. Anyone lookin for the best bird rescue need not look any further. These ppl really care for and love these birds. I thank all of you but most of all Kim for still taking the time to update me and fill me in on the progress and plans for my Zazu.... Thanks so much.....
Lisa.R.

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I just really needed to send something to say how wonderful you are.

I was at my office today and had a baby goose that was attacked. I had attempted to call my vet and lollipop farms. Both of whom told me they could not do anything with wildlife, that I had to call the DEC. I called the DEC but no one was available and I had to leave a message. I wasn't content sitting around when I had an animal that was so obviously injured, and dying in my arms. I googled searched bird rescue in rochester and came across the website for second chance bird rescue. I did not even read any portion of the website explaining what you actually specialize in. I merely grabbed the phone and called the number. The woman I spoke to was absolutely wonderful. I explained how hurt the goose was and she asked where I was. She asked how to get to my office, and I gave her directions. She said give me two minutes to put my shoes on and was to my office in maybe ten minutes. By the time she had arrived, unfortunately the baby did not make it. But, looking further into what your organization actually is this is something she could have easily said they couldn't do anything about. But, instead she left her home and came right over to help. I think that it is a true testament to the person that is running/ working for, this organization that they care so much about any animal to come that quickly. I believe they are absolutely stand up people and will recommend them to anyone I know of looking for true exotic birds.

Thank you so much for you compassion.

Amy

E-mail Dated 4/30/2012

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Hello,

My name is Nancy, and my husband is Mark, proud parronts to two wonderful parrots adopted from SCBR.

Buddy, Mitred Conure (actually never made it to the shelter) he was to go with me to the shelter for adoption the next day. He was picked up from Columbus Ohio by my husband and I. It was love at first sight ! After many discussions with Barb, it was decided that Buddy should stay with us to see how he did. That was almost two years ago. Buddy is 18 years old now, coming from a one family home we were told. He was never handled, improperly groomed and just plain terrified. He now comes out of his house so willingly, takes treats from my hand without trying to bite and is talking some, the most wonderful thing he tells us......"Love you".....which makes his life with us just that much more special. He still will not step up due to his fear of the human hand, but that doesn't bother us. He is happy, healthy and full of life.

Maverick, Congo African Grey
His previous owner had him for his first 12 years of life, sadly she had to give him up due to an ill family member. Maverick came to us with some over preening issues, an improper diet and one toy from his past owner. He is now so spoiled with love, food and toys he makes our world complete. Barb felt he was the Grey I prayed for, but he actually fell in love with my husband, which is just fine with me considering we don't choose the parrot, the parrot chooses us.
His vocal talent is beyond belief, he has brought so much love and laughter into our home. He is still learning how to enjoy the better foods in life and is thriving, destroys his toys with such vigor and intent. He is a very proud boy.

Not one day goes by that I don't thank God and Barb that we have these two beautiful parrots in our life. We love them both so very much.

Thank you Barb and SCBR for letting us be a family to two of the most amazing of God's creatures.

Nancy and Mark
Cleveland Ohio

I found Barb and SCBR about 2 years ago when I was looking to get a bird. I was told of this "new rescue" that just opened, so I checked the website and then decided to pay a visit. I can say I was shocked at the # of birds that I saw, it was very hard for me, I cried at the sight of these poor abused animals. Jack and Braveheart were the saddest stories and to see them in person just made it more real for me, I couldn't believe people could be so cruel. Anyway, my hubby fell instantly in love with Kara, a U2. She was actually pending adoption from a current volunteer, but Rob was bound and determined to have her, and he did get his own way. I decided I wanted to help so I started just showing up every Saturday until Barb realized I wasn't going away. In that time I found a bond with Sydney,another U2. I wasn't completely sure I was going to adopt him until I was told to come get him because he was attacking all the volunteers, well, I came for him that day. This shelter has helped me to do what I have wanted to do my whole life, help the animals. What Barb does there is amazing, I have never seen so many birds bond to and protect 1 person, they all love her and trust her. I hope to someday be able to share that bond with each bird we get in. The only thing I don't like is the fact that you get so close to them and then they are adopted. It is very hard to see them go, even knowing they are going to great homes.
I commend SCBR for all it's efforts in saving and rehabilitating these birds so that they may someday have a loving home of their own. If not for those efforts, most of these birds would be dead, or worse, still living in horrible conditions. Thank you for caring enough to do what few have the strength to do.

Kim Bateman

We have 3 birds from Second Chance Bird Rescue.

I can honestly say they bring so much joy into our lives! I also think it was the best "investment" we have ever made. The laughter that invades our house from 8AM until 8PM is unbelieveable! Thank you for letting us give these birds a second chance!

Sondra

When bored, I check out Petfinder to see the animals. One night I was on there I saw Buddy the Quaker parrot. I followed the link to SCBR and looked around. I read about Hoss and Jack who had both been terribly abused by former owners, and all the others. I cried. I thought God Bless This Rescue.
So many birds and so much to be done. I thought whoever runs this place is a saint. So, I emailed "Saint Barb" to get some info on Buddy. She immediately got right back to me and answered all questions. As I was unsure of my quaker Jade's sex, and seeing as how Buddy didn't get along well with females, I decided to wait until Jade was DNA sexed to get another bird.
But, I just could not get little Buddy out of my mind. I knew Bud was safe and well cared for at SCBR, but my mother gene had been tweaked. I felt the need to take care of Buddy and just give a happy, healthy, safe home to a wonderful little fid. After some more emails to Barb, all of which she replied to immediately, we decided that Jade and Buddy could be in the same household, as long as kept in seperate cages.
I made arrangements to drive to Rochester and get Buddy. When I walked in to the rescue, I was blown away at all the birds. Barb showed me the small birds first. As we were talking and looking at Buddy, Barb slowly began to be covered in conures. It was so cute. As her and I spoke, more and more would attach themselves to her and just hang there. I don't think she gave it a second though, just did this kinda wiggle, and they all flew off except one, Kellie. Barb reached around and got Kellie on her finger and kinda tried to boost Kellie into the air for a take off, but Kellie was still there. She did this about 3 or 4 times and Kellie was still hanging on to the finger for dear life. It was like a cartoon bird, it was soooo cute. Barb was so natural with Kellie and you could tell Kellie just adored Barb in return and didn't want to go anywhere.
Then we worked our way over to the big boys and girls. I must admit so many big birds was a little intimidating for me. Barb was just so easy going with them all, it was amazing. She knew them all by name and history. This was not just a holding facility, this was a real home with someone who cared deeply for all these babies.
Well, I took Buddy home and it has just been wonderful for all of us.
Jade has come out of her shell a little. She loves to talk and squawk through the bars at Buddy and has picked up his "Want some? " which Buddy asks me every time I feed him. Such good manners! They even did a few beak touches lately without looking like a couple of vampires. Buddy looks ready to just cuddle Jade and be best friends soon. Jade is still a little leery, but slowly but surely is warming up.
To say Buddy was sweet was an understatement. Aside from the singing and dancing, Bud loves to "Kissy the mama" as we say. Such a cuddle baby.
And I am in heaven. I have discovered there are few pleasuresin life that compare to having a quaker on each shoulder when puttering around the house.
Now I'm thinking give myself about a year, and maybe I'll be ready for a grey, or an amazon, or maybe another quaker or 3........

Thank you Second Chance Bird Rescue for my "little Buddy. "

Mary Ann

I started volunteering at Second Chance because I was angry. I was angry at a golfer who killed an endangered species of hawk, and I wanted to do something. I've suffered depression for a long time, was on Zoloft, and felt I needed to do something, just to feel, without being angry.

I contacted Barb through the website (I've had experience with large birds, but didn't have time for them after my mom died... I had to work full time and they needed more time than I could give them), and she interviewed me. Walking through the shelter, getting Ellie put on me (I'll never forget that... I was TERRIFIED of Ellie freaking out and getting my face!) right after meeting Barb was a little intimidating at first... but... I had to be a part of this.

Volunteering at Second Chance has been a very positive experience for me. I'm off the Zoloft, and enjoy working with the birds. We do the best we can, when we can (and I'm sorry I've been sick the last couple of weeks!), and we give our all to take care of those birds. After the environments they leave, they deserve a home, a place, where they can feel loved, wanted, and well-cared for. Since I've started volunteering, Barb and Kim have become good friends, and I sincerely care for them and the "fids." I've become more patient, outside of the shelter, and am a calming influence on my other friends who aren't involved.

And by the way, being at the shelter for my 30th birthday was one of the best birthdays I've ever had!

I appreciate everything Second Chance has done, for the birds, and for the people who come, looking to give these beautiful, amazing birds with such tragic pasts a home, or at least understanding. Thank you, for all you do. I'm grateful, humbled, and truly honored to be a part of it.