By: Derek Maiolo
It sounded like R2-D2 was fighting with a shrieking child. But as Becca Long sat in her immaculate home, she held not an infant but a parrot, brightly feathered and nearly hysterical.
With three kids, four birds, a Bengal cat and a Chihuahua, it’s a miracle her house doesn’t resemble a jungle. As Becca shifted her leg, smiling through a pained wince, she explained that she didn’t always have time to keep things so clean.
Even before the accident, Becca had a soft spot for unconventional pets. At a pet store three years ago, she met Sydney, a rescued Amazon with a history of abuse. The owner warned her to stay away because he bit other customers.
“Right as she said that he jumped on my shoulder and was all ooh là là!” she said.
It was an instant bonding, and in the parrot world this is no small commitment. Most are devout monogamists, deriving their well-being from their mates. With his new life partner, Sydney’s health and mood improved. Becca was overjoyed by her ability to alter his world. Then, her life changed, but in the opposite way.
Two years ago, Becca was riding a four-wheeler with her daughter, Gabby, when she suddenly lost control. They veered off a 30-foot embankment, hitting a tree in midair. Luckily, Gabby, then six, walked away with only minor bruises.
“But my leg was completely in the wrong direction,” Becca said.
The accident turned her life upside down. Since then, she has battled years of surgery and chronic pain. Her injuries cut her work day in half, and she is often confined to long hours in bed.
Soon after the wreck, she adopted Willy– an Amazon from a local rescue– as a way to fill her spare hours. Caring for her parrots soon became a type of therapy.
Sydney especially loves the extra time he’s had with Becca. As she lies in bed, he talks with her, nibbles her ears and cuddles. Willy plays games with her as she cleans. She couldn’t ask for more perfect healing partners.
For now, much of Becca’s future remains uncertain. She hopes to find more relief from her pain and regain energy, but doing so will take time. Until then, her pets will be her greatest medicine.
As she pointed out, “My boyfriend isn’t going to sit in bed all day with me, but my animals will.”