Readers need to know care a parrot requires

Dear Heloise: I feel you must expand on your comments on getting a parrot if you want a long-term pet. A parrot, indeed, is a long-term pet, but the flip side is parrots are a long-term commitment, as well. I urge you to let people know that a parrot is not a pet to pick up on a whim. Parrots can’t just be put in a cage and tucked into a corner to look pretty.

They need lots and lots of interaction with you, as they are part of a flock in the wild. Once you take one as a pet, you become its flock. And that entails a lifetime of attention.

You also must think about what will happen to your parrot after you’re gone because it might outlive you! I’ve seen too many sad and neglected birds stuck in garage/spare rooms or even a basement because people didn’t realize how much work and time it takes to have a parrot as a family member. And that’s what a parrot needs to be — part of your family! Not part of your decor.

My yellow nape, David Lee, and I have been together for 25 years now, and I hope it’s 25 more! Please follow up with your readers so having a parrot won’t be the next big thing. Ilene Casebeer, via e-mail

How right you are! Parrots can live a lifetime or two! Some species of parrots can live 50, 75 and more than 100 years. Folks, do take this into consideration if you are considering bringing a parrot into your family! Heloise

Dear Readers: Gwen Gephart of Fort Wayne, Ind., send a photo of her granddog, Allie, a 6-year-old Dalmatian/ pointer mix who is smiling like crazy. Gwen says: “Allie is full of smiles for all of us, although when she first did it, we thought she was cross. However, her tail was wagging like crazy, and she is the happiest, most loving dog I’ve ever seen!”

To see smiling Allie, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: An easy way to give a pet a pill is to just stick the pill all the way to the back cheek (sort of behind the back teeth) then hold its mouth closed for a minute, and the pet will swallow the pill. No fuss! I have two schnauzers, and I love them! Jan F., Erie, Colo.

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate