It's been approximately one year since Tiki has come into my life. I don't know the exact date, but I know it was sometime in April of last year. During that time my views and perspectives on parrots and birds in general have changed a LOT. A lot of people view birds as loud, screaming, and nasty mean, animals that would be more likely to rip your fingers off then allow you to befriend them. Prior to my job as a small animal care specialist, I remember thinking this way too. It's easy to make assumptions about something you just don't understand. The fact of the matter is though, birds, even small birds like green-cheek conures, are highly HIGHLY intelligent and their emotional level is very high. Infact, it ranks right up next to a humans. Together, during this year, the two of us have faced abandonment, betrayal, uncertainty, and emotional scarring, which has strengthened our bond immensely and made Tiki viciously protective of me, especially when it comes to men.

Very intuned to how I'm feeling, he'll gladly jump up and start singing and dancing with me when I'm in a goofy or happy mood, as well as fly onto my shoulder and rub his head against me while squeaking quietly when I'm sad or lonely. He puffs up and growls at the sound of footsteps outside of my door and lunges with his beak wide open at almost every guy who has walked into my room. At night when getting ready for bed, he's astounded me time and time again with the conversations we hold in the dark.

"Tiki"

"Yes, I know, you're Tiki"

"I love you Tiki-butt"

"Yes I do"

"baby-bird"

"Yep, that's what you are"

"Goodnight Tiki"

On the very rare occasions I've fallen asleep with him, he's nestled on my pillow next to my head, and growled at any and all movements outside of my door. Fuck having a guard dog, when I have him!

I can't tell you how many silent conversations we hold on a daily basis. The two of us have gotten into arguments over things, much like how people do, and have held grudges for a few days, much how people do. But we always forgive and forget in the end.

In a world where there are so many shady, deceptive, and cruel people, I'm glad I'm able to face it with Tiki, not in back of me or in front of me, but at my side. Here's to the years to come!