About Me
I was born in Middle Tennessee to two parents who loved animals. Like many people whose parents were avid outdoor people, I was introduced to animals from birth. In fact, my parent's first stab at taking care of a helpless creature was our first dog, a black labrador retriever named Dutch. Many animals followed suit after that, and by kindergarten I had decided what I wanted to do with my life. For my kindergarten graduation we were supposed to dress up in a costume that reflected who we wanted to be when we grew up. When questioned by my mom, I told her that I wanted to go as a Shamu trainer. Early in the eighties it was hard to know what exactly a Shamu trainer dressed as, so my mom persuaded me to go as a lion tamer, and so I did.
Throughout the years, I have had many pets including dogs, cats, fish, ferrets, hamsters, mice, lizards, rabbits, and snakes. However, there is one animal that I cannot seem to get away from, and that is the beautiful plumed birds called parrots. My first pair of parrots came when I was three, two budgies- one blue and one green. B.J. and Sam were their names, and although they didn't make it their full lifespan due to the seed only diet, they are forever cemented in my heart as the birds that started the passion. Cinderella and Snow White, two cockatiels followed suit, and remained family pets until my mom got sick of cleaning their cages and gave them to a cousin who kept them until their death.
I, however, knew that parrots were not out of my life forever, and dreamed of the day that I could be out on my own and get a parrot. Chico, my Mealy Amazon stole my heart in 2003, and has been with me every since. Many others have followed after, and each one is as special as they are individuals. Each is spoiled rotten every day, and are perceived at my home as little children.
Although I have tried other professions and hobbies in my lifetime, I have always circled back around to animals, namely reptiles and birds. In the Fall of 2008 I took a deep breath and have decided to chase my long term dream of working with animals, and enrolled at the local University to get my Master's Degree in Zoology. It has been tougher than expected, but I am sticking with it.
Me at about three years old.....B.J. is on my hand, and Sam is hanging out beside me. That's Dad in the picture beside me.
Hawaii vacation when I was eight years old, February of 1991. My brother was scared to death of the Umbrella Cockatoo and Scarlet Macaw, but I was in love and this postcard was made. I am so glad that my parents didn't mail it!!!
Nowadays, Ernie and me hanging out in my office.
Chico, Connor, and I spending some quality time together.
Checkers and Avery do their best to get into mischief!