https://www.popsci.com/environment/lost-bird-massachusetts-backyard/

If I found that bird in Massachusetts (second picture) I never would have imagined that it was supposed to look like the bird in the first picture. It would have been obvious that the bird needed help. It was missing feathers on its head and the feathers it did have were rough and dull. It looked like it was very far from its home. If you wish to read the tale about this specific bird, please click the link above.

I notice birds but some people notice cats while others notice dogs. We can tell when they need help and most of us will offer what help we can. I have acquired three white pigeons from the wilds of my backyard and a blue parakeet that was miserable in their former home (too much attention from the new cat). Every single one of my birds needed help but none of them looked as forlorn and lost as that one found in Massachusetts.

One time, a few years ago, I saw an injured Bull Terrier limping along the acequia (an irrigation ditch) out back. He wouldn’t come near anyone but he definitely needed help. He would disappear for days and then suddenly show up on the acequia once again. Multiple dog rescuers took on the challenge to get him someplace safe. He could have been dangerous. They didn’t find that a serious concern. He could have been diseased. That was only more reason to get him to see a veterinarian. They laid in wait. They set up trail cameras. First time out they caught a very angry orange cat. Next time out they caught the neighbor’s cat (Loki). They let them go once their identities were verified.

The terrier was a good-sized dog and everyone knew that he was getting hungrier by the day. So one rescuer, Michelle, went to the store on the way here before she set up a giant trap – the kind they use for Coyotes – in my backyard. She brought the surefire, fail safe, ultimately delectable prize that was deemed the perfect way to lure any very hungry dog. She brought Rotisserie Chicken, a whole Rotisserie Chicken, and laid it at the very back of the trap. She heightened the lure with some liquid smoke drizzled on the ground. Then it was time to wait. She came inside my house and stationed herself by a window where she could keep an eye on the trap. We waited. Fifteen minutes was all it took before that Bull Terrier was eating boneless chicken by the moonlight. The cage door was tripped and slammed shut and wouldn’t you know it, that dog did not care.

That was a lot of effort. Quite a few people were involved. It cost nearly everyone involved some money. There was no monetary reward offered for the dog’s return. It turned out that the dog was not chipped or tagged. He needed medical care. While his leg was just strained, he still needed tests and shots. People donated money to cover his vet bills. He had trust issues and needed extra care so that he could find a forever home. But people worked together to make sure he was safe, healthy, had a roof over his head and that he had enough food. He didn’t have to do anything except get healthy. He eventually found his forever home. It had to be way up in Santa Fe because he jumped every fence he could while he was still here in Albuquerque. He’s living his best life now as far as I know. Michelle is still rescuing dogs.

That Purple Gallinule? They took care of it, kept it safe and fed. They supplied any medical care it needed and then flew it on an airplane to a place where it could thrive.

A homeless, injured dog and a displaced, exhausted, malnourished bird were rescued from their circumstances. They were treated well and received anything they needed so that they could live happy, healthy lives. They weren’t charged a penny. They weren’t condemned for their choices. They weren’t judged. They were just cared for and healed. If we can come together and do that for a dog, or a bird, then what keeps us from doing the same for our fellow human beings?