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EPISODE
On May 11, 2010, Episode, one of the Blue and Gold macaws from the Pueblo Bird Rescue passed away. Episode’s sponsor is from Japan, and is a reminder that compassion knows no borders. Episode became very ill last week, and went in to the hospital under the care of avian veterinarian, Dr. Jerry LaBonde, who has been TGF’s Medical Director and veterinary advisor, a mentor and a long time supporter of The Gabriel Foundation.
As you know, the 42 birds from the Pueblo Bird Rescue, suffered greatly during their lives due to the shameful conditions and neglect in which they were kept. As a result, every one of these birds’ immune systems is compromised, and they cannot always get better when illness strikes. Like most parrots, Episode’s final illness struck quickly and severely, and she was unable to overcome it. She seemed to be stable until last week, when overnight she appeared weak, feathers were ruffled, she became unable to eat and started vomiting in less than 12 hours. She received immediate supportive care and extensive diagnostics, including a barium series. It was necessary for Dr. LaBonde to tube feed her twice daily just to keep her weight at around 700g. This very procedure was stressful to her because she did not have good past experiences in her life with people, and even though she was receiving the very best in veterinary care, her health continued to deteriorate. Because any improvements in her health were assessed to be hopeless, and she had no quality of life now or ahead of her, a collaborative decision was made to end her suffering. She died in the caring and compassionate hands of Dr. LaBonde, and TGF’s staff veterinarian, Dr. Noel Opitz. Episode is now finally free of all confinement and forever free. All of us are saddened by her death, and the unfair lives that Episode and the rest of her flock endured as a result of such poor care from the hands of humans.
Episode most likely never knew the good food, the healthy environment, the fresh air and the space that she was provided during her short stay at The Gabriel Foundation. She most likely never experienced the quality of life that her sponsor provided with her commitment to improving Episode’s life made since January 20, 2010 when the Pueblo flock came under our care. Thanks to her sponsor’s generous support, Episode was made as comfortable and peaceful as possible during her final days and she passed away peacefully and is now forever free.
Many thanks to the generosity of every one of our birds’ sponsors, our contributors and members for ensuring quality care for so many birds in need. We mourn Episode’s passing and hope that this loss will underscore how critical your support is to the lives of TGF’s flock.
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