Everybody meet Pebo! 

Some of our favorite words around here are “just like me.”

When the child in a wheelchair gets to race Tullip our two legged goat in her wheels and both of them light up knowing they aren’t alone.

Or a visually impaired student brushes our blind pony whispering to them that it’s ok, they may not be able to see with their eyes, but they can see with their hearts.

We know, that representation matters.

That seeing evidence of someone else like you makes the world seem less overwhelming and helps you feel less afraid.

We have always known how important that was for our human visitors. What we have learned recently is just how important it is for our animals as well.

Pebo is our rescued Macaw, an animal control case where he was seized after living in a drug house for a decade. He has been the only exotic bird we had on the property for years and he didn’t seem to really be coming out of his shell.

Earlier this spring, two new exotic birds joined our rescue family, Polly and Sonny, who came from a loving home that just wasn’t able to care for them the way they deserved anymore. Suddenly Pebo had friends that looked like him. Suddenly he wasn’t alone in that and the transformation was almost instant.

They are all so happy together and you can’t walk past our small exotics building without hearing them talking and playing. This week one of volunteers captured the sweetest moment… Pebo and his new friend choosing to share the same perch, all on their own.

Pebo reminds us going into this weekend that sometimes it takes longer than others but you truly are never alone and the ones that are meant to be by your side will find you as long as you don’t lose hope.