'She was going to take my bird': Guy brings pet bird out on errands, woman attempts to take her from owner

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    Bird - "She was going to take my bird"
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    Font - Random woman tries to steal my bird off of my hand in public. M Be careful taking your bird in public - Someone may try to steal it. I decided today is the perfect day to pop the harness on Isadora, my Sulphur crested cockatoo, and take her out to Petsmart - I needed a pack of aspen for the chicks (as in baby chickens) anyway. Got her in the carrier, carrier into the car, and on the road we went. She did remarkably well, and didn't even get car sick! But you know what tiny detail I forgot
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    Font - People talk to you if you bring a bird to a store. Whether you want them to or not. I am very good at people-ing. Years of retail work, restaurant work, admin, etc have trained me in the art of small talk. The Petsmart workers were fantastic, actually - Asked the basic general questions, no one asked to touch her, everyone kept a respectful distance and didn't overwhelm her (or me). Other customers though? Jeeeeeez.
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    Font - There was one woman in particular. She told me she has a scarlet macaw, a Hans macaw, and a goffins cockatoo at home. She stopped me to chat, asked about my bird and I gave the condensed version of the story: Isadora is 15, nearly 16, she came from an older couple who wanted a younger home for her, etc. She's doing great, she's the love of my life, etc. She asked "So she's almost 16 years old? How long have you had her?" I said for 4 1/2 months now. "Have you ever had a cockatoo before?"
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    Font - This woman, who was only in her 50's probably so she's only a little older than me (39f), says "You shouldn't have her. You don't have the experience with large birds and you're too young to have one. You don't even look like you've got your own life together." AND SHE REACHED FOR ISADORA. SHE WAS GOING TO TAKE MY BIRD.
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    Font - I would love to pretend like I had some witty comeback. I thought of all the good responses in the last couple of hours since we've been back home and I've had a minute to process. In reality, I came back with the unbearably witty retort of "What?" Because I am brilliant under pressure. I stepped back and put my cart between us and said "Nope. We're not doing this." And I turned around and walked out.
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    Font - Hours later, I have gone back in my head and told her off ten ways to Sunday. In the moment, I was so flabbergasted. Someone tried to take my bird away from me. Like, she literally tried to grab my bird off of my hand.
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    Font - I don't think we're going to have another field trip. I think we'll stick to the yard. This was a stupid experience and I would have enjoyed it more if I'd had enough brainpower to yell at her and embarrass her for even thinking to try something like that. She deserved to be horrifically embarrassed. I'm so mad about the whole thing. I'm still shaken up about it and now I'm going to dwell on it for the next lifetime.
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    Font - Dry_Ask5493 14 hr. ago. edited 10 hr. ago It's better that you saved your bird from being stolen than you coming up with a witty comeback 387 Reply Share
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    Font - LeatherMost2757. 15 hr. ago I hate thinking of comebacks too late, but you did great. You did not have a protracted battle with that jerk as that would have been very hard on your beloved bird and yourself. Hang in there. 220 Reply Share
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    Font - lestairwellwit 15 hr. ago I always think of comebacks too late ↑ 66 Reply Share
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    Font - whynotbecause99. 15 hr. ago Does Isodora bite? My mom had macaws and you didn't dare reach for one. That might have stopped her! 쇼 61 Reply Share
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    Font - Imorgan601 14 hr. ago . Awwww, breathe deep and let it go. Silent retreat was probably the best and safest thing to do! She doesn't deserve to take up space in your brain. 57 Reply Share
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    Font - Libcommie1118 . 13 hr. ago I hope someone thinks the same of her when/if she has crazy grandchildren running around at a park and she's not doing anything to fix the situation. "Ma'am, you look too young to have grandchildren. You have no experience and you look like your life is a hot mess. They're coming with me." (Obviously I don't want children to get kidnapped, but this Bird Karen needs a check.)
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    Font - waltersmama 12 hr. ago. edited 12 hr. ago I'm so sorry this horrible woman has made you leery of future outings, and fearful that the world is crawling with unstable members of their own parrot gestapo. You might want to check out r/parrots for some friends of feathered friends for ideas and support! There are already some great suggestions by redditors here too.
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    Font - It's ok, to have been shaken by this experience. You are a like a first time parent. You are both learning, but its great Isador allows you to "pop" her harness on without resistance, that tells me girl is ready to go !!
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    Font - Some parrots will resist like a 4 year old who knows that they are about to go to Disneyland, but is refusing to put on shoes, and then will lose their mind in excitement once strapped in. Others adapt to harnesses easily. Definitely don't stop taking sweetiekins out. You WILL get attention for sure, but most interactions, if you choose to have them will be positive. I promise.
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    Font - Cockatoos are wonderful little demons that will love you forever! Congratulations, and hang in there. W

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