Welcome to our new subscribers and a very warm Angel welcome to our newest Angel, Judie!

2006 has been a very rewarding year for PTA. We’ve donated over 3303 toys to 37+ organizations/individuals. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without our 57 Angels. I would like to personally thank each one of you. Ya’ll ROCK! I have never had the pleasure of working with more dedicated, caring people in my lifetime. And an extra thank you to all the Angels who’ve done so much behind the scenes….suggested, done, written, sold, helped, made, researched, typed, designed!

I’d also like to thank our generous supporters, without you none of this would have been possible. And a final thank you to all our suppliers that have extended special “Angel” pricing to us. It’s much appreciated! We have tried to make a difference….even if it’s just a small one!

For our final newsletter of 2006, we’ve taken a less serious approach. You’ll notice we have a new columnist aboard. Welcome Chester P. Featherbutt! You’ll be hearing from him from time to time! :-> You’ll find he’s a very opinionated Quaker! But always right on the money with his thoughts. We hope you enjoy it.

Stay safe during the holiday season! Best wishes to you and yours from the Parrot Toy Angels.

And of course, we will do just that. These little feathered beings have changed our lives in ways we would not have believed possible. Our love for them extends well beyond our own homes, and because of them, we have opened our hearts to birds we will never meet, never see. Yet we know that because of us, one bird at a time will lead a happier life.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, to all Angels and to our incredibly generous supporters.

~ilona

Cassie's journey to become the Parrot Toy Angels mascot, or better said, *Celebirdie*, began as a post on the NC Exotic Bird Owners list. It was a post by Cora Cashman about a Goffin 'Too that needed a home. Cockatoos are beautiful birds; snow white, cuddly, and a little cocky as they walk with a proud strut. Well, not little Cassie.

Without hesitation, I drove the two hours from my home to Raleigh to meet her. What greeted me was a badly plucked, naked, dirty, musty smelling, abused little girl. It took all of two minutes to fall totally in love with her. Cassie came straight to me. My husband and I spent about an hour together with Cora and Cassie before leaving for home. Cassie rode all the way home on my husband's shoulder.

Cassie, our Celebirdie

Once home, their honeymoon was over and she wanted no more of him. The information about her past was heartbreaking. She had been cage-bound for 5 years and it must have been horribly dirty. Cassie did not know how to step up, she hopped, and her description had included the words 'nasty temperament'. Given that description, and all that she had been through, she has only nipped me twice, and barely broken the skin.....on my husband, however, she has laid some major hurtin'! Her main abuser was a man, and she still doesn't trust them.

Time has passed, and Cassie has made me her mom, and her mate. I now watch her do her little boogie, snoodle her, touch her wings, and rub her. I do this gently and always with full awareness of all she has been through.

Cassie's story was posted on CheepParrotToysNTips, and it inspired a couple members to start a group. Thus, Parrot Toy Angels was born. The first box of toys from the Angels was made by Nancy G. and sent to Cassie. Watching her play made me think she had never had toys before. I can't tell you how heartwarming it is to know there are people in this world who care enough, and what an honor it is to be a part of this group. ♥

Our Angels generously donate their time making toys for our needy feathered friends. Quality toymaking supplies are expensive and shipping charges are outrageous. That's why we need your support to help keep us going. Every dollar amount, large or small, is gratefully accepted. Donations are tax-deductible.

We also welcome donations of toymaking parts and supplies. A receipt will be issued for every donation. Contact us at Info for further information on donating.

Angel Toymaker Catherine
Toymaker & Student • Canada

'Twas the night before Christmas, and Chester was awake,
thinking of all the plans that he would soon make.
He snuck from his cage, and hid in the tree,
behind decorations, and Christmas candy.
He had a new plan to get Santa this year,
that would not fail,and give Santa fear.
He was going to teach the jolly red man,
that Chester P. Featherbutt was taking a stand!
So he waited and waited, and then he heard a noise.
Sounds of crinkles of fresh wrapped new toys.
Chester stirred not a bit, and got ready to strike,
when from under the tree, came a four-legged, black
little tyke.
A chihuahua puppy that looked like a rat, and was just as small,
except this one was chewing on a small tennis ball.
It barked real loud, and ran to the floor,
just then a big red Santa opened the door.
The little rat ran back under the tree and screamed,
"Chester!!" Help!!" You gotta save me!!!".
Chester smiled with a grin so wide,
you could have put in a whole kiddie slide.
He said "little black rat, go over there,
and hide in that red bag next to the chair".
So the rat went and hid, and did not make a noise,
as Santa drew near, and reached under the tree with toys.
Then a beak flashed out, and grabbed Santa's sleeve,
Chester beaked hard, and wouldn't let him leave.
He chuckled with glee, as his beak made a hole,
then he burst out laughing, and fell out of the tree....
into the dog's water bowl!"
"Yuk!!", Chester yelled, as he shook the water off.
"I've been big dog germed!!" and he let out a cough.
Santa said "Chester, you got me this year!"
You bit me so hard, I'm starting to tear.
But don't worry Chester, I wore big mittens,
just in case from last year,
that you might still be smitten!
I knew you were lurking. I know all these things,
and when you think evil thoughts, my naughty bell rings.
But I'll forgive, since it is Christmas Eve,
and here are the presents I'm going to leave".
Then he grabbed his bag and whisked right away
through the door, to the roof and into his sleigh.
As he yelled "On Donnor! and Blitzen!",
there was a short pause,
and Chester could hear.....a startled Santa Clause.
Then a yapping and barking, that just wouldn't stop,
he heard Santa jump from the sleigh with a big hop.
Santa yelled "Chester! WHAT DID YOU DO?"
Chester was giggling and laughing so hard
he knocked over momma's display of old Christmas cards.
He lay on the floor, covered up to his head...
if a quaker could be embarrased, his face would have been red.
Santa came back, with a black rat in his arm,
red in the face and not full of charm.
"Chester P. Featherbutt!! You can't sneak away,
cause I found your friend, tucked in my bag,
like a lump of clay".
But Chester was laughing loud as a bear,
so much so, that he was loosing feathers into the air!!
"Nice try", said Santa, "You're such a big sneak,
I'm watching you now, and especially your beak!!"
With that he left, with no time to spare,
up into his sleigh and high into the air.
"Just for you Chester P, before I go,
I leave you with good tidings
and a COLD CHRISTMAS SNOW!!"
"BRRRRRRRRRRR", Chester thought, as the flakes fell.
"Dis stuffs is colds, I no like what he's sent.
Maybeeeez next years, I better repent!!
Then he heard Santa say "No hard feelings...
and have a great day.
Remember my friend, don't loose your feathers when you jester....
'cause no one wants to look at a "no feathered" Chester!!"

Arty asks: Rikki, can you tell me if the pretty red Christmas flowers are safe to chew on? (Poinsettias)

Rikki sez: Well Arty, I wasn't sure...so I asked my pal Holly Nash, DVM, MS, Veterinary Services Dept., Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. and here's what she had to say:
Pet accidents increase dramatically during the holidays. We do not mean to spoil your fun with these cautions, but hope to keep your holidays safe.
Prevent exposure to electrical wires, which could cause dangerous burns or electrocution. Conceal them or use pet-proof covers. Otherwise, your pet may mistake them for a chew toy.
Prevent access to holiday plants. Never allow your pet unsupervised access to poinsettia, holly (leaves and berries), mistletoe, or other plants commonly used to decorate during the holidays.
A decorated tree is a magnet for birds, but unfortunately has the potential for causing problems. Do not allow your bird to have access to the tree. Tinsel, flocking, and artificial snow can be dangerous. The tree may also be coated with potentially harmful fire retardant, fertilizer, or insecticide. Larger decorating lights can become hot and cause burns. Some decorations may have small pieces that could be broken off and swallowed, causing digestive problems.
Many of the foods we set out during the holidays can be toxic to pets, including chocolate (bakers, semi sweet, milk, dark), sugary cookies, salty snacks, and other favorites left out for nibbling and, of course, alcoholic drinks.
Perfumes, potpourri, adhesives, glues, aerosol sprays, cleaning products, and of course, teflon, can all be toxic.
Do not let your bird out of its cage when you have open flames in the house. Stoves, candles, and fireplaces always pose a serious threat.
Do not tie ribbons on your pet or its cage, or leave them lying around. The inks and metals used in gift wraps and ornaments can be toxic. These items also pose choking and entanglement risks.
Discourage guests from bringing their own dog or other pet into your home. If they do, understand that your pet and theirs are sure to be anxious. Keep them separated and do not relax your vigilance.
We hope these tips help you and your bird enjoy a happy, fun, and safe holiday season!