When Debbie was found all alone in her home, her situation was heartbreaking. After her owner’s sudden passing, Debbie had been left to fend for herself for two long weeks, with no one realizing she was there. By the time help arrived, it was almost too late.
She was rushed to Marin Humane, where rescuers immediately saw how critical her condition was.
“She could barely stand,” said Sam W., shelter operations manager at Marin Humane. “She would eat and drink, but only very slowly. She needed constant support — special perches, a padded enclosure to prevent injury if she fell, heat sources, specialized lighting, gentle handling, and an enriched diet.”
In those first fragile weeks, Debbie was too weak to show much of her personality. Her spirit seemed just as exhausted as her tiny body. But slowly, as she began to regain her strength, her true self started to shine through.
“As she felt better and got stronger, she became brighter — and a little more sassy and opinionated about things,” Sam said.
Shelter staff were able to track down Debbie’s next of kin, who shared that the resilient parrot was around 40 years old. She had already lived a long, full life — and now, thanks to her rescuers, she had the chance for many more happy years ahead.
Today, Debbie is settling into a foster home where she continues to heal and grow more confident every day.
“She’s made so much progress since she first arrived,” said Carina, Debbie’s foster mom. “When she first came home, she would hunch over and quietly hiss at me. Now, after a few days of offering her corn treats, she’s curious whenever I approach, wondering what goodies I might have for her.”
Carina works next to Debbie’s open cage every day, giving her lots of quiet company and time to adjust. Though Debbie isn’t ready for physical affection yet, her comfort with having a gentle presence nearby is a huge step forward.
Debbie’s sweet personality is beginning to bloom. Each morning, she greets her foster mom with a cheerful “hello” and follows it up with a curious “Whatcha doing?” She loves sitting by the window, watching the world go by, and is particularly fascinated by the garbage truck. Mealtimes are her favorite part of the day, often marked by little happy sounds as she eats.
Debbie’s future forever home will need to be just as special as she is — ideally someone with experience caring for senior or special-needs parrots, who can offer patience, understanding, and a calm environment.
“She would probably thrive in a quiet home with lots of natural light and windows to keep her entertained since her mobility is limited,” Sam said. “She’d love a companion who can be around often but who’s comfortable giving her space.”
Debbie has endured so much, but thanks to the love and care of her rescuers and foster family, a new and beautiful chapter of her life has just begun. And everyone who knows her is determined to make sure she’s cherished for the rest of her days.
