Last to mention is our Amazon Parrot, Polly.  Polly found her home at Carefree Living in 1998 when she was brought to the community by the staff Registered Nurse, Estephanie for a visit, and has never left.  One can hear Polly as they enter the community, squawking, joining in on the daily discussions and singing and dancing to the music playing overhead.  Retired nurse and resident, Cathy, has a special bond with Polly.  Cathy owned her own Parrot for over 40 years.  When she got sick and had to find an assisted living to move to, she had to rehome her beloved pet and was heartbroken.  Cathy fell in love with Carefree Living and knowing Polly was there, made her move even easier.  “I know it sounds strange, but I talk to him a lot and he chirps back like he understands.  He also loves when I play classical music for him through my cell phone” says Cathy.  Although the gender of a parrot can only be determined surgically, Cathy is convinced Polly is a boy, and describes Polly as her Baby Boy.  “Not only does he have very bright colored feathers, but he also has that male attitude you know.  He’s so funny.  He flirts with women and fans out his tail feathers like he’s saying, ‘here I am’!   I want people to know what a gift he is.”

Stop by Carefree and meet Polly or join us at our next event.  Beware, one long-standing rule is that “everyone gets wet” at the 4^th of July Barbeque!