Motor City Fur Con is rumored to be “The Bird Con” for furries. It’s been a goal of mine to attend for a few years now and it’s finally coming together. Not only that, but I also have a dealer’s table and I’m bringing a bunch of bird-themed art goodies to sell. What could top that? Well, I’m donating 100% of the profits to the Center for Avian Rehab and Education (CARE) in Waukesha, WI. So, every dollar you spend will go to helping birds!
CARE is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing sanctuary for pet birds that need new homes. They correct any existing problems, get them on a good diet, and carefully match them up with new owners. They rehome hundreds of pet birds every year and have been doing this for about 20 years. I’ve been volunteering services to them since 2013. In the past six years alone, I have cared for around 490 birds for the shelter. I donate all of my services and the only costs to CARE are to cover diagnostics I submit to laboratories. In addition, I also hold well-bird clinics for volunteers and affiliated bird owners.
The funds from your purchases will go to a facilities improvement project to create a sanitary, organized examination and treatment room. For the past 5 years, we’ve managed along with a repurposed storage room, but the carpeting makes it difficult to keep clean. I perform physicals on the birds and take blood samples. Sometimes I like to let birds walk or fly around to evaluate their coordination. That can prove very difficult with the odd furniture we have that allows birds to fall behind or crawl beneath. There’s very little counter space and we use a small folding table for exams. All in all, it’s not really optimal for conducting medical exams quickly and safely, or for organizing medical samples and supplies.
We’ll be replacing the carpeting with waterproof laminated flooring that can be thoroughly cleaned. We’ll also replace some water-damaged ceiling tiles that have mildewed and repaint the peeling walls. There will be cabinets, countertop, under-cabinet lighting, and a sturdy, wall-mounted examination table. Finally, I will also install a wall-mounted examination light to help my tired old eyes. We’ve already purchased cabinetry and flooring and will begin the remodel in early April. The project will cost about $2000, even with the donated labor of myself and my husband. So, every bit we can raise to offset this expense is greatly appreciated. I’ll also take straight-up donations if you don’t see something you want to purchase.
And here’s a sample of what you can buy:
I’ll also be teaching an avian anatomy class from 6-8 pm on Saturday night. Beyond that, I hope to have a lot of my bird friends come by to say hi and get a hug. I’ve missed you all so much!