A story Of Love and determination

BRAZIL BUZZ

By Mary Lou Sartor

I have viewed some beautiful birds at my feeder this spring. I can hear the babies in the evergreens and other nesting places, hungry or ready to leave the nest. Animals, cats especially, and hawks hang around for a quick meal. Canadian geese and goslings lie in the road, victims of hit-and-run drivers.

It is sad to see this happen to our feathered friends or any animal, wild or domestic. On the other hand, it is a blessing to take examples from caring people like the young boy in the following story.

Love and Determination - Dr. Donald R. Stoltz

It was the day before the summer vacation, and the Gold House was excitedly bristling.

The family was busy packing their suitcases and making last-minute preparations for their annual trip to the mountains. The children were scampering about gathering their sports equipment and getting ready for a fun-filled week of swimming, fishing, playing ball, and hiking in the woods.

Suddenly, twelve-year-old David appeared in his father’s bedroom and asked for an old shoe box.

Mr. Gold, well aware of his son’s love for animals, anticipated a problem that could distract him from his son’s vacation plans as he handed him the shoe box. He stated he was looking through the bushes in the yard for a baseball he had lost the day before when he suddenly discovered a beautiful yellow finch with a broken wing. He remembered that finches inhabited a birdhouse in the yard.

A few moments later, David came into the house with a magnificent bird in the shoe box.

The bird was in some obvious need of some expert attention.

“Who do you think I should call for help.?” David asked. I would start with the Society of Cruelty to Animals; they’re usually pretty good with things like this.”

Within a few moments, David was on the telephone explaining his problem to a representative of the local SPCA.

After a short conversation, he dejectedly told his father they could offer little help.

Now David was more determined than ever as he looked at the helpless little creature fluttering in the shoe box. In the hours that followed, he spoke to the local veterinarian, the police department, the pet shop, the county agricultural agent, and a farmer that he once met while

working on a school project. But each call had the same conclusion. Everyone was very sympathetic,

either too busy or not capable of helping. Their concern was genuine but did not help David’s frustration. One man suggested that David try the veterinary school in a nearby city.

With new optimism, David quickly dialed the operator and got the number of the college

and was soon speaking to an understanding gentleman and explaining his problem. He told the boy that many injured animals and birds were in the woods and it was impossible to help them all. He told David to return the bird back to where he found it and let nature take its course. As David whispered “thank you” and was about to say “goodbye,” the kindly gentleman asked, “Where do you live, young man? I will send you a bird care book; you will find it interesting.”

David was frustrated and a bit angry. He went up to his room and looked at the little bird that he now felt was doomed.

While he was sitting on his bed, his father came into the room and sat down beside him. “David, we live in a very difficult world. Although everyone you spoke to would have liked to help, I doubt anyone could have helped you. Who knows, maybe the wing will heal itself.” “I bet by the time we get home from our vacation, that little bird will have flown away.”

The next day was a beautiful bright Saturday, and the Gold family had finished packing their car and was waiting for David to come downstairs with the little bird.

Suddenly the front door chimes rang, and Mr. Gold answered the door. He was greeted by a middle-aged man with a small cage in his hand. Just then, David came to the door with the shoe box in his hand.

“Hello, David. “I’m glad to meet you,” said the man.” “Thank you for calling me. My name is Dr. Robinson, and I am a professor at the University Veterinary School. We’re pretty good at fixing broken wings, and I am sure that we will be able to help your little friend!”

With a smile from ear to David handed the doctor the box. As the gentleman started to leave, Mr. Gold stopped him and asked the question “How can a busy person like you take time to help a little bird?”

The professor smiled, looked at David, and said, “Mr. Gold, I did not come because of the little bird. I came because of the little boy. Any young fellow who would go to the trouble that your son did to help a little bird certainly needs help from somebody. Since I don’t live far away I

thought I’d drive over and my assistance.”

As the Gold family locked up the house and got into the car to start on their trip, the boy knew this was going to be a special vacation. David showed them the value of love and determination, an experience they would never forget.

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