If you see me today, please note the confidence. It’s always been there. It’s just louder now.

Hi.
It’s me.
Harry Manilow.

Today I’m eight months old, which feels important enough to talk about.

I’ll be honest—up until yesterday (and yes, I mean the Fifi incident), I was feeling a little unsure about myself. Some days felt big, and I wasn’t always sure I was ready for all of them yet.

Then Bert & Ernie noticed. They always do. (Yes—those Bert & Ernie. Zoomies & Purr’s new parakeets. Come meet them.)

They told me I was holding onto things and that sometimes you just need to let stuff go. Their suggestion involved them pooping on Fifi’s name as a “release.” So I had my humans write Fifi’s name on the bottom of Bert & Ernie’s home to make it feel official. I didn’t ask follow-up questions. I trusted them. They’re extremely confident for birds.

And somehow… it worked.

Something shifted. I felt lighter. Taller. Like my curls had better posture.
This morning, when the car door opened, I didn’t wait. I didn’t look back at my humans. I didn’t need help.

I just jumped in.
For the first time. Completely unassisted.

Everyone froze. I think the car was surprised too. I stood there for a second like, yeah… I do this now.

So here I am. Eight months old. Feeling braver. Feeling steadier. Entering vehicles under my own power.

Growth looks different for everyone, I guess.

Oh—and if you need a release, don’t forget Bert & Ernie are still offering their assistance. Any donations connected to their work go directly to local animals in need.

Anyway. If you see me today, please note the confidence. It’s always been there. It’s just louder now.

—Harry