Of Birds, Brave Hearts, and Valentine’s Feelings

 Hi friends. It’s Harry Manilow.

February has a way of making feelings feel louder. I see it every day at the shop — love, hope, healing, and sometimes that quiet “I’m fine, really” look.

The other day, I was talking with James about Bert & Ernie, our parakeets. They’re funny, observant, and have surprisingly strong opinions for animals who live in a cage and yell all day.

That’s when I saw her.

Fifi.
A doodle with the most beautiful curls I’ve ever seen.

I gathered my courage, straightened my fur, and walked over.

“Hi,” I said. “I really like your curls. They’re very… thoughtful. I was wondering if maybe you’d like to sniff together sometime?”

Fifi looked at me.
She tilted her head.

Then she said,
“Aw, that’s sweet… but I’m not one of your Fanilows.”

And she went back to browsing the treats.

I stood there for a moment.
Then nodded.

Fair.

As I walked past the bird cage, I heard:

“Oof.”
“That one’s going in the memory vault.”

Bert & Ernie had been watching.

They reminded me that Valentine’s month can be hard on hearts — and then they had an idea.

For all of February, we’re doing a lighthearted Valentine’s fundraiser to help pets in our community.

For any donation — truly any amount — you can write down a name, word, or feeling you’re ready to let go of. An ex, a bad date, or something that didn’t choose you back.

Bert & Ernie will place it on their cage liner… and then continue being birds.

Eating.
Chirping.
Living their bird lives.

It’s silly. It’s harmless. And every donation — big or small — goes directly toward helping dogs and cats in need right here in our neighborhood.

This isn’t about being mean.
It’s about laughing, letting go, and turning Valentine’s feelings into something good.

All Valentine’s month at Zoomies & Purr.
From me, from the birds, and from all of us — thank you for being part of our community. 💗