From Martha Stewart Weddings
I realize this isn’t Martha Stewart’s direct doing. A good CEO delegates, but delegates to people who are considered a direct extension of “the boss.” So I can still say, “Oh, Martha! What were you thinking??”
An article online on Martha Stewart Weddings suggests renting lovebirds for your wedding. Hmmn. On one hand it is better to find a place to borrow birds than buy and then ignore them or hand them off after the nuptial bliss wears off. However, I take one look at the photo of lovebirds cuddling in a cage, likely next to the sign in book or at the guest entrance and think, “yeah, right.” Those lovebirds are not going to be cuddling each other and cooing at the distinguished guests. They are going to be uncomfortable if not flailing in terror in their too tiny cage and inappropriately designed cage while avoiding the pokes of bored children.
Martha. Please.
Although, this also brings up a long standing struggle in building a better world for birds. Parrots, finches and softbills common to the pet world have long been treated as decor by the general population. The vast majority of bird owners seem to be in agreement that birds are not like dogs or cats and that ownership of a bird doesn’t require a great deal of thinking. They’re just to look at.
It’s only been recently that breeders, parrot clubs, rescue organizations and other bird lovers have said, “Wait a minute. Just because they are birds doesn’t mean that we cannot train them to fit into our households, interact with them and have two-way relationships with them, just like our dogs or cats.” Still we, the people who feel this way, are in the minority.
Help me out here, Martha. I’m already preaching to the choir. Please tell the folks that don’t know any better that living creatures are not ornaments.
If they already have beloved birds in their life and would like to train them to be comfortable around people and participate in the wedding that’s another story. I’d write an article for you about that for MS Weddings in a heartbeat.