A Portrait of Dorian Grey

Do you think you could love a tyrant? Would you be amazed if you found yourself absolutely doting on an autocrat who makes constant demands, awful messes, earsplitting noises and lives by his or her own rules, almost completely ignoring yours? You might be amazed by how many people do. No, this isn't a political statement; this is about the third most popular family of pets in the United States; birds. Birds are beautiful and fascinating but living with them is nothing like living with dogs or cats. Enter the laughter- and amazement-filled world of an African Grey Parrot named Dorian and discover the trials and delights of what life is really like for those who live with these wonderful creatures. A Portrait of Dorian Grey is not only a history of the authors' life with Dorian and his flock mates but a treasure trove of priceless information about the reality of what it takes and what can be expected when you live with these astonishingly intelligent and highly demanding animals. Many photographs illustrate the rewarding behaviors and requirements along with some of the more disturbing and trying aspects of life as part of a flock. Why do so many people spend more time making breakfast for their birds than they do for themselves and spend more money on bird toys and treats than they do on their own wardrobes? Come discover the thrill of having a cogent conversation with an evolved dinosaur, the delight of an animal that makes intelligent jokes, the challenge of how to keep a winged Houdini in his cage, and the pure delight of having your pet look up at you and actually say aloud, "I love you "