SAVED: Little bird, big hearts

Last Thursday, while my wife and I were using the drive-up window at a local bank, we heard some faint chirping. Our attention was drawn to what turned out to be a small bird in the drive-up lane adjacent to ours struggling to walk, but being blown about by the cold, heavy winds we were experiencing. It apparently had been blown out of its nest.

We couldn't just drive away, so my wife used my handkerchief to pick it up and we took it home. As I tried to calm the bird, my wife got on the phone to the veterinarian who treats our cockatiel, the Humane Society, Fish and Game, our local pet store, etc., trying without success to find someone who could help us. She eventually drove to a local veterinarian's office, which recommended that she go to the Veterinary Hospital of Dr. Jerry Ponti just across the state line in Otis Orchards.

Dr. Ponti's staff identified the bird as a California quail and immediately embraced the challenge of saving its life, putting it into an incubator at the hospital and feeding it. I checked the following day and learned the quail was eating and doing very well. In time, as it continues to grow, they will release it to the wild.

This may seem like a small thing. Baby birds are blown out of nests this time of year on a frequent basis or have no chance of survival.

But the generosity and compassion demonstrated by Dr. Ponti and his staff for this small, otherwise helpless bird are almost more than words can describe. When I called to check on the quail's status, they thanked us for bringing it in, as if we were the heroes in this story when in fact they are. My wife and I cannot be more thankful for what they have done.

PAUL TRUEBENBACH

Post Falls