"Be Our Voice" by Irena Schulz

The song "Be Our Voice" was written within two weeks of seeing photographs of the largest animal cruelty case in history on the Harris County Attorneys Office Facebook page. I wrote it for my own peace of mind. I had to untie the knots in my stomach created by those pictures, and writing "Be Our Voice" was the therapy I needed.

Soon thereafter, I stumbled upon an ASPCA announcement with Sarah McLaughlin singing and narrating it. So why not take "Be Our Voice" to the next logical step...an animal cruelty prevention video? But I would need a celebrity to narrate it. I had a few in mind, but one name continued to tower above the others because of her respect for both animals and nature. Sy Montgomery, national best-selling author and naturalist, wrote her own narration to provide scientific facts with sensitivity, and created a plea for a call to action as a result.

But before I could create this video, I needed the photographs that inspired this entire project. This project would be meaningless without them for this was what the project centered on. I contacted Linda Geffen, the Chief Prosecutor on this case at the Harris County Attorneys Office in Houston, Texas. I was granted permission to use the evidence photos for the video. So I waited to release this video until the appeal had been heard and the trial ended with a verdict.

I expect mixed reactions to my project...mostly due to political conviction. Those who favor human rights may have a very different opinion than those who favor animal welfare. Because this project came from my own heart, the song and video express what I hold in my heart as my personal belief without sway from political sentiment.

Each of us are molded by the events in our lives, the people we admire and aspire to be, the pain and suffering we live through and learn from, and the laughter and love which heals and holds us together. "Be Our Voice" is simply a result of my own journey in life. -Irena Schulz

"Animals are more than ever a test of our character, of mankind's capacity for empathy and for decent, honorable conduct and faithful stewardship. We are called to treat them with kindness, not because they have rights or power or some claim to equality, but in a sense because they don't; because they all stand unequal and powerless before us." - Matthew Scully

Coming soon: www.BeOurVoice.org

http://www.youtube.com/user/BirdLoversOnly?feature=mhsn#p/u/12/yb-VzeVA1ZE">

Parrot Cages and Stands

Bird Lovers Only Rescue is having a GARAGE SALE in order to raise funds to purchase three new macaw cages. We have approximately 30 parrot cages, travel cages, and stands ranging in size to suit small birds (parakeets, cockatiels, conures) up to large birds (cockatoos). Prices range from $15 to $300.

WHEN:
Thursday, August 5 (8am until 1pm)
Saturday, August 7 (8am until 12noon)

WHERE:
1448 Tanglewood Drive
Schererville, IN 46375
219-322-0037

TASC Midwest Bird Expo - 2010

The TASC Midwest Bird Expo 2010 was a huge success as always. We ran into some terrific old friends, and made quite a few terrific new friends as well. Sy Montgomery, author of "Birdology" which had a chapter on Snowball, sat at the booth next to us. Patricia Sund of Bird Talk and Parrot Nation joined our cozy group and wowed us with her talents for cinematography and feather scarves! There's a lot of creativity in that young lady! We were also lucky enough to be placed next to T-W Birds so I was able to meet Traci LaMon in person. A very big thank you to Traci of T-W Birds for all the toys for our rescue birds!

Irena Schulz presented the Music Therapy Studies on parrots, but was upstaged by a funny, dancing bird...none other than Snowball the Dancing Cockatoo. Here is a short clip of him dancing to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" at the close of the presentation. We hope to see you at next year's Midwest Bird Expo.

Please be sure to visit Bird Lovers Only Rescue to receive our brand new t-shirts and books in return for your donations. Your support helps fund our continuous efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and adopt out parrots as well as allow us to further understand parrots through research studies. Thank you!

Snowball and PondHawks

Two years ago Jorie Gracen of the PondHawks sent a CD for Snowball to dance to. He immediately took to "Crying Hyena." He didn't even need to hear the song twice like many of us do in order for a song to grow on us. I pressed play, turned around, and there he was dancing away already! Snowball picks the tunes. And there's something about the PondHawks that he definitely likes. Is it the vocals? The melodies? The beat? Maybe it's a combination of all those things. Snowball knows what he likes.

The PondHawks latest CD is receiving worldwide recognition. And why not? After all, Snowball gave it his seal of approval. One can watch the You Tube video of him rockin' out to "Crying Hyena" here.

To read more stories on the PondHawks and Snowball:

Billboard Publicity Wire

My Space

Facebook

Paul McCartney.com

The Macca Report

Thanks to Central Indiana Cage Bird Club

The Central Indiana Cage Bird Club donates generously to many bird-related organizations to assist in care and education of parrots. Thank you for including Bird Lovers Only in your lengthy list of recipients. We remain in operation because of donations such as yours. Your generosity is very much appreciated!

Please click on this link to view CICBC.
Central Indiana Cage Bird Club

Book-signing Benefit with Sy Montgomery

National best-selling author, Sy Montgomery, will be in the Chicago area on May 23 promoting her two books "Kakapo Rescue" (written for children in grades 4 - 9) and "Birdology" (written for adults) which features a chapter on Snowball the Dancing Cockatoo. Sy has also won The Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award for 2010. These awards go to authors or authors-illustrators "whose body of work has contributed significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children."

The Boston Globe once called Sy Montgomery "part Indiana Jones and part Emily Dickinson." Her sense of adventure is evenly matched by her sincere compassion for animals and their environment. Sy Montgomery is an author, naturalist, newspaper columnist, documentary scriptwriter, all-around adventurer, and wrote for the TV show "National Geographic Explorer." Sy travels the globe to research the animals she writes about and enchantingly delivers them to you via her books.

Sy Montgomery has generously agreed to do a book-signing and presentation of her adventures to benefit Bird Lovers Only Rescue on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010. Both books will be available for purchase at the book-signing. Proceeds from ticket and book sales will go to fund the continuing care and research of parrots at Bird Lovers Only Rescue. So please join us for an enchanting and fun-filled afternoon with Sy Montgomery.

Please visit Sy Montgomery at http://www.authorwire.com/

WHEN: Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
TIME: 12 noon until 1:30pm
WHERE: Bird Lovers Only Rescue
1448 Tanglewood Drive
Schererville, IN 46375
219-322-0037
EVENT: LUNCHEON hosted by Irena Schulz and Snowball the Dancing Cockatoo. An intimate luncheon with Sy Montgomery to be followed by the opportunity to dance with Snowball. Participants may request songs. Book-signing and photo opportunities with Sy Montgomery and Snowball. Limited seating available so order your tickets now. (Luncheon menu available upon request)

WHEN: Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
TIME: 2pm until 4pm
WHERE: Bird Lovers Only Rescue
1448 Tanglewood Drive
Schererville, IN 46375
219-322-0037
EVENT: PRESENTATION hosted by Irena Schulz at Bird Lovers Only Rescue. An enchantingly fun afternoon with award-winning author, Sy Montgomery. Sy will take you on her "Kakapo Rescue" adventure to be followed by a book-signing opportunity. Finger foods/desserts and beverages will be served.

TICKET PRICES PRIOR TO MAY 1, 2010:
$75 to attend both of the above events (Luncheon & Presentation)
$10 to attend the Presentation only.
TICKET PRICES AFTER MAY 1, 2010:
$85 to attend both of the above events (Luncheon & Presentation)
$15 to attend the Presentation only.
Payment Options (please be sure to state how many tickets you wish along with whether you will be attending both events):
Send check or money order to:
Bird Lovers Only Rescue
PO Box 552
Dyer, IN 46311
Please RSVP to Irena Schulz at birdloversonly@sbcglobal.net or 219-322-0037

Tickets will be held for guests at the door of the events.

Snowball a favorite of 2009 in Science Magazine

Snowball made the Top Ten list for favorite and most read stories of 2009 in Science Magazine.

http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/1224/1

Go Snowball!!!

Snowball's Sponsors

Snowball wishes to thank the sponsors who so generously pledged to make the dance-a-thon on Saturday, November 14, 2009 a success for the children. Not only did Snowball raise enough money to provide clothes and toys for disadvantaged children at Christmas, but enough money was raised to purchase school uniforms for those living in gang areas. School uniforms will replace street clothes that promote gang colors, resulting in less gang violence on school grounds. And finally, 50 families will each receive a 12 pound turkey with all the side dishes for Thanksgiving.

Snowball continued to receive donations for the children after the sponsor board was created, so we wish to thank not only those who did make the sponsor board but those who did not. The complete list up to and including November 21st is as follows:

• Pet Supplies Plus (Dyer, IN) - in addition, PSP has provided bird food at a very reasonable cost to Snowball and his friends at Bird Lovers Only Rescue.
• Bird Paradise (Burlington, NJ) - in addition, BP has provided toys and food at a very reasonable cost as well as Snowball's show cage. Snowball liked this cage so much that he now uses it as his regular cage where he retires for the night.
• Sy Montgomery, national best-selling author - not only has Sy been a wonderful supporter, but she has become my mentor and adventure hero.
• Global Ideas, Japan - an innovative and creative company.
• Beth Krum - for creating the beautiful sponsor board.
• The Platinum Parrot (Lisa & George Bono)
• Ellen Cook DVM - an avian vet who I greatly admire for her knowledge of parrot behavior.
• Christy Woloszyn from the Hair Cuttery (Dyer, IN).
• Su Gould - in addition, Su has been instrumental in acquiring a professional photographer for Snowball and in volunteering her skills in graphics.
• Michelle and Brandon Grabarek
• The Garvey family
• Dawn Satkowski
• Joseph Rybicki
• Mike and Sylvia Wilson
• Nancy Gray
• Jeanette Lesich
• Ramona Cooper
• Christine Misiak
• Main Event Music - to Jef Jarecki for providing DJ service for the dance-a-thon (219) 322-6309
• Joe Fisher
• Sarah Katherine
• Jan Kullman
• Juanita Jarecki - for making the Snowball costume
• Jim Beil
• Sandy Kowalski
• Lynne Jackson
• Sammy Chow
• Gayle Podowski - for Snowball's "red carpet"
• Kay Sheridan
• Hoosier Sports - Judy Hein
• Carole Young - for continuing support of the birds at Bird Lovers Only as well as promoting avian education and awareness.
• Lynn Watts
• Nancy Stannard
• Carol Baskas - for dressing up like Snowball and entertaining all the children!
• Prairie Junior High School
• Dyer United Methodist Church
• Chuck and Irena Schulz
• Bird Lovers Only Rescue
• The dancers who took part in the dance-a-thon.
• The 'behind-the-scenes' volunteers that made this happen.
• And a very special thank you to Natasha, Dan, Jef, and Chris. There would not have been a dance-a-thon fundraiser for the children if not for you! Thank you for two fun-filled days!

Snowball's "Angel Tree" Dance-A-Thon Fundraiser

Snowball will be hosting a Dance-A-Thon Fundraiser on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 between 1pm and 3pm at the following location:

Dyer United Methodist Church
2016 Church Street
Dyer, Indiana 46311
(219) 865-8947

We need dancers, but we also need sponsors to make this a financial success! The "Angel Tree" program purchases clothes and toys for disadvantaged children in the Northwest Indiana region so that they may experience Christmas. The families of these children have experienced job losses, foreclosures, and other financial burdens. With your help, and with Snowball's help, we can make this a success.

Snowball, the world famous dancing cockatoo, has been on programs such as Letterman, Inside Edition, Ellen, Leno, Animal Planet, Mike and Juliet Show, Good Morning America, Bonnie Hunt, and numerous other tv, radio, and news programs around the world along with writeups in magazines, newspapers, and books worldwide. Snowball has also been in commercials such as Taco Bell and Geico in the US as well as Loka bottled water in Sweden.

Snowball is also looking for those willing to sponsor him. Sponsors may contact Irena Schulz directly via email birdloversonly@sbcglobal.net or by calling 219-322-0037. Snowball will be making his appearance toward the end of the Dance-A-Thon, but there will be two "Snowball impersonators" to try their best to mimic Snowball.

If you would like to be a dancer, please print the forms shown below and inform Irena Schulz through email or phone that you will be participating so that we will have an accurate number on those participating in this event. There will be a film crew there, so those participating will need to sign a release form stating that it will be ok for them to appear on tv.
Fundraiser Information Form - http://www.birdloversonly.org/media/Snowball_Angel_Tree_fundraiser.pdf
Fundraiser Pledge Sheet - http://www.birdloversonly.org/media/Snowball_Angel_Tree_PLEDGE_SHEET.pdf

Please feel free to contact Irena Schulz

or Dyer United Methodist Church

if you have any questions regarding the event.

Snowball's Rise to Viral Fame

I was interviewed recently regarding the story of Snowball's rise to fame. I had expected, once again, for my words to be edited into a much more glossed over version of the actual story. Much to my surprise, and a very pleasant one at that, my words appeared as I had written them...unedited!
http://bestinflock.wordpress.com/2009/09/20/the-story-of-snowballs-rise-to-viral-fame/

I have had many people ask me if I work in addition to what I do at the rescue. I have to chuckle to myself because I work over 80 hours per week at the rescue without a break even for weekends, holidays, or other special occassions. My duties include everything from being Snowball's manager and a collaborator in scientific research to scrubbing and disinfecting bird cages. At the end of major cleaning days it's not unusual for me to look like Mel Brooks in "High Anxiety" after he's been satirically pooped on by a flock of birds.

I've been judged by some for the content of the tv programs which I have been on with Snowball. But I have never had control over what is edited out and what is left to be shown to the audience. Heaven knows I've tried to emphasize to the interviewers the abuse and neglect that I see and how much I want to do something about this in the form of legislation, but Snowball's charm always prevails and the sad parts end up on the floor of the editing room.

I have recently been able to write, direct, and produce my own videos and have them show up on Jennifer Viegas' blog "Born Animal" which is found on Discovery News. This also happens to be one of my three favorite blogs (and I do follow many), so I was overjoyed at the prospect of having my unedited (albeit rough and amateurish) videos appear there.
http://blogs.discovery.com/news_animal/

So when my words do go unedited and I am able to speak my mind, I am grateful. To those of you who have allowed this...a very, very sincere thank you!

The Snowball Challenge

I enjoy reading all the blogs that write about Snowball. Bird owners have known for years that birds can dance, yet there are so many skeptics stating that Snowball is just mimicing me. How does a child learn to dance? Does he watch his parents? His teachers? His friends? TV? Or is it something much deeper within one's self that inspires that child to dance? If so, what is it?

I cringe every time I watch myself dance in the World Science Festival video. Elaine from Seinfeld is a graceful ballerina in comparison. Yet as good as Snowball's dance moves are, so many think he's really mimicing me. To those who think that...thank you, but I can't take the credit for any of his dance moves.

I've even left comments on some of the disbelievers' blogs. I've invited them to come see Snowball for themselves. No reply.

So, I invite all skeptical bloggers and scientists to...

the SNOWBALL CHALLENGE!

Bird Lovers Only is a 501c3 charitable bird sanctuary. Donations are down because of the state of the economy. Individuals donating a minimum of $200 (donations are tax deductible) are invited to come and watch Snowball dance in person. I may even be able to have a camera crew come to film the event. Let's set a date for Saturday, November 14th, 2009. Those interested should contact Irena Schulz at Bird Lovers Only at the following email address:
birdloversonly@sbcglobal.net

To view the latest article on Snowball in Psychology Today:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/music-matters/200910/snowball-the-dancing-cockatoo-is-he-listening-or-imitating

Music Has Power Awards

IMNF Scientific Advisory Board member and The Neurosciences Institute Ester J. Burnham Senior Fellow, Dr. Aniruddh Patel, was honored for his contribution to the therapeutic power of music alongside New York native and long-time IMNF supporter, Peggy Rice, in New York on September 9th (far right photo). Dr. Aniruddh Patel and wife, Jennifer Burton, are pictured in the far left photo. For the full story, click on the link. http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Music_Has_Power_Bene

Snowball at IUPUI

Dr. Aniruddh Patel, lead scientist on the Snowball studies, was recently interviewed at IUPUI. Dr. Patel presented research that included findings published in Current Biology in May, 2009.

http://www.iupui.edu/podcasts/index.php?episode=378

Snowball in Indianapolis, Indiana

Irena Schulz discusses the science, the entertainment, and the high maintenance behind the famous cockatoo...Snowball.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIJf4ChKkQw&feature=channel_page

Dr. Aniruddh Patel of the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego, California will be presenting the research on Snowball in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Biennial Conference of Society for Music Perception and Cognition on Wednesday, August 5th at 1:30pm.
http://music.iupui.edu/smpc2009/programs.html

Snowball in The TIMES newspaper

Snowball makes front page news once again. This time he is on the front page of Sunday's The TIMES newspaper. His story is also told online alongside his Taco Bell commercial at the following link.

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/article_4b3a58ed-2eae-5c3a-a095-fa3135bec62c.html

Bird Paradise

Snowball and Irena Schulz were recently in New York City to take part in the World Science Festival. Bird Paradise kindly donated a cage for Snowball to make him comfortable during his stay in New York for the Festival. They also donated numerous toys for Snowball and his friends back home, as well as food and some of Snowball's favorite treats...pine nuts!

When we went to pick up Snowball's cage, we could not believe how many different types of toys they had in the store. There were countless aisles of shreddy toys, leather toys, wood toys, acrylic toys, and you name it. If the toy was not found in this store, chances are that it's just not available. And if you wonder about cleanliness, this store was fastidiously clean. I've been to numerous pet shops over the years and none compared in product availability and cleanliness. This is a place that you have to see to believe. Below is a link to their online store.

http://www.mybirdstore.com/

Snowball and all his friends at Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc. wish to thank Bird Paradise for their generosity and kindness in making Snowball feel so comfortable in his donated show cage as well as countless hours of enjoyment playing and tearing apart his donated toys.

THANK YOU BIRD PARADISE!

Snowball's Taco Bell commercial

We hope you will enjoy Snowball's Taco Bell commercial. If you do enjoy it, please consider donating to Bird Lovers Only Rescue. The donations that are generated on behalf of Snowball provide quality vet care, food, and toys for all the birds at our sanctuary.

Snowball in Smithsonian Magazine

Snowball seems to get around these days. He is currently featured in the Smithsonian Magazine (July 2009 issue).

Click on links below.
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2009/06/22/a-dancing-parrot-and-more/

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/Wild-Things-July09.html?c=y&page=2

Snowball at the World Science Festival

Snowball made a grand entrance at the World Science Festival on Saturday, June 13th where he strutted his stuff and proved that a non-human animal can dance to a musical beat. At the Avian Einsteins venue we had a distinguished panel of scientists dance along with Snowball. At the end of the dance, Snowball was so proud of himself that he took several bows. But he had just warmed up and wanted to dance more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIjMHFbqBrY

http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/media-resources

http://www.the-scientist.com/blog/display/55767/

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0617/p18s01-hfgn.html

http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/2009/avian-einsteins

Thank You to Care2 Petitionsite!

I recently received the following email from the Care2 Petitionsite. Rescuing birds is never-ending and it can wear down even the strongest person because there never seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel...there will always be another bird that needs a home. So this email touched my heart at a time when it needed some mending. One can only imagine how much this meant to me. Thank you all so indescribably much!

To: Irena (and Snowball especially!),

This is a thank you. We created a petition on the Care2 web site to say thank you for your work and Snowball for raising human's consciousness.

Signed,
Jean Linsavage
Janice Wharton

Petition: I think that sometimes a petition can just be a thank you. I just wanted to thank Irena and her site for helping and rescue birds. There are so many other links to Snowball the dancing Cockatoo on Youtube. Animals and humans are the same. That's all.

Please click on the following link to see the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/this-is-a-thank-you