Hi! I hope I didn't cause anyone concern but I thought it better to ask Wendy to explain why I haven't been online in so long... I'm feeling better now. I guess it's just that time of year where there are a lot of contagions aroung but you'd never know it here in S. California! It's been sooo hot and kinda miserable out, like the middle of August. We're all pretty tired of it being the middle of August and are ready for it to at least feel like fall. I'd like a little WINTER myself!
Thanks for all your kind comments about the book and Wesley himself. I had no idea that the ending would be so SAD for people. I mean, I knew it was sad for me, of course, but I foolishly thought that if I said in the book that he was going to die so don't read any further if you don't want to read about it, that that would actually work. Silly of me, I know, because I always read the whole book no matter what the ending is.
We had a hard time even editing the chapter about Wesley's death of old age. None of us could get through it to edit it! Eventually, yes, it got done, but WOW it was hard. And yet, his death was as happy as the loss of your beloved could be. By that I mean that he wasn't taken tragically or early or violently. He died peacefully in my arms of old age. THANK GOD!
On another note, I went to a private school in San Juan Capistrano a few days ago and was completely blown away by the enthusiastic kids in the science program and the level of experimentation they were doing and their good manners and their passion for science. It was a relief, actually, to see that there IS a generation of serious scientists in the making. People sometimes think that science is boring but it's the opposite! It's just the constant pursuit of discovery, of learning how things work and why things are the way they are. To me it's been a life of never being bored because there is always so much more to figure out. So many questions! It's a constant adventure to be a scientist, and these kids got that. Wonderful! There is a great generation of kids coming up!
I hope that school animal clubs and other groups of kids interested in animals will check out the Roots and Shoots program through the Jane Goodall Institute. I think it's www.jgi.org . Her organization is loosely organized and any group of kids can form a Roots and Shoots group and do whatever project they come up with to help animals or their habitat. Some groups get in contact with each other across the world and help each other with projects - like an American group raising money for an African group to accomplish something in their immediate surroundings for the sake of conservation or animal welfare. Or groups will support an organization's efforts.
The animal group at this school raised money and sponsored several owls at the skyhunters raptor rehab center in San Diego. Wow! (www.skyhunters.com)
So I'm very encouraged. I'm also encouraged to see more and more books about the scentience and intelligence and individuality of animals. I think there is a new understanding of animals starting to coelesce and I'm thrilled to see it! It's way overdue!
Of course, in the United States, one cannot take in a wild animal without a permit. And with good reason, especially when it comes to birds of prey. They are not "pets". They will always be wild and they require very special handling and a committment that's far beyond that of a normal pet! So I didn't regard Wesley as a pet, but more as an other intelligent being, with a wild soul, from whom I could learn and with whom I shared my life. I'm not saying that I saw him merely as a subject to study, though. I loved him with my entire being, there's no question about that! It was just different than a "pet" in some ways. I didn't try to bend him to my will but just lived with him and allowed him to "inconvenience" me as he needed to in order to be himself as fully as possible within the constraints of captivity.
It's great to be back and it's wonderful hearing from you! Thank you all for your kind comments!
-Stacey
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39 comments:
Hello Stacey,
I just finished reading your book.
What a beautiful story, so insightful, touching, funny, sad, honest. A real love story.
How are you doing? Feeling better, I hope.
I have had parakeets since I was 7.
Each one has been so unique. Each one an individual with its own personality, preferences and habits.
"Every bird gravitates to its own perch."
The birdie I have had for the past 5 years, "Pretty Girl" (I know, that's sooo original), was someone else's pet that got away. She flew up and landed on the open 2nd floor window sill at the school where I was teaching.
I went home, got a spare cage and put her in with food and water.
She was hungry and tired.
I notified the local police department and asked them to call me if anyone called in saying they lost their pet parakeet.
No one called.
I just hope that whoever lost her could know that she is well, happy, and in a good home with someone who is taking good care of her.
Pretty Girl has bonded with me in a way that is similar to the way Wesley bonded with you.
She loves to "kiss" beak to my nose, we whisper to each other, and, when I open her cage door, she sits on the open doorway, kising beak to nose, whispering, her eyes partially close, she squats and lifts her tail in the same way I have seen female parakeets do on TV when they mate.
She also "tells" me when she wants to go to sleep in the evening.
She'll come over to the side of the cage, kiss and whisper, then climb onto her swing, and grab the arm of the swing with her left foot. That means, "OK, you can cover me now, I want to go to sleep for the night."
I'm going to read the rest of your blog to see if I can get to know you better.
I would love to hear from you.
Hi Stacey -
I just finished your book - less than 24 hours after it was first in my hands.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your, and Wesley's story. I'm so glad he was there for you when you went through your health emergencies.
How are you doing now? Is the medication still working?
I had to laugh at the name of Wendy's rabbit - Big Fierce Rabbit, wasn't it? Or was it Giant...?
We have 2 house rabbits - Cinnabun and Big Bunny and they are, indeed, like our children. They have the run of the house, and despite our best attempts to "bunny proof" it, every piece of furniture, every computer and lamp cord, and every shoe and purse has a bunny chomp mark. But we are moving onto a sailboat and sailing for the next 5-10 years. In our heart we know that bunnies and sailboats don't mix - especially in foreign ports. Hard decisions with much crying to come.
Is that Caltech the one near San Luis Obispo? We visited friends who lived on their boat in the marina there.
Thanks again for finding the strength to tell your story. All the best to you!
Dear Stacey:
This goes without saying: Consider yourself "blessed" that you were with Wesley at the end; and, he passed away in your arms. His passing, in this case, was probably less arduous for him, but not for you. You repaid your debt as was so succinctly put by Dr. Penfield's quote at the beginning of your book. And your book is the Testament of his life ... And your's, his mate. He was indeed fortunate!! Thank you for all of us. PS. Please check your links to "Skyhunters" and Dr. J. Goodall's Institute - an appreciative reader(Canada)
I wish I could convey how much I wanted to thank you for your book. My girlfriend and I came across it through a glowing recommendation from Tiffany at www.mrflapper.com/blog. I haven't been as emotionally wrecked from something so deeply moving since I saw "Life is Beautiful," "Grave of the Fireflies," or Claude Lelouch's "Les Miserables" (It's very hard to find but well worth the hunt).
We fell in love with a Fawn Indian Runner Duck at the 59th St. Pond in Central Park here in NYC. We call him Whitey as he looks like a bowling pin, and he sticks out amidst all the mallards. He's a goofy duck, and while he seems to be having a grand time, he clearly doesn't belong there as Indian Runner Ducks are domesticated animals. On top of that, Indian Runner Ducks can't fly all that well, so he can't migrate unless he's gonna hop on the subway.
As far as we can tell, Whitey was dumped in Central Park as a consequence of someone not being able to take care of a pet duck. Lots of pet stores sell ducks & chickens especially during Spring. We make damned sure we visit the booger as often as we can. We'd love to take care of Whitey, but we have a studio apartment, and I'm sure Whitey would miss his buddies.
Thank you so very much for your wonderful book. You are truly blessed to have Wesley in your life.
Hi Stacey,
I just finished reading your book yesterday afternoon. What a beautiful and fun account of your life with Wesley. What a blessing that you and him were able to share a life together so long.
I have never had birds, but I have shared a special relationship with housecats. I totally understand the chapter when Wesley saved your life. I too went through a horrific time and due to the love and devotion of my Maine Coon, Gracie, I pulled out of it.
I think your love and connection with animals is so special. I believe that all animals are capable of a human bond and have emotions and can communicate.
I hope you are feeling better and I just want you to know that I will be checking your blog periodically.
Hello Stacey - I can't tell you how much I loved your book and how much I appreciated reading about you and Wesley. I am a huge animal lover (with 4 very spoiled cats!) and your story about Wesley was so heartwarming! (and so incredibly SAD!)
I had to laugh, because the first thing I did, was go to the back of the book to read about Wesley, since I knew it would be sad...and I laughed because it was exactly what you do! I thought I was the only one who did that!
Even though I knew Wesley was 19 and had lived an incredibly long, happy life with you, I was so sad to read about the end. But how wonderful for you to be able to be there for Wesley at the end and know that he was never harmed.
I am so glad I read this book - it is one of the best books I have ever read!
It sounds like you've had a very rough time the last few years - I hope that know how much your story has meant to me and others. You have a phenomenal gift! (Thank you for inside stories of Wesley on your blog - they are terrific!!)
I wish only the best for you - Both you and Wesley were so blessed to have found each other!
Best wishes for good health! --Pam
Hi Stacey,
I just finished yours and Wesley's book. It's a lovely, amazing story and I thank you so much for sharing it. I learned so much about owls and hope to have a closer encounter with one some day. The closest so far was when one flew right by me at eye level as I was standing on a big rock in the river one summer dusk. Very exciting !
I'm trying your method of beaming pictures of a calm happy relaxed ancient cat letting me clip her toenails tomorrow ! Hope it helps.
I'll be giving your book to my niece for christmas. She's a true animal lover and wants to help animals when she grows up. I know she'll love it as I did.
Thank you so much for loving Wesley and following the way of the owl so that you could share his life with everyone. It is a true blessing.
Sending my best,
Missy
Dear Stacey,
I just finished your book and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I did cry my way through the last chapter, but only because I've been there with my own pets and could relate to what you must have gone through.
In contrast, I did laugh out loud so much I found myself reading large chunks of your book to my husband and children. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with other animal lovers!
Peace and Laughter,
Cristina
I am a first grade teacher in Colorado and we just finished our owl unit(I am also a birder so I couldn't help myself but to teach the kids about some of the coolest birds I know!) Our kiddos were incredibly enthusiastic and they now notice raptors as they are coming to school. One kid even had a Great Horned Owl in his backyard last week! Anyway, we went owling one evening and one of my students brought me your book! Besides the fact that I am enjoying it very much, I also learned on page six that I know your uncle!! We worked on a show together in NYC in 1998-1999!!! Small world!! I am looking forward to finishing the book...I am almost there. Wesley is cracking me up!! What a hoot...no pun intended! Thanks for sharing him with us!
Stacey, thank you for confirming what I have believed for a long time, other species do have incredible intellects.
It's very similar to meeting someone who speaks another language, do you assume they are less intelligent because you can't understand what they say?
I have many allergies and we have never owned a pet, that is until our son got a Peach Faced Love Bird! He left home, and "Birdie" has stayed with us.
Birdie has become the head of the household in just a few years. We try our best to understand what she wants, and give her free reign of the entire house. She has bonded with me, as the only male in the house, and my poor wife who does most of the cage cleaning and caring for her while I am out on sales trips, gets only mean looks and "fake" attacks.
I love that you let Wesley sleep in your arms, Birdie has been known to cuddle up with me, and sleep inside my shirt. She too has many interesting sounds, and we do our best to try and identify what she is trying to tell us. The most obvious is when she starts nibbling on the ear lobe. At first we thought it was an attack, but now we know that as soon as I bring her some food she "chortles" and goes about her business of feeding. We believe she knows the word for water, and more, because she will always come to us when we ask her if she wants water, and then will keep sipping when we ask her if she wants more.
Thank you for a very moving book!
May God's blessings be upon you, and may you see Wesley again in heaven where there is no pain, but only incredible love of all.
Hi Stacey,
I'm twelve, and I read your book for a project, but eventually I was just reading it because it was so amazing. I cried myself to sleep the night I read the last chapter, but also because of how good it was that Wesley died with you, somebody he loved, and that you were there with him. It's influencing me to spend more time with my own pets (a dog and a feisty parrot):-D.
Of course, I learned other lessons from your book, too. I was surprised at how intelligent and incredible owls are. I didn't really know anything about them before.
Now I am aspiring to become a biologist or someone who deals with animals as well.
I didn't totally understand what the problem was with Wesley that he wasn't one of those owls that was put in a sanctuary, but I'm also glad he didn't, because then there would be no story.
I totally understand that owls are wild animals and typically they aren't pets, but to you Wesley was more like your baby.
Considering Wesley isn't the only owl that was ever unable to survive on its own in the wild, I was wondering if that is like an option to adopt an injured owl. Clearly it's not really an option but can people adopt owls, as well? I mean, I wouldn't want to now, because I don't think my mom would appreciate frozen rodent, at least while I'm still living with her. :-)
Anyway, I am so glad I read your book, and it will probably change the way I view animals and every quirky things they do. :-)
Thank you so much for sharing Wesley's story.
Hello, all; especially Stacey and Wendy.
I just finished Irene Pepperberg's "Alex and me." Another amazing, amazing book regarding animal intelligence - specifically, that of Alex, the world-famous African Grey who could count, recognize shapes and colors, exhort his colleagues in their training (he often told his other Grey research partners, "Speak clealy!"), request food items ("Wanna nut. N - uht.") and even apologize for his sometimes-rough-beaking of his fragile human friends ("I am so, sorry!"). Most incredibly, he was capable of independently naming items, something the Bible says was reserved for those made in God's image (he called apples "banerries" because they were red like cherries and sweet like banannas.)
Of course, I blubbered like a baby when I read of his final days. It's been a tough year for me: divorce and the loss of my pack of dog friends, the death of my best friend, K'Shama, the African Grey, all while working full-time and going to school full-time to get a nursing credential, which is the very definition of rote drudgery. Ugh.
Here's to a much better next year for everyone who loves Wesley.
Hi Stacy,
I just discovered your site and have read your book two or three times already. :) It's a beautiful book, you really capture his character and personality. I hope you are feeling better...I know what it's like to be sick, I've been disabled since I was 13, I was bedridden for 5 years with an immune disorder, then improved enough to attend college. I graduated 3 years ago and am hoping to apply to med school, if they'll be accomodating of my limitations. I'd love the opportunity to chat with you, if you have time to email me, I'd love to hear from you. I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Beth
Dear Stacey,
Hello, my name is Tara, I’m 23 from Burlington, Iowa, and just wanted to say thank you for the amazing opportunity at getting to read your book. It truly was a touching and moving book. Wesley honestly is “sooo handsome!” He knew it, as well. I got this book, immediately started reading it aloud to my husband and our 4-year-old daughter, who was born February 6th, 2004, in coincidence of being born the same month as Wesley. We love the amazing footage and beautiful pictures of Wesley. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading the book. I finished the book today, December 22nd, 2008, and ended up not being able to breathe through my nose, sobbing, and feeling all the pain you felt when you lost your baby. All my sympathy and condolences to you. And I pray that you do a U.S. tour for a book signing so that I can meet you to sign a copy of your book. I collect books and love to read them in the process, although the only signature I have obtained is from Hill Harper from CSI: New York. He is originally from Fort Madison, Iowa, only 20 minutes from where I live. I have yet to finish reading the book to my husband and yet have told him on his lunch break from work he will have to read the last two chapters by himself. I congratulate you on all that you have accomplished in your life, and you, besides a few other authors, have inspired me to one day seek a college field to work with animals. Thank you and the best of luck to you!!!
Dear Stacey,
(This is from my son.) I am almost eight years old and I just read your book. It was very nice. I enjoyed learning about Wesley. I am going to start one of those roots and shoots groups with some of my friends soon. Thank you for telling us about it.
Dear Stacey,
I received your book as a Christmas present and read it one afternoon. I couldn't put it down. It was one of the best books I've ever read! It was humorous, intelligent, insightful and heartwarming.
Your life with Wesley was beautiful, rich and vibrant. I felt like I was in the room with you when Wesley was learning how to fly or discovering water. I'm sure lots of stories didn't make it into the final novel. I hope you write more about Wesley. He had a beautiful soul and I wish I could have known him.
If you are interested, there is a video on YouTube called "The Funny Owl And The Water Sprinkler" posted by user hikingtrailmaster. The owl in the video is not as enthusiastic as your Wesley, but it did appreciate a free drink of water.
In closing I wish you all the best on your future projects. I hope your health improves and you continue to follow your passions.
All the best!!!!
I found your book on Amazon and I bought it for myself for Christmas...well bought it for me from my husband :-) From Christmas afternoon until
Dec. 26th I was addicted to Wesley and Stacey! I couldn't get back to my book fast enough. About midnight on the 26th I was reading the end and of course was crying. My poor husband woke up and was frightened because he sees tears streaming down my face. He said "What is wrong?" I whispered, "Wesley just died!" He said, "Maybe I shouldn't have given you that book!" It was funny.
I really LOVED reading about Wesley. Stacey you are a wonderful writer. Not all books keep you wanting more and more and keep you wanting to read faster and faster.
My favorite parts of the book were, one, when Guy made the recordings for you with his mom. That was very thoughtful. My second favorite was you teaching the "gang" of teenagers about owls in the middle of the night. I bet you influenced those kids more than you will ever know. Oh and my favorite Wesley part was when you tried to hide your friend in your covers and Wesley knew right away he was there. That poor guy but what a smart Wesley! I could picture him on your bed about to attack what was beneath those covers.
I hope you are able to keep up this blog. I found it by searching to see if there was more info about you out here and WA LA...I found this blog.
Keep writing, keep making us laugh and a little smarter and please know that prayers and blessings are being sent to you for your health.
Gail
I cannot stop thinking about you and Wesley - I hope you'll soon be well enough to write your own blog, etc. You will be in my prayers - as well as my husband's and daughter's. I loved the book and talked about it all the while I was reading it (which didn't take long - I got sick and spent my time in bed reading). I easily get grossed out and yet nothing in the book bothered me much at all, because your dedication and love so over-powered anything that us non-scientific types might find gross. :-) I will be sharing the info Wendy posted on the most recent blog - the websites - with my daughter's Girl Scout troop. If you come to speak and sign here in the Dallas, Texas area, we'd love to see you.
I just finished reading your book last night, and cried myself to sleep...I have very swollen eyes today, but it was so worth it. I loved your book and hope you will write many more publications!
I recently lost a little finch(not unlike the ones you had) a pretty female who was not in the least bit tame, but I really liked her anyway. I was so aggrieved that I had her cremated, and I still miss her.
On a much lighter note, I laughed out loud at Wesley's antics and your potential boyfriends' reactions! And the photo of him completely immersing himself in water was incredible. Who knew?
Thank you again for the account of your life with Wesley. I hope you are feeling better and am really looking forward to your next blog post!
Love,
Lorraine
What a wonderful way to spend the Christmas vacation. Since I'm a publisher (and a writer), I thought the last thing I'd do is read, but I was hooked into this beautiful story. How amazing that I take my pets to Dr. Coward - he is a wonderful vet, so caring. My son worked for him years ago and saw the spiritual side of him many times when caring for a sick animal.
Stacey, thank you for your story. In an alternate reality, I would have snapped up your manuscript in a heartbeat since you're right up our alley. I'm thrilled with your success and hope the very best for you and your future.
Hi Stacey,
One day while I was getting my hair done, I was reading People Magazine and read the review on Wesley the Owl. It looked like my type of book, so I took my cell phone and snapped a picture of it so I wouldn't forget about it.
I bought a copy for a friend for Christmas, and my son bought me a copy. I just finished reading it and just loved it. It was so moving. I did cry at the end, but how could I not? I know your relationship with Wesley was more in depth than you could put on paper, but it was written in such a way that I felt like I knew you both.
Thank you for sharing your story, I know it must have been tough, but I count myself lucky to have read about Wesley.
All the best,
Hope
Stacey, we are selling your book quite well at our nature store. How can I find out about selling some of your other Wesley items you are now offering?
Louise Dawson
Hi Stacey,
I am twelve years old and I just finished reading your book. I got it as a Christmas present, and I couldn't put it down. You and Wesley's relationship was absolutely incredible. I was amazed by Wesley's intellect and personality! It was a beautiful story, and it is honestly one of the greatest books I have ever read. Thank you so much for sharing your and Welsey's story! Although I did cry quite a bit during the last few chapters, I laughed during the book as well. One of my favorite parts was when Wesley grabbed your toothbrush and started parading around the sink with it. And I thought that the way he would rush around with his wings outstretched was adorable! This book taught me a lot as well. It showed me that animals and humans can make truly amazing bonds, and that animals can teach us profound things. You and Wesley's story was truly touching, and now I am inspired to become a biologist. I have always loved birds, and it would be a dream come true to work in a place like Caltech, where owls roam the building. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story!
Best wishes,
Cassie
Stacey,
You've been chosen as Very Cool Person Of The Month on author KL Going's website www.klgoing.com!
She is the author of several excellent YA novels and is always on the lookout for dedicated people such as yourself...hope you can check this out!
-Lorraine
Stacey,
I just finished your book last evening. What a fantastic, incredible love story! Thank you so much for sharing your life with Wesley with us! I must say I didn't get any sleep last night...I was hysterically crying for hours and today I haven't been able to get you or Wesley off my mind! It was heart wrenching - Marley and Me was nothing compared to this and I cried a ton during that book as well! I admire you for all you did and I think you're one of the luckiest people that I know of, for having that wonderful experience with Wesley! Please bring your book tour to Akron, Ohio!! I too am compasionate for all animals (domestic and wild life) and many of those in need, seem to find their way to me - they know that I'll lay my life down on the line for them. - as Wesley knew about you too! Many think I'm nuts, but I don't care - animals and caring for them is who I am. Anyway, I do hope that you take care of yourself and your health. Regards, Michele
PS: I do believe that Wesley will be waiting for you some day and the two of you will be rejoined and enjoy an endless life together! :)
Hi Stacey, I loved Wesley's story; I also raised a Barred owl with a class of grade schoolers in our after school program. The game-warden said he needed to observe the release but he never came. We made a whole chronicle of Cocamoe's growing and learning that I could share with you or other researchers. Find me at smilemeadow@tx3.net, there is much in Wesley's story that my experience parallels. Fortunately her family came to claim her in September, and she had a god supplied stash of young rats she used to make friends with them. Cocamoe comes around to check in still about monthly weather permitting, and leaves me a feather each year for my birthday, but thankfully no longer begs for mice. Last year she raised babies who she brought in to talk to me all during September.
Hey Stacey,
Just want you to know that when you post pics here, other people can copy and save it without your persmission...if you're talking about copy right. If you don't mind then it's ok.
ww
Hi Stacey
Like I mention earlier that your pictures posted here is not copy-right protected and I just came across some facebook using Wesley's pic as the profile pic, (maybe w/o your consent)...I think it's very respecful...I mean it's only a book club not it's no hard but still...They should pay you if they want to "advertise" Wesley's pic, don't they? Just trying to protect you and Wesley. Please consult with Richard Gee. Good luck.
Here's the link:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=4959326a2e59e353847581d1b0297c69&gid=28461431940
and I'm sure there is many more websites using Wesley for the images...
Concerned Book Fan of Yours
Hi, Stacey,
I just got your book from the library and read it voraciously. I have been telling everyone about it as it is just the most wonderful true story!
I know I don't have to tell you, but Wesley was just SO incredible! He will live forever in the hearts of animal lovers everywhere!
It's also so amazing that your grandmother cared for Wiesel before you were born! There really are no coincidences!
May God continue to bless you in the wonderful work that you do!
Love,
Angel
i love wesley and you and everybody who has made you who you are and those who helped take care of wesley. i am reading the book; i'm only on page 54 but i am enjoying every minute of it. though, the bit about the mice made me gag in horror and i was relieved that you found an alternative way to kill them instantly!! the 'bigness' of wesley's personality reminds me of my cat finnegan (all my cats have had tremendous personalities). he has such a wide range of emotions and it really startles me sometimes at HOW emotional he can get. sometimes i don't understand why he feels the way he does (though i'd love to), but i do know that over time, he'll reveal more and more layers of his personality. he makes my heart soar just like wesley made your's (and mine and everyone else's who's read about him). i'm going to stop babbling before i become too emotional (i get this way when talking about animals). THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIS STORY!!
As I finish WESTLY THE OWL,my eyes watered-up a bit. An enjoyable book, but still the water came, just a bit. I love animals, I also read ALEX AND ME and might have had a similar reaction, but readying WESTLY was particulary emotional to some degree and I am not an overly emotional person, or so I appear to be in public. Anyway...
I live with two ringedneck turtle doves...I have had them for about ten years and love them. I do not mind being tied to them, for nobody can take care of them the way I do so I tell others and I believe that. Although I have a huge cage, called a Double-Macaw cage ( 80 x 72 x 42 and on wheels) I do not close the doors on them and they free to roam the apartment at will.
I hate caging animals and I think my birds are better for it,not being caged. Anyway, much enjoyed, if that is the right word to use, reading WESTLEY THE OWL. Wesley is a beautiful animal, I would say person and I love the love Stacey gave to the bird and what you went through with Wesley.
Some people do not understand nor can they accept ones love of animals and I cringe whenever I read of animal mistreatment...how can people owns pets, animals and be so cruel and so mistreat them I fail to understand. I would make such treatment criminal acts on par with crimal acts against humans.
Stacey is a remarkable person and I love the story of her and Westley. It was beautifully written and beautifully told...and I might add that I got more than a few laughs out of it..the "boyfriends" and others, like the security guard and others who had less than brilliant reactions to the world of Stacey and Wesley. The animals of this world deserve this world far more than we humans, such is our treatment of this world and its inhabitants. Stacey, to be redundant, you have written a beautiful story and I can empathize the difficulty of putting the words into print and the edititing difficulties it entailed. This must read like one long sentence and I apologize for it. I get going on something and forget to break things up into paragraphs. So, I went back and broke the sentences up to a more readable paragraphs.
If all people loves animals as much as you, Stacey, love Wesley, the world would be better off for it and wiser and the world would not be in the blobal crisis it is now in. My apologies for being so long-winded. To make a bad pun I am winging this.
Fred Jakobcic
1025 N. Third Street
Marquette, MI 49855-3509
(906) 226-3681
fjakobci@chartermi.net
Hi Stacey:
I just finished reading your book. WOW. I laughed and I cried. What a touching tale. I love animals too and your relationship with Wesley has inspired me to research barn owls more. Thank you for that.
I would also love to do an interview with you, via email, at your convenience. I work for Stories for Children Magazine and I think your life with Wesley would make an awesome article. If you are interested in this venture, please email me at jsmunc@shaw.ca
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to read about a great owl :)
Hi Stacey,
I also finished reading your book and thank you from my depths for not only making this a beautiful love story between human and owl, but also for stressing the mutual respect you had in your relationship. And showcasing the incredible intelligence and personality of your Wesley and of other animals. I too have birds - parrots in this case - and as each year passes, I learn more and more about how intuitive, telepathic, and intelligent they are. I am humbled and awed. Thank you again. (I too love Celtic music and play the low D pennywhistle :)
Take care of yourself. I hope you are doing well. Your energy may not be as it once was, but your spirit is strong, and we are enriched by it. Thank you again.
Hi Stacey,
Just finished Wesley the Owl, and it's the most wonderful book I've read in a long, long time. I finished Marley and Me just before reading your book, and while a story of a dog is far more familiar to me (I've never shared my life with a bird), Wesley's story reached me in deeper and more meaningful ways. And at least for me, your forewarning of Wesley's death, combined with the knowledge that you had given him the most wonderful life any creature on earth could ever hope for, made it possible for me to read through that part without sobbing.
I have loved owls for a long time, felt a deep bond with them that is best described as spiritual, although I have never formally met one. I have had the pleasure of hearing a few different ones on backpacking trips, and I felt blessed to have shared their habitat for a night.
You and your book are so inspiring and wonderful, thank you for sharing Wesley's story with the world. And thank you for all that have done and continue to do to help other creatures, you are truly an inspiration and beautiful person. Be well.
Hello Stacey!
I'm from Brazil,and your book is becoming a best seller here.Yes!We have the translation for portuguese.I love it!It's a fantastic history!
I love barn owls.They are the most beautiful creatures in the nature!
I have one "in plush",since 1996,and I gave a name for her.....Fefi!This little toy in form of a barn owl I bought in San Bernardino CA.This toy have a great importance in my life!
So!Please visit my YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/corujao15
Look the back ground of my page and the entering vídeo.
Oh God!I must buy the Wesley plush!
Best regards!
Fabio from Brazil
P.S.>CORUJAO in portuguese is "big owl"
Hi Stacey,
I want to let you know how much your book has touched me. I am an avid reader, and this is, without a doubt, the best book -- of any genre -- that I have read in a long, long time. It was entertaining, extremely well written, touching, insightful, and educational.
My husband and I share our lives with (free-flighted) parrots and finches. Birds are incredible, and I can relate to your bond with Wesley.
Thank you for sharing your story and for all your work on behalf of the animals.
I wish you the best,
--Paula in Madison, Wisconsin
Hi Stacey,
I love your book and I have an amazing story to tell you. I am so thrilled you have a blog in which to do so. 2 nights ago I was up until after midnight finishing the book. I cried myself to sleep after reading the end. I was heartbroken. Then, at 5:30 AM my husband and I awoke to the sound of AN OWL right outside our bedroom window! He was on a branch of a maple tree facing our bedroom and he sat there calling for several minutes. I was so stunned and amazed by this. It was so ironic that this was the first thing that happened to me after crying myself to sleep about Westley. It actually made me feel like to owl was telling me that everything is ok. I am 46 years old and there have only been 2 times in my life that an owl has made himself known outside my window. The first time, I was just a child and the owl sat on the railing of a deck outside my bedroom window. It was summer and my unscreened window was open. Since reading your book I am guessing he was there to investigate one of the many rodents I kept as pets.
Anyway, I wanted to share my story with you since I knew you would be someone who would understand how cool that was.
Thank you for sharing your story about Westley. I know many people will read it and finish with a better understanding, love and respect for owls.
Ann (Sammamish, WA)
Hi Stacey,
When I finished reading your book, 2 nights ago, I cried myself to sleep. What happened after that was amazing! At 5:30 AM my husband and I awoke to the sound of an OWL calling right outside our window! He sat in a tree and faced our bedroom and called for several minutes. It was so ironic and unexpected. It made me feel really good, almost as if the owl was trying to tell me that everything was ok.
As long as I live I will never forget that.
Thank you for sharing your story. I know it will teach many people about owls and their love, intelligence and the special place they have with us here on this earth.
Ann (Sammamish WA)
Sorry, I did not realize my first message actually went through! Sorry you have the same story twice!
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