Your Heart Will Break When You See What Years Of Neglect Did To This Bird

When we think about mental illness, we don’t often consider the fact that thousands of animals are forced to deal with anxiety and depression every single day. These creatures experience emotions just as deeply and intensely as we do, so it only makes sense that they’d develop psychological issues after enduring years of abuse and neglect.

One such animal is a sweet little cockatoo that now goes by the name of Javi. Her previous owners called her Hobby, and they treated her as such. This bird was seen as little more than a plaything for most of her life, which actually caused her to develop anxiety issues.

This is probably what you think of when a cockatoo is mentioned…

iStock

But these beauties, along with other birds, often resort to a practice called “over-preening” when they feel chronically anxious.

Now going by Javi, the beautiful bird came to the sanctuary as Hobby. Born in 1996, the feathered friend was most likely treated like her namesake, which in turn caused her a great deal of stress.

Because of her constant anxiety, she over-preened to a drastic level…

But thanks to Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary, Javi is finally enjoying her brand-new life!

According to one adorable Facebook post, “She’s doing awesome! She’s a rockstar.” She’s since cut back on over-preening, but as far as feather regrowth, only time will tell. Even if her feathers don’t grow back, she will still be able to lead a healthy, happy life with the right care. In the meantime, she’ll be busy taking nice baths and snacking on some of her new favorite foods!

Watch Javi show off her dance moves in the video below:

We have decided to change Hobby's name to Javi, (pronounced "Ha vee") since no living being should be someone's hobby. She is becoming more confident and loves to explore as long as I'm close by.If anyone would like to donate for Javi's care as well as the others here in our care you can do so at our website www.tallgrassparrot.org

Posted by Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary, Inc on Sunday, October 11, 2015

(via The Dodo)

It’s pretty obvious that this cockatoo is in great hands, and that she’s finally getting the love and attention she deserves. If you want to learn more about Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary and find out what you can do to help, check out their website. You can also follow them on Facebook to keep up with Javi’s progress and learn about the rest of their amazing rescue stories!

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/heartwarming-bird-rescue/

After Having Knee Surgery, This Girl Had The Most Hilarious Conversation With Her Mom

Going under the knife can be stressful for a lot of reasons.

In this day and age, though, one of those reasons happens to be the effects of anesthesia. Thanks to smartphones and digital cameras, some particularly embarrassing moments can be caught on film (and then shared on social media). In a cruel twist of fate, young people (those more likely to be embarrassed over such an event) happen to be more reactive to anesthesia. So, it’s a perfect storm of hilarity.

One Twitter user, Julia Sherman, was waking up from being put under for knee surgery…and the conversation she had with her mom is hilarious.

Balls were on her mind (and I’m rolling on the floor laughing):

And to think, this was Julia before the drugs took over.

At least she was a good sport and shared the video for Internet to enjoy. Thanks, Balls Girl!

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/anesthesia-daughter-conversation/

21 Adorable Animal Smiles That’ll Have You Grinning, Too

Even on my worst day, if I see someone smiling or manage to crack a grin myself, I feel worlds better…

And there’s a reason for that! Smiling not only demonstrates happiness, it can also cause it. A grin can even reduce stress.

But you don’t need to be down in the dumps to feel overwhelming joy when you look at these smiley pets.

1. Look at those eyes!

View post on imgur.com

2. There’s nothing a tasty treat can’t fix.

Cutie just want food to be happy.

3. “Let’s be franddss!”

4. Say cheese!

5. He loves his teddy.

6. “Oh hai!”

7. “Just grin and bear it. We’ll get treats.”

8. Smiling can often be a learning process…

9. “Hey, ladies.”

10. “I definitely didn’t just fart.”

11. This little lamb is so grateful to be rescued.

12. Black cats are *sooo* scary…

13. Guys, it’s a pig in an actual blanket!

14. “Ohhh yeah, that’s the spot!”

15. Looks like someone’s happy to find a forever home.

16. Happiness is measured in tennis balls for this cutie.

17. “Oh, Dad, you’re so funny!”

18. So sly, much coy, very smile.

19. Crooked smiles (and crazy eyes) can still be cute.

20. “Never, ever stop.”

21. “Turn that frown upside down!”

I don’t know about you, but these cuties just made me feel like a new me! Share this with someone who might need to smile.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/animal-smiles/

You Can Do Some Pretty Awesome Things With These Tiny Plastic Hooks

As you shipped your sons or daughters off to college a few weeks ago, I’m willing to bet that Command strips were on your list of must-haves.

But this company makes products that are good for way more than hanging decorations. Command also makes hooks that are amazing for when you want to hang things like towels and coats without committing to a nailed-in rack.

As it turns out, Command hooks are full of life-hack potential! To get you started, here are 15 uses for these little guys that you probably never thought of.

1. There’s nothing worse than having to constantly hold your iPad while watching TV in bed. Why not try this inexpensive wall mount that will give you a little freedom?

2. Hang bags in the car to keep all your trash in one place.

3. Unraveling cling wrap can be a bit unnerving when you’re trying to tear and unroll at the same time. Rig boxes of cling wrap, aluminum foil, and wax paper by hanging them up with Command hooks.

4. Rotate your kids’ drawings by clipping them to clothes hangers and hanging them with Command hooks. No nails necessary!

5. Use them to increase storage in your cupboards by mounting lids on cabinet doors.

6. Keep unwanted visitors out of the fridge with two hooks and a hair tie.

7. Prevent your trash bag from falling inside the can by securing the handles with hooks.

8. Living in a world with technology can mean that you have to deal with lots of misplaced wires. Keep them hidden with a few plastic hooks.

9. Show off your green thumb by creating your own hanging pots that you can use inside and outside.

10. Decorating for the holidays just got so much easier. Keep Christmas lights in place using small Command hooks.

11. Can’t find your car keys? Ditch heavy-duty key racks like the one below and use Command hooks in the same way.

iStock

12. Hang a wreath in place without leaving a nail sticking out when you take it down.

iStock

13. Sideways hooks inside your bathroom cabinet make for an inexpensive toothbrush holder alternative.

iStock

14. Our teacher friends won’t have to worry about disappearing headphones. Hang hooks on monitors so kiddos know exactly where to put them back.

15. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure you’re eating a balanced diet by measuring out the right portions with this simple hook hack.

I don’t know about you, but I’m hooked on the idea of using these simple hacks. (I’m sorry…I had to.)

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/command-hook-uses/

They Called Her Son A Bully, So She Spoke Out To Show There’s More Than Meets The Eye

Any parent would be horrified to learn that their child has been labeled a bully.

In the case of Australian mom Sonia Buckley, that’s exactly what happened. After her son Billy was called a bully, Buckley noticed kids shunning him and not allowing him to participate in their group activities. Buckley decided to reach out to other children’s parents via Facebook and read an open letter with the hopes that Billy would be able to make friends and shirk the nasty label.

“You may think he’s a bully. He may have said some nasty things or even hurt your child, and for that I’m truly sorry,” Buckley said. “From a very young age Billy has suffered from ADHD, ODD, intellectual learning disability, and severe behavioral disorder.”

Read More: Every Day, This Dad Has A Talk With His Daughter That’ll Warm Your Heart

“Billy interprets everything very differently to what most people would. If Billy doesn’t understand he may react,” she continued. “People think Billy is a bully… but Billy doesn’t understand the world and the world doesn’t understand him.”

Buckley ends with a plea to parents to educate their children about disabilities. Listen to the full open letter here.

Teaching children to treat other kids with respect is essential, but it’s important to acknowledge that it’s much harder to do with behavioral disorders.

I can’t imagine what a difficult position this mom is in, so here’s hoping her letter is just the start of an important conversation in the community.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/bully-with-disability/

Something So Cool Happened When A Car Went Speeding Past These Dogs

We could go on for days about all of the characteristics that make dogs so incredible, since they’re loyal, they’re loving, and they’re hilarious. There’s a reason why they’re known as man’s best friend, and if you have a dog in your family, you know that there’s nothing they wouldn’t do to make their humans happy.

But did you know that they’re just as dedicated to their fellow canines as they are to us? Just ask this dog. While these two pups were out walking one day, the bigger one saved its smaller pal from meeting a heartbreaking fate.

It’s not like we needed further proof that dogs are the best, but footage like this certainly doesn’t hurt! It seems like there’s nothing they can’t do when their instincts kick in.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/dog-savior/

Howling Husky Throws Adorable Temper Tantrum When Told To Get Out Of The Bath

Normally, dogs sprint for the door when they hear the word “walk,” super excited to go outside for a bit. But not Zeus. He’s much happier when he hears the word “bath.”

According to his owner, the stubborn husky loves nothing more than to take baths and play in the water. Often, he even lies in the tub and begs for the water to be turned on. On this occasion, Zeus’ mom made it quite clear to him that it wasn’t bath time and that they were going out for a walk. That’s when the pup threw a full-blown toddler-style temper tantrum, full of whimpers and howls.

It’s okay, Zeus, I feel your pain. Maybe if you make sure to get extra dirty during your walk you’ll get that bath!

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/husky-bathtub/

Her Dogs Were Barking At Something In The Yard When A Grizzly Jumped Onto Her Fence

Nine times out of 10, if I hear a dog barking, I usually ignore it.

Not all canines are cut out to be guard dogs, so when my dog would start barking, it usually meant there was either a squirrel nearby or he saw his own reflection in a window.

This unsuspecting woman didn’t think twice when her two pooches started going crazy in the backyard. Nothing more than a little woodland creature, she thought…until the beast revealed itself to be a full-grown grizzly bear. But you’ll never guess what happens next.

Read More: I Would Have The Same Exact Reaction If This Walked Into My Tent

If these dogs can scare away a grizzly bear with just their bark, I’d sure hate to see their bites. (Just kidding. I’m sure they’re sweeties.)

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/bear-surprise/

20 Projects And Hacks That’ll Make You Want To Stock Up On Tinfoil

When it comes to aluminum foil, you probably only use the metallic material to cover baking sheets, pans, and leftovers.

But just like many other things in your kitchen, tinfoil has countless uses that most people don’t know about. In fact, you might just begin stockpiling it ASAP once you read about the impressive variety of DIY projects and around-the-house life hacks that utilize it. And once you let your creative juices flow, you might even come up with some new uses for tinfoil on your own!

1. Think spring by decorating your house with these colorful birds made with tinfoil and other household items.

2. No need to buy an expensive space heater when you can make one yourself.

3. Cover your paint trays with tinfoil to help eliminate mess and make the trays last longer.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/tinfoil-projects/

This Little Lamb Was Born With A Disability, But Look At How Her Humans Helped Her

Lily the lamb was born a little different.

The adorable runt of a three-lamb litter was so scrunched up in the womb that she came into the world with deformed legs. Abandoned by her mom, the vet said she’d have to be put down, but wanting to give Lily a fighting chance at a happy life, owner Janell Jeansen decided to welcome the lamb into her family as one of her own.

As the cute fluff ball got bigger, her legs struggled to cope with the extra weight, so much so that eventually she could no longer use them. That’s when the family found a wheelchair online that was perfect for Lily to zip around without a care in the world.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBLY7axDNNw?autoplay=0]

Where there is a wheel, there’s a way. Of course, new ride aside, it’s the love of her new family that will help Lily go the distance.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/lamb-on-wheels/