Ellis-Bell brought Sarah home in a cage that dominated a 10'-by-12' converted trailer already crowded with two dogs, two cats and a husband. When Ellis-Bell finally decided to let Sarah out of her cage to roam around the house, one thing became very clear: the bird ruled. Everything from furniture to French lingerie became hers. Anyone who has ever loved a "difficult" pet will heartily enjoy the detailed inventory for raptor-proofing a home. Each tale of another ingenious method that wild things devise to get what they want recalls times when all we can do is say, "That's cute."
Ellis-Bell, the one who thought she was in control, learns many lessons from Sarah. First of all, macaws choose one mate, and Sarah chose Ellis-Bell as hers. Before you say, "That's cute," meet harsh mistress Sarah: jealous, possessive and loud enough when miffed to bring in the police. Pats for the dogs and cats had to be delivered out of Sarah's sight. As for sex between lawfully-wedded husband and wife, the operative word was furtive. Pet-haters will ask, "Why did she put up with this?" Pet-lovers, though, will thrill to every minute of the adventure.
Not to spoil all the fun, I offer only one tidbit. One early spring day, Ellis-Bell ventured out to her garden to plant bulbs. By this time, Sarah had begun behaving like her little dog, following her everywhere (the macaw had also displaced the dogs, developed a taste for their bones and perfected an imitation of their barks. All together now, "That's cute!"). Sarah watched intently as Ellis-Bell dug a hole and planted a bulb. As it so happens, macaws love to dig in dirt. Sarah then proceeded to dig her own hole and wait for a bulb to be put in place so that she could cover it up, too. At moments like that, and there are many, Ellis-Bell persuades her readers to feel and see the unforgettable passion she shared with Sarah.--John McFarland