Arborist rescues bird in dark of night
Published in: Columbus Telegram (Columbus, NE)
Date: 4/19/2007
By: Adrian Sanchez
Tiptop Tree Service is tip-tops in the eyes of the Myers family because the business came to the rescue of a family pet.
The family had Roxy, a baby cockatiel, for four days before it flew off during a Sunday evening stroll.
Lester Myers said he was trying to teach Roxy how to perch on his shoulder as he walked, but a car scared the bird causing it to fly into the nearest tree.
“It kept going higher, and we couldn’t retrieve her,” Myers said. “I had clipped the wings incorrectly.” Instead of clipping one to create an imbalance, he had clipped both.
After contacting the fire department, which could not help, and attempting to contact the Animal Shelter, his last resort was a tree service, but he was unsure if one would be available at 9 p.m.
Ron Tippery, owner of Tiptop who works out of his home, said when he received the call, “it sounded kind of funny.”
“Nine p.m. is not my usual time of business,” Tippery said. “(but) I could hear his wife in the background,” which made him decide to help.
Tippery arrived 45 minutes later with a bucket truck to help retrieve Roxy. Using the truck and spotlights, he brought Roxy down from her 50-foot perch in a matter of minutes.
Tippery said he only charged for the gas to operate the truck since he was happy to help, but he also received a good handshake and plenty of appreciation for his first animal rescue.
“(Myers) just needed some help, and somebody needed to help him,” he said. “I’m glad they are happy they got their bird back” and offered his services to the city of anyone else would need similar assistance.
Myers said he was unsure if Roxy would have survived the cold night if she had been left in the tree. He is very thankful Tippery came to the rescue.
“He went above and beyond his duty to assist us,” he said. “I don’t think he knew how much my family and I appreciated getting our baby back. It was a very happy ending.”