When Denver jazz singer Wende Harston lost her home, she also lost a very special companion. Several months ago, Harston was facing many obstacles in her life and ended up having to move into an immobile RV. “Things just got bad quicker than I anticipated,” the singer told KUSA. During this unfortunate time, the talented woman also had to send her parrot Samela to live at a local shelter, since there wasn’t enough space for the talkative bird in her new home.
“It kills me. It absolutely kills me,” Harston said when putting the Amazon parrot back into one of the rescue’s cages.
Although times are tough, Harston still manages to visit her beloved bird on a weekly basis. On her visits, she brings a guitar with her, taking the time to sing to the hundreds of parrots that are housed at The Gabriel Foundation. Harston, who is the lead vocalist for the Queen City Jazz Band and known for sounding like blues singing legend Bessie Smith, treats her feathered friends to an intimate, musical show others would pay to be an audience member at.
In an effort to help Harston, The Gabriel Foundation has set up a GoFundMe page for the songstress. “We personally had a chance to see the effect she had on our birds during a recent visit,” the organization explains. “We know that it will still be a struggle for her as she continues to get back on her feet and we would love to find a way to help her and Samela stay together.”
So far, it seems that their efforts have paid off because Harston has found a new home that’s big enough to hold Samela’s birdcage! Now, the adorable twosome is back together and can continue their treasured impromptu concerts on a more regular basis.
Wende Harston: GoFundMe
The Gabriel Foundation: Website | Facebook
Queen City Jazz Band: Website
via [The Huffington Post, KUSA]