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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

In Loving Memory of Ozzie

I was not going to write about the most amazing experience I had Sunday Sept 27th 2015. I was going to keep it near and dear to my heart for as long as I could remember it for the rest of my days.
But now with the turn of events, losing our beautiful Ozzie last night at CROW I will share with you all the story......
Sunday evening I'm scanning facebook looking for any evening reports of Harriet and the new guy I call Slim ,Ozzie and M15 who have been missing since Sept 23rd and Ozzie since Sept 20th. Just hoping to read something about our Eagles. Then there's a post about an Eagle down in Heather Halle's backyard and she thinks it's Ozzie. OMG the SWFEC page just explodes and it's hard to get to Heather's accounts.She said the eagle was on the ground then tried to fly but ended up getting stuck in the barbwire fence the have. They called FWC and was told to wait until Monday before someone could come out there.She was advised my many viewers to call CROW which she did but being Sunday ,she couldn't get a hold of anyone. Thank God Joni O'Neil Henderson volunteers at CROW and was able to get in touch with Heather and tell her what to do for Ozzie . Joni was on the phone with those that she knows at CROW and had them ready and waiting for Ozzie. Heather did say that Ozzie had gotten himself loose from the barbed wire and was on the ground. He was on the ground 5 hrs. He was drinking from their pond. So anyway Joni had asked them to see if they can pick up Ozzie  and move him. They did without any issues from Ozzie and had him on the porch waiting.
All this was going on while I had tried to contact Heather and had no idea she was in contact with Joni. I get a call from Barb and lets me know Joni had talked to Heather and was on her way and could I meet her .I said yes. Then I told Rick what I was about to do. He was very worried for Joni and myself going up on some one's land that did know us and we didn't know them and it's getting dark. He told me NO! Now I'm worried for Joni going by herself. What seemed like forever... Heather finally posted pics of Ozzie and told Rick it's him and I'm going to help Joni!!!
I call Joni to find out where she is at and let her know I will meet her at the gas station when she calls me. In the meantime I'm looking for a big enough box or something we can put Ozzie in. I have nothing. Joni calls and off I go . I meet up with her she has gotten the directions to Heather's home and we deiced my truck would be the best to take Ozzie to CROW.
Now it's dark after 8:000 pm and we are off to get Ozzie.My  heart is racing and I'm sure Joni's is too. We head down the road and finally see rear truck lights with the flashers going. This is the spot, we follow the truck get parked and introduce ourselves. Heather is telling us the story and come to find out this day was her Birthday . Well how amazing is that ?! And to get an unexpected visit form Ozzie too. She  said they see Eagles all the time but never had one stuck in their fence and stay grounded for so long. So we walk up to the front porch and to our right and way back from the front door in the dark a bit stands Ozzie on the blanket they used to cover and carry Ozzie. Ozzie was so quite and still that if you didn't know any better one would have thought he was a statue. I smiled so big and said" Ozzie buddy what have you gone and got yourself into now?'  Ozzie just stood there. He looked tired and maybe closed his eyes a few times. We talked about the box they had  and how we will get Ozzie and put him  in the box. Joni took  her towel walked around behind Ozzie ,I'm in front not very close but enough. Well Ozzie watched Joni walk around on the outside of the porch and come up behind him. Joni stopped and was very quietly talking  to Ozzie when He turned his head sideways to look at her and still keep and eye on me. Now I have to tell you , I'm standing in front of Ozzie like I'm gong to catch him if he  tries to fly off right?  Ohh sure ! What would be your first reaction if you had an Eagle flying right at you ??? Yep duck came to my mind too.
Well thank God we didn't have to worry with that scenario. Joni put the towel over Ozzie's head and wrapped the rest around him and his talons  securely. Now we have our bundle of Ozzie . Heather and her hubby were readying the tote they had. Both Joni and I decided we would leave Ozzie in her arms all wrapped up and get in the truck and go. We thank them for letting everyone know and for taking such good care of Ozzie until. we got there.  As Heather's Hubby and I  are loading Joni and Ozzie in the truck Heather comes out of the house with  their daughter and she waves bye,bye to Ozzie. OMG that was soo sweet .  
 So off we go  heading to CROW. Joni is in the back set with Ozzie just talking so soft and sweet to Ozzie. He is very relaxed and I'm Ozzie and miss Daisy's Chauffeur...LOL We had to stop at the convenience store real quick. Before I left the house to meet with Joni in the first place, my check oil light comes on ..  so I had to get a quart of oil.Soo I pull in leave the truck on and get my oil. Ok with that all done off we go again. Joni and I  are talking then Joni talks so softly to Ozzie . Again I ask Ozzie what has he gotten himself into . Of course you know he doesn't answer me. At one point Joni says "I think he isn't breathing" OMG I said don't say that. Joni said 'Oh no,He's breathing"  I think Ozzie was just so relaxed sitting in Joni's arms and her talking so softly and sweet to him.
At one stop light Joni said "Dee turn around " so I did and there is Ozzie looking at me . Awww I just melted. Kiddling I  told Joni maybe you should keep his eyes covered so he couldn't see how fast I was going and the street light whizzing by.LOL... No I was doing the speed limit. I had precious cargo  with me  and I wanted to get all of  us there safe and sound. A couple of times Ozzie got a little antsy and I had to close up my window. Could you imagine the look on other people's faces seeing  a full grown Eagle flying out my window not to mention the possible claw markers I would have and a accident to boot. Try to explain that one to the cops and your insurance company.
We pay the toll and over the bridge we go heading for CROW. Oh my it's so dark out there and I have no idea where we're going so Joni had to tell me.
Finally we get to the dive and in we go back to the Hospital . They are waiting for because of Joni calling them. I park get out and don't you know I find that one rock that I end up twisting my left ankle. OMG I'm seeing stars and not the ones in the sky.I'm surprised I didn't scare Ozzie and Joni when I grabbed a hold of the truck. I steaded myself and walk around to open the door for Joni. Up the stairs and they open the door for us. Joni walks in and hands over Ozzie to the very capable people that have waited for us to get him there. They gently lay Ozzie down on the examining table, I head the the restroom and Joni is telling them all that she knows. I come back,Joni is filling out a report and I'm peeking around the doorframe watching. They are so gentle.I think it's Dr Molly that is checking Ozzie out. Every bone in this wings , his breast bone,moving his wings and checking the wounds. Then checked his talons and I was looking at his pinky toe real good. It looked better than what we thought it would. They give us just a quick assessment. Oh and they weighed him too.
Of course Joni and I are like to mother hens watching every move they made to make sure Ozzie was ok.Satisfied that they did a good job and plus they told us he would have ex-rays and all tomorrow ,we left Ozzie in great care.  Joni and I leave and head home. Both just soo excited and feeling good knowing Ozzie was in good hands now.
Joni lets the others know Ozzie's ok from just the quick check up and will have more in the morning after CROW's Dr Barron Had a chance to check him over.
I take Joni back to her car and head home feeling good knowing where Ozzie was at. I arrive home at 11:00 pm. I check facebook real quick then go to bed.
The rest you all know.

So now here we are..........

I don't know if you all know or remember ,we lost two very dear friends from the nest this yr. I have heard it said it runs in three's . Well we've had our third and now Ozzie ,Nora and Jim are flying high and free. Please keep watch over us all here .Ozzie fly with E3 & E5 and keep an Eagle eye on Harriet As she now tries to find her way with out you. And Please watch over PB/FV/M15 where he maybe and if he is with you.....Be Nice

Ozzie my Buddy... I will always remember you and miss you with all my heart !
Ozzie 9/19/14........
RIP Sweet Ozzie
9/29/15 

55 comments:

  1. Oh Dee! What a story! Although the circumstances were terrible, I'm so happy that you were able to be a part of Ozzie's final days <3

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  2. grateful tears, sad tears, just tears. September 19 was my birthday, I was sooo happy. At least Ozzie will not be in pain. Love hard hurt hard. Rest in Peace Ozzie.

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  3. Wonderful you were able to help dear Ozzie in his time of need...tears of joy to read this and may our dear Oz know somehow how truly loved he is...Soar high beautiful eagle!

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  4. I'm so grateful you went to his rescue and for Joni and Heather. And for CROW. <3

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  6. Thank you so much for all y'all did for Ozzie. Thank you for telling us what was going on behind the scene as all of us who care so much about this eagle couple were glued to our computers waiting for any news about Ozzie. God bless y'all and Crow. We will be wishing the best for Harriet to carry on.

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  7. Ozzie knew love and help when he needed, what a precious gift you and Joni gave him.

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  8. Priceless memories of somethjng somethjng good in the world. Thank you for bringing such humility to us. I look forward to you bringing Harriet and the new life she will begin raising her babies in Ozzies memory. Awaiting this new chapter through your eyes! Las Vegas Joni! ❤️

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    1. Thank you Joni and Dee for all that you did to help our Ozzie. GOD Bless you both and God Bless Ozzie ~~ Pam Matthews

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    2. (((Des))) Many thanks to you and Joni for helping this magnificent creature that has we've come to know and love. I'm glad you were there.... and I think he probably recognized you from all the time you spend at the nest. RIP sweet Ozzie... I'm very sorry for the losses you've experienced this year. May the good Lord wrap you tightly in his loving comforting arms. God bless.

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    3. Thank you for the love you have for our feathered friends and the eagles too. <3

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  9. Thank you so very much this was so beautiful and of course made me cry

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  10. Dee, thank you so much for your dedication to Ozzie & Harriet! And thank you for helping with the rescue. He will be missed by all of us, but especially to all the ground crew, who constantly updated us all....Thank you all......

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  11. Hey Dee, wow what a movie that story would make, funny how life is from just wanting to take some pictures of birds to this what a ride life is. You two are hero's Joni and You ty ty ty

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  12. WOW! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing experience with us! Thank you for all you did to help Ozzie and for all the great memories (photos) you share with us!

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  13. thank you two for helping him and leave all of us with sweet memories knowing he wasn't alone and knew he was and is loved.

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  14. Thank all of you for the good care of Ozzie. We are blessed to feel like we were almost there. We are blessed with good hearted people. I hope your ankle feels better Dee. Thank you for sharing your memories. They are precious.
    Lorraine Deneen

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  15. You did everything you could do to help him. Please know that in your heart.

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  16. Thanks so much for sharing this with us Dee. Si stated somewhere earlier, I'm so grateful he was found and knew loving gentle touches in
    his final hours.

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  17. Thanks so much for sharing this with us Dee. Si stated somewhere earlier, I'm so grateful he was found and knew loving gentle touches in
    his final hours.

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  18. My heartfelt thanks to all of you...I'm sure Ozzie knew how much he was loved...by so many of us. There's one very special angel dancing in the sky now, and carrying our love with him...

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  19. First I want to thank you for writing this I am in tears since I heard (some say I am silly for being so upset over a eagle) my heart is breaking for Harriett but I do go down there and have seen Ozzie last year and Frankie Valli (FV) he needed a name so I called him that I do live 129 miles away but on my days off it is worth the drive My daughter want to send me to EAA cause I am a eagleholic or eagle addict I follow your page and am so grateful for all the work you put in to your post and pictures as well as other people on FB ie. Vickie who is there daily with her reports So Bless You My dear for all the work you do for us that can't be there as often as we like II hope Harriett gets a new mate and has many offspring in her future I will continue to go to the nest when I can I have several nest in my area also in cell phone towers that I go to also I am so concerned that the same thing has happened to Frankie Valli since he has not been to the nest If he were alive I am sure he would be there since he was smitten with her --I know that Heather has gone looking for him also we did message on FB in regards to that I think of the passages in the bible in regards to the bald eagle and he is there with the Lord now and his offspring now soaring high above the nest and watching all of us Bless you and yours

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  20. Absolutely GORGEOUS photo! Oh how I wish I dared ask it posted on SWFL blog on RRP!
    Stunning!

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  21. Dee Thank you so much for your Blog, I have no idea how you even did it today. I feel like I was right there with you in the story. ((((hugs)))). We all feel your pain, we know how much you care about the Eagles. Your photos are a master piece as far as I am concerned. Thanks

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  22. Thank you Dee, Joni, Heather and everyone who helped our wonderful and beloved Ozzie!!! And thank you so much Dee for sharing this with us. Lora

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  23. Thank you for sharing your awesome message Dee,thank God for Heather finding Ozzie and you and Joni being able to get him to Crow,his Spirit is with God, E3, E5,all his animal Spirits and all our loved ones Spirits,will always love and never forget Gods Majestic Bald Eagle named Ozzie💔

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  24. Sobs, tears, heartbroken.... You were Ozzie's Angels from Heaven, and what you both did for him brought him to safety, gave him love and compassion, and gave him the chance to be in familiar and hopeful surroundings. Thank you for writing this to share with all of us. God Bless!

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  25. Heather Halle Dee Joni and CROW Angels for Ozzie!!!! Thank you so much. God Bless each of you.

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  26. Thank you all for rescuing him and helping ease his last hours.

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  27. I'm thankful you were there for Ozzie and I really think he knew it too.
    I'm so sorry we lost him but at least he wasn't alone and was with people who really cared for him.
    I just wish he could have know just how many people from all over the world loved him...
    RIP Our dear friend...We miss you.

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    1. Joan, I'm hoping he does know how many of us loved him & will be watching over Harriet with the love he had for her.... He will truly be missed.

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  28. Thank you all so much for all you have done and are doing. Reading the story, I am so grateful Ozzie had the tag on so we knew it was him. It was so hard the times he was missing not knowing where he was, if he was OK, thinking we might never know what happened to him if he did not return. Sadly, a catch 22 - glad we knew it was him, but hard to know he is not out there soaring somewhere waiting to come back. Now he will safely soar forever in our hearts.

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  29. Thank you Dee for all you & Joni did for Mr Ozzie. Your story is wonderful & reassuring for me anyway that his last few day's were in good hands. 💜 It is still so hard to believe he is gone from our lives. He will never be forgotten for all the wonderful memories will keep us going. I was & still am on & off having tears. There are so many people that are & were so involved with Harriet & Ozzie's lives. There littles will be strong we know. May Ozzie teach his other littles that past before him the wonders of the Eagles life, the new adventures they will all have together. May Nora & Jim have all the blessings they so enjoyed watching & being the Nature people they were. Ozzie was greeted by a wonderful team be it human be it Eagles - it's one big open heart & skies for all of them now. RIP to all you will never be forgotten! 💜🌹

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  30. Thank you for sharing this precious account. Bless you, for doing all you could for Ozzie. He was tenderly loved and cared for, when he needed it the most.

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  31. Thank you for your compassion for this special eagle.
    Crystal
    Lexington, Kentucky

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  32. What is it about eagles? Why do they affect us the way they do? Is it because they are industrious, and brave, and loyal? I think so. Ozzie was all of this and we mourn him as we would any creature for a job well done. He died in peace, without pain, and in a safe place with people who cared about him. Well done, Ozzie, well cone.

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  33. I have goosebumps thinking about how this all played out, with Ozzie landing at Heather's as he knew he would be helped. Then ending up in the arms of people that knew him already and knew just what to do! God certainly made sure each step was the perfect one to ease Ozzie's stress. Thank you all for your loving care of our Ozzie. He was so sick, but knew he was being cared for, trusted those around him, and was able to relax. You were selected to be Ozzie's Angels, and thank you for giving him that peace and comfort in his last days. <3

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  34. Dee, thank you for posting this. I didn't follow the Ozzie and Harriet saga but I find I can't stop weeping, for Ozzie, for Harriet, for everyone who followed their lives and are now forever changed by the experience. I will never look at at eagle again without thinking of this majestic bird. Now i need a tissue. Thank you again for your kindness.

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  35. (skuzzabuzz) here. thank you so much for helping Ozzie. You actually put hands on him. I sure wish I could have met him. I was shocked to see that he passed, but being a nurse a bacterial infection in the bloodstream is bad. I so wanted to go down and look for Frankie Valle, FV. Now we have slim hanging around Harriet and she doesn't like him.

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  36. Thank you for helping Ozzie. I believe that he recognized you from the nest area and knew you were trying to save him. I am sorry that he didn't make it. I feel better knowing that you brought him comfort and hope in his last hours. Thank you!

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  37. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY WITH US AND FOR EVERYTHING ALL OF YOU DID FOR OZZIE. BECAUSE OF YOUR HEROIC EFFORTS HE AT LEAST HAD THE BEST OF CHANCES AND WAS ABLE TO HAVE HELP AND COMFORT AT THE END.

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  38. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY WITH US AND FOR EVERYTHING ALL OF YOU DID FOR OZZIE. BECAUSE OF YOUR HEROIC EFFORTS HE AT LEAST HAD THE BEST OF CHANCES AND WAS ABLE TO HAVE HELP AND COMFORT AT THE END.

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  39. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us Dee. I am so heartbroken to hear of Ozzie's passing, as we all are. Your pictures and stories will help us and remind us how beautiful these eagles are and how fragile life can be out in the wild.
    Alecia

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  40. There are no words to express the pain and sense of loss that I feel. Thank you for sharing your story. Ozzie will always be top eagle Dad in my heart.

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  41. Thank you so much for sharing. I think he knew he was in loving care.

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  42. Thank you for sharing your Ozzie moments with us. We certainly can't thank you enough for helping get him to the hospital. I hope your ankle is better. I think Ozzie was at peace and most certainly knew he was loved!

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  43. It hurts.... still, and I am at a loss for words, but I had to comment on your beautiful story and I thank you for sharing this time that you spent with him. It comforts me to know he knew he was now safe, loved, and was comforted by all of you and your rescue. It is a memory that you will hold dear forever. I shall remember it too. It helps ease the pain of this incredible loss. RIP Ozzie.

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  44. I am so shocked and heartbroken to learn about Ozzie. Wow.. This story is compelling, and Ozzie was very lucky to not be alone with his injuries. He was with loving, very caring people who kept him relaxed and as comfortable as possible. How lucky you were able to see him and get him to help, although under unfortunate circumstances. Thank you and Joni, Heather and her husband, and especially.. CROW, for doing all you could do for him. I'd like to think that Ozzie had a long and fruitful life, flying high with Harriet. They were a great team, "argued" with stick placing in the nest.. lol, and reared many beautiful eaglets. Soar High, sweet and brave Ozzie. :) I will never forget him.

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  45. Thank you so much for sharing the true events that happened to our Beloved Ozzie. I am so thankful for you and Joni getting to him, helping him get to Crow where he crossed over to Rainbow Bridge. Fly high and Free Ozzie. We will never forget you.

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  46. So glad Ozzie was with people that loved him so much in his final hours of his life, so thankful for that yes I wish we still had him with us but I know he is free & with his babies I am sure he watches over his beautiful Harriet & helps keep her safe. I believe he watched over out E7 & E8. E8 was a challenge for him but he watched over him/her & helped E8 to survive all the things that happened. Then our nest falls apart scared me I thought they may move it but our Oz made sure they stayed with all that love them so. Thank you Ozzie & yes Still a year later my heart is with our Oz & yes my eyes leak everytime I think of him. GOD BLESS YOU OZZIE & I will see you on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

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