A grieving Melton South couple say they feel lost without a beloved family pet – a cockatoo named Percy, who went missing on the day of his owner’s funeral.
Vince and Bev Scanlan were mourning the death of Vince’s brother, Francis “Frank” Scanlan on April 28, when they were dealt a second blow after arriving home from his May 6 funeral.
“Frank’s carer got home that night and found the aviary door was open and our white cocky, Percy, was gone,” Mrs Scanlan said.
“He can’t fly so there’s no way he could’ve flown away, and the side gate was shut so he couldn’t have got out of the backyard himself.”
The Scanlan family has had 10-year-old Percy for about four years.
“He can bark like a dog and he’s got a foul mouth and swears,” Mrs Scanlan said.
“But we’re lost without him. To lose a brother-in-law and now this – it’s devastating and disheartening.”
She said a few birds had flown away from the aviary next to Percy’s cage, which was also found open.
Mrs Scanlan and her husband had been walking around the block every day calling Percy and listening out for his squawking.
“We’ve considered sticking signs up everywhere but there’s just no point because we don’t think he’s anywhere near if we can’t hear him.”
The couple have not reported Percy missing to Melton council, and they’re asking for anyone who has seen him or knows anything of his whereabouts to call them on 0401 054 062.
