By Haley Mitchell Godwin

“My name is Cricket and I am an 8 year old scarlet fronted amazon parrot. My mom, Angela Mason of Honoraville, gave me my name because she says I sound just like the crickets we hear so loudly during the Alabama summer nights. I also get a kick out of imitating any old sound I hear, like the microwave, running water, and the phone ringing. I also like to sing with my family and repeat things they say. Mom keeps me on a balanced diet of fresh fruit and veggies and almonds are my favorite treat. I have three siblings that are all teenage humans. My eldest sister Serena is my favorite, but don’t tell the others.”

According to Cricket’s mom, the bird is very affectionate and funny and her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family. She loves hanging out on her big sister’s shoulder. Cricket’s mom said that she is always laughing and singing and often talks about someone named Rufus, who is assumed to be associated with her past owner. Cricket is a rescue that came from a home where her previous owner was unable to continue to care for her. Cricket’s mom reminds those interested in adding a parrot to their family, that parrots are a lifetime commitment as they can live to be 80 years old or older.

“Pet of the Week” and the quarterly feature, “Pet of the Season,” are sponsored by Crenshaw Animal Clinic and Dr. Alethea Gammage of Luverne – (334) 335-5309. Crenshaw Animal Clinic is a full-service small animal clinic that provides comprehensive health care for pets. They offer a full range of services to help keep pets happy and healthy- including vaccine administration, routine preventive care, wellness exams, dental care, allergy care, flea/tick/heartworm control, parasite control, routine surgical procedures, microchipping, early detection, and treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases with in-clinic diagnostics, ophthalmology, spay and neuter, and more. During the quarterly “Pet of the Season” contest, animals featured in “Pet of the Week” will go head to head, and the animal with the most votes will win a personalized prize package from Crenshaw Animal Clinic valued at $250. At the end of the year, all quarterly winners will compete for “Crenshaw County Pet of the Year” and the grand prize. To submit your furry (or scaly, slimy, or feathery) friend, visit https://www.luvernejournal.com/pet-of-the-week . If participants have submitted a nomination for a pet, and the pet hasn’t been featured, don’t fret! We have rolled all entries over into the next contest.