I have been using Sandi's bird sitting for many years. She is very professional, caring and most of all very responsible for the well being of your pet. I would highly recommend her services. Not only is she bird smart, she knows how to handle many different types of birds. Sandi is one of the most trained personnel, which includes bird diets, special bird needs by species, and trained in other departments such as beak, nail and wing trims. My flock is somewhat mixed. I have an Amazon, two Pionus's and three Cockatiels. So, with Sandi's valued added background, I can leave for my vacation with absolutely no worries, which also includes anything that might go wrong in the home. If you are looking to have someone come to your home, I also have no after thoughts of giving her my key to my home. I know it is in secure hands!
As more information comes onto Sandi's website, the more feelings I get that each individual bird owner is blessed with Sandi's "Value Added" business ethics. 24/7 - 365 days a year, Sandi is always willing to help me on short notice. Things come up and she always goes out of her way to make sure my "kids" are looked after.
If you ask me personally, I will recommend "Calgary's Very Own Bird Lady"!
Brian Baziuk.
For our flock and us, Sandi has been a trusted, caring and concerned friend. Our birds are part of our family and Sandi really understands that! Whenever we have called upon her for bird sitting, valued information or emergency assistance, she has always been there for us. When we go away, we are never concerned about our birds or how they are doing because we have absolute faith in Sandi and how she treats our birds. We have two Moluccan Cockatoos and a Severe Macaw and they can be very demanding, and require an enormous amount of attention. Sandi understands this and incorporates their needs into her schedule keeping them in the manner to which they've become accustomed. The peace of mind we have in leaving the birds under Sandi's care is not only comforting, but also well worth her reasonable rates. I often think that she treats the birds better than we do. When we return from any time away, we always return to birds that are well cared for, healthy, clean and content.
Ellen and Eric.
I have been bringing my eleven year old Umbrella Cockatoo "Obi" to Sandi's for two years. Obi loves being dropped off at the "Birdie Spa" for her vacation. She enjoys meals, treats, one on one time out of the cage, and a chance to spend time with her birdie buddies. Sandi takes such good care of Obi that I can go on a holiday or have a weekend away knowing that my precious birdie is in a happy, safe place and is getting all the love and attention that she deserves.
Patricia.
Both my wife and I have had he great fortune of knowing Sandi since 2001. We purchased Mr. Sam our African Grey Parrot in the same year. We were doing a lot of research prior to our purchase and every where we went, people asked, "Have you talked to Sandi?" Sandi Cameron is the bird lady period. Her lifetime of hands on knowledge is unsurpassed. Our African Grey female Karabellisemo, (Bella) has been having seizures over the past two years. Sandi said from day one its nutritional imbalance. Every Doctor we have paid hundreds and yes even now in the thousands of dollars, was treating the symptoms and not addressing the problem. In August 2008 my wife Robin found in our opinion the worlds top avian Doctor with PhD's out the ying yang telling us what Sandi told us from day one. Sandi Cameron has earned our respect and trust ten thousand fold. Our birds have become family members and a very important aspect of our daily lives. Sandi Cameron is without hesitation our go to girl and has become a very dear friend. We have used Sandi's bird sitting service exclusively for the past seven years. Our birds have never had it so good!
Dearest Sandi: we love you for your gigantic heart, humongous generosity, and for being there any time day or night, answering our calls. Imagine if you can, being torn from a sound sleep to the screams of your African Grey. Then add if you can the sight of your beloved pet on the bottom of her cage, convulsing and flapping uncontrollably. Now your holding your pet and she can't stand or see. Now imagine calling a friend who knew what to do a three am.
Robin and Andrew.
Sandi truly is Calgary's very own bird lady. I never have any worries when Hitchcock and Daquari are in Sandi's care. She has built a special bond with my birds. I never feel guilty leaving them now. Sandi is very knowledgeable, reliable and trustworthy. Sandi has also been a great resource and I have learned so much from her!
If you ever need worry free bird care, Sandi is the only choice.
Nadine.
My husband and I met Sandi at one of the Calgary Parrot Club meetings about 11 years ago, when we adopted our first bird Tika. I always loved talking to her, because she was so full of information and so easy to talk to. We bought toys and bird food from her for years, and I was so disappointed when she decided to give up that part of her many wonderful things that she does for the birds. We had Sandi come into our home several times to check on the birds and she would even let the dogs out or whatever we wanted her to do. We had someone living here and she was kind of nervous about looking after the birds, so Sandi would come when we were away, and lucky for the dogs to get out during the day. Before Sandi, we used to transport these huge cages to my friends to babysit. What a job! When we went away to the island in 2007, Sandi suggested we bring the birds to her house, and I first thought we would have to move these cages again, and I would have preferred that she just come here, until she explained how things work. At first I was so worried about them, and of course you always think no one can look after them like you. Boy was I wrong. I must say when I left there, I was worried they would be scared and not do to well. I have never looked back. Both the birds Tika and Tango are treated like royalty. They eat better than I do and are treated with respect and given tons of love. I am sure they come home and want to go back to that place where they get three meals a day and a couple of snacks a day. I try to plan ahead for the weekends we need in the summer and I drop them off on Thursday and usually pick them up on Tuesday, SO EASY. Sandi has given us such a gift. The birds and I love you very much, Thank you. I would be happy to give you a reference at any time.
Marilyn.
I`d bet it was about 7 years ago now that I met Sandi. We`d met through the Parrot Club. Sandi is a wealth of information when it comes to birds. As a new bird owner at the time I`d consulted with Sandi on numerous occasions on various topics regarding care surrounding my male Eclectus. Wanting to be a owner able to do anything I`d attempted trimming Viggo`s nails, well to my shock my bratty green boy cried out, "Ouch" every time I`d attempt nail trims and it broke my heart. His silly little cries always got to me not to mention his cold shoulder for a couple days after. Not wanting Viggo to have a hate on his momma I asked Sandi if she would be the person to do it, I`d rather someone take the cold shoulder than myself. To my surprise Viggo never held a grudge against Sandi, he did not even bite her or anything. In fact he adored her ! He never shied away from her when she came to do trims or take care of him when we would go away. There are few people that Viggo happily goes to, but Sandi is one of them. To me this speaks volumes about the person she is, and that means a ton when you are entrusting someone with the care of your parrot. One of the biggest concerns for myself with Viggo is his diet. We are very strict when it comes to his diet and Sandi has always fed Viggo as we do in our home. My Eclectus Viggo is my baby, a part of my family as pets are and I highly recommend Sandi, and Viggo gives her 2 wings up!
Megan.
When our two parrots Yoda (an African Grey) and Whini (a Red Bellied Parrot) came into our lives, going on vacation suddenly became a issue. We tried house sitters for a while, but were always worried about our flock when we were away from home. Since we met Sandi, we have enjoyed our vacations with no worries! We still miss Yoda and Whini when we`re on vacation, but at least we know they are in good hands. Yoda and Whini also seem to enjoy the opportunity to socialize with the other feathered house guests! They both seem to have a lot of fun when visiting Sandi`s place. Sandi has also been a great source of advice over the years and she is the person we ask when we have questions about our parrots. Her advice has always been helpful, informative, and happily offered. I honestly don`t know what we`d do without Sandi. Her help is invaluable to us and much appreciated. We recommend her wholeheartedly.
Steve and Janine.
For the past 6 years, we have been using Sandi for looking after our birds. We have had small Cockatiels, African Greys and the largest , a Green Wing Macaw, aka George. George is the second largest species of Macaw and Sandi is one of the few people other than me that can handle him. This last scheduling of my out of the country work trip was cancelled, but we brought him to Sandi anyway for a bird vacation. Sandi had been talking about having him visit all week, and George knew at the sound of Sandi's name that he was going for some fun. George always likes the company of the other birds, and gains a couple well needed grams of weight. He is well fed and always comes back to us happier, with a prepared "to go" meal and trimmed nails. Sandi is the only one we use for our bird care.
Tim.
In the last few years my wife and I have taken a number of cruises, some as long as a month. Always the first consideration - before booking the trip - was to confirm that Sandi would be available to look after the four feathered members of our family. They know and really like Sandi, and we knew that they would be in very good hands. They seemed to look forward to visiting with Sandi and the other birds at Sandi's when we were getting them ready to go.
Sandi has also always taken care of the grooming needs of our birds - nails, beaks and wings. She has the experience, skill and equipment to do the job properly, with a minimum of distress for the birds. It helps that they like her and that she genuinely likes the birds, so a necessary job they would no doubt prefer to avoid actually goes quite well.
Wayne.
Sandi is the best thing that ever happened to Kimmie. Kimmie who really does not like strangers, took to Sandi right away and she loves going to Sandi's place. Sandi is caring and knowledgeable and looks after the birds really well. Since 2005 I have always taken Kimmie to Sandi's place but I would not have had second thoughts about giving her my house key. I always knew Sandi would get Kimmie in a emergency and look after her. She has always accommodated me, even on short notice. We have been gone from Calgary now since 2010, I took Kimmie with me for a visit, Kimmie recognized Sandi right away and wanted nothing to do with me once we were at Sandi's home. I don't even have to ask Sandi to trim the nails and beak,she got my permission to do this many years ago, and she does what needs to be done. The birds get fed so well with healthy foods, it's amazing. I could never find another bird sitter as good as Sandi.
Ines and Kimmie
I had the great privilege of meeting Sandi Cameron for the first time at the Calgary Bird Club about 12 years ago. She was one of the first people in this society who made me welcome and shared some wonderful information about Lovebirds. Being a new owner of one Lovebird, I was so naive and ignorant of birds - how to care or feed them; I generally did not have any knowledge of raising one. Sandi gave me confidence and helped me in many ways to care for my first Lovebird "Poly". He is and will always be my first love; I owe it all to Sandi. Today I have a Caique and a couple Cockatiels as well as my flock of Lovebirds. I was able to learn about breeding because I constantly phoned Sandi for help while I hatched the eggs. She has vast knowledge in all areas of birds. She truly is CALGARY’S VERY OWN BIRD LADY. I am certain that there is no one else who will match this title; she is a unique person ONE OF A KIND. I am not a breeder, but my main intention of hatching the eggs was to gift these lovely birds to friends and family. Of course I was not able to give my babies away once I had raised them and eventually I now have a flock. I don’t feel overwhelmed with my flock, because Sandi is only a phone call away when I need her help, and is always ready to assist me in numerous ways and occasions. She has comforted me when I lost my LUCY who she too loved very much. She helps me to enjoy my birds and comforts me in time of loss. She understands the pain we bird lovers feel when a bird passes away, and she offers a comforting shoulder to lean on. Sandi once gifted me a beautiful door hanger to remember my Lucy. She is my only counsellor/ mentor in raising and enjoying my birds. She has bird sat my flock at my home when I am on vacations. I trust my birds and home more than 100% with Sandi when I am away. I can enjoy my vacation with no worries of my birds because they are in excellent hands. I can’t imagine my bird world without Sandi being a major part of it. I was sad when she closed the section of her business providing bird food, but she assisted me by directing me to reputable places where I now purchase my bird food. Over the years she has become a close friend of mine and I don’t consider her only as a business associate. I have no hesitation in recommending Sandi and her services to anyone who needs her professional services. She is highly trustworthy, efficient and dedicated to the care of the birds. She is a natural with the birds and my birds know her personally. She is definitely a professional. I consider myself very fortunate to have met her at the very inception of my bird raising venture because I am certain I started with the BEST.
Girlie
Dear Sandi, I wanted to thank you for the awesome job you did taking care of our home and pets while we were away on holidays. Our flock of 6 love birds were happy and healthy when we returned home. Our flock is a little older now and some have health issues. I always feel better knowing that you have many years of experience with birds and the problems associated with their health and care. Our two cats were also happy and healthy upon our return. Thank you for being so kind to them. We can really tell that they have been taken care of. We always make an effort to leave our home clean and tidy when we are going away. Thank you for doing the same. We have used your services for the last six years...maybe more. Every time we have come home to the same clean house that we left. Our plants, bushes, shrubs, trees and flowers in our gardens were also healthy and well watered. You have always given us professional and exceptional service. I have and will continue to recommend your services to anyone who wants to go away and have the security of knowing that someone who cares is taking care of their most precious pets and home. Thanks so much.
Lori
Following a rather unsettling, extremely unsatisfactory event with a "pet sitting" company who assured me they were well experienced in the care of birds, I found Sandi through friends of my son, and have never looked back ! I can absolutely say I am totally comfortable leaving my three precious African Greys and home in Sandi's very capable care, and have been for over ten years now. I have always tried to plan ahead and book Sandi well in advance as I know how busy she can be, particularly during the summer. There have now been two occasions due to emergency hospital admissions when Sandi was there in a heartbeat with literally no notice ! A third time I fractured my ankle and could not bare weight for eight weeks, not only did Sandi come every day - she brought me coffee and breakfast. Sandi has truly become a dear friend, as well as a very experienced, trustworthy, dependable caregiver. I would not hesitate to recommend Sandi to anyone.
Diane
Maria & Mike
Spuds and Roxy (Hahn’s Macaws) have been going to Sandi’s “Birdie Camp” for over 8 years now. It gives me total peace of mind to leave my birds with Sandi. Her knowledge of birds and the care of, far exceeds my own. Her care of Spuds and Roxy has allowed me to travel extensively over the years, which otherwise would not have been possible. I know they will be well fed, given attention, cared for and they enjoy their stay. When other sitters looked after my birds, Spuds and Roxy let me know they were not happy when I got them home. They would be mad and difficult to handle for a day or two. Under Sandi’s care they are happy upon their return and are easy to handle, which is very important to me. Sandi also keeps Spuds and Roxy’s wings, nails and beaks well trimmed. How great is that! She is constantly on the lookout for potential issues too. I’ve seen her handle the other birds at times and they all Love her. She handles the birds easily and we all trust in her experienced, knowledgeable care. During drop off and pickup, we generally talk “bird talk” and enjoy a few stories and laughs. It’s always a joy to visit with Sandi.
Craig
Sandi Cameron and I go back to a time when Calgary had two bird clubs, and precursor to the Parrot Club was dedicated to the S.A.C.B.S and PACAF, so when Sandi began looking after my birds in the early 2000's I knew I was dealing with a competent, knowledgeable and very dedicated "bird lady". She knew what was best for the birds and would not hesitate to give her advice. Many years have gone by since then and when I leave my birds and also frogs, newts and house plants in Sandi's care, I am assured that she will do her very best to look after them all. When I return, the birds look happy, nails and beaks are trimmed, and the transition back to their normal routine is easy. I very much appreciate Sandi's willingness to try and help me out on very short notice when I need her. As bird/pet keepers we are fortunate to have someone like Sandi Cameron around.
Monika
One of the first things I did when I moved to Calgary seven years ago, was investigate available options for avian veterinary care and boarding. Having worked as an animal health technician at an avian and exotic animal hospital that provided a very high-quality veterinary and boarding service, I was fairly picky in terms of entrusting my Meyer’s parrot, Mercury, to someone. Somehow, I found Sandi, and before leaving Mercury with her, I visited her home and boarding operation. It was very clean, and I was particularly impressed with the type and variety of freshly-cooked meals and toys she provides. I also appreciated her insistence that birds have a clean bill of health before coming into her home.After talking with her at length, I felt that she knew what she was doing, so I left Mercury with her while I went on a short vacation. Sandi saw that I was still somewhat reticent when I dropped him off, so she encouraged me to phone as often as I wanted to check up on him, which was reassuring. When I came back, it was clear that Mercury had had a grand old time, and Sandi gave me a report on his eating habits, adjustment period and behaviors.Since then, I have left Mercury in Sandi’s care many times and he always comes home healthy, happy and eager to show off his loud and annoying new sounds that he has picked up from his feathered friends. I reluctantly admit that Sandi may even do a better job with him than I do in some respects. He has certain undesirable behaviors (biting, refusing to step up) that she somehow finds time to work on, and I always see improvements when I return – almost like a loving version of birdie boot camp. Recently, I was offered an attractive opportunity to work overseas for nearly a year. Bringing Mercury with me was out of the question, as was giving him up for adoption. I discussed my dilemma with Sandi, and she told me she'd be happy to look after him. Leaving him for such a long time was heartbreaking, but at least I knew he'd be well-cared-for and content. Indeed, that was the case and over that period of time, Sandi and Mercury formed quite a relationship. It gives me such pleasure to know the place that Mercury now occupies in her heart, and I have total confidence in her. Bird owners in Calgary are truly fortunate to have such an excellent boarding facility.Thanks so much Sandi for being there for me and for Mercury! We both love you.
Joanna
I've used Sandi’s services for around ten years for periods ranging from a few days to four weeks. It’s nice to relax with the knowledge that my pet birds are in good hands when I travel and I'm not going to come home to a disaster. She even manages to keep all the house plants in good shape – no mean feat since there are quite a few. My birds don't show any signs of stress when I return and I am sure that they have benefited from a continued good diet while I'm gone. Sandi has a wealth of knowledge regarding pet birds and their nutritional requirements and can handle any emergencies that may arise – an absolute necessity since I can't always count on remaining in contact by phone or Internet when I travel. Even my ancient Rainbow Lorikeet , over twenty years old, seems perfectly normal when I get home. There may be plenty of pet-sitters around but we are very lucky to have Sandi’s services as she specializes in birds, something very few others know anything about. I plan on using Sandi’s services well into the future and will not feel comfortable using anyone else.
Geoff
Whenever we drop our birds off at Sandi’s, we always leave with a feeling of happiness knowing that both our Senegal parrots, Emmie and Julie, will be well taken care of, and most of all, that they will be loved. Sandi gives each of the birds one-on-one attention, well balanced meals, treats, proper lighting, and so much more. She is passionate about birds and has extensive knowledge on each species, does grooming, and knows first aid. We don’t feel comfortable leaving the girls in anyone elses care. When Julie got a leg injury, Sandi was quick to respond to our concerns and give advice. We could tell she loves her as her own as she continued to ask how Julie was doing even months after the incident. During our transition from condo to house, Sandi took care of the birds for six months. They came home happy and content. We like to think of her as the bird whisperer because she can speak the language of the birds. She has an amazing way of communicating and understanding the birds, all types of species, large or small. Sometimes we wonder if the birds are sad when we pick them up because they will miss being with her. If you are searching around for an honest, reliable and trustworthy bird sitter, then look no further! Sandi is the best care giver in my opinion. We highly recommend her services. We’ve been using Sandi’s services for about six years now, from periods of a fews days to even six months, and will continue to do so as long as we have our flock. Thanks so much Sandi!
Ken and Irene
From the first time I met Sandi I realized what a special and caring person she is. Sandi has been a precious life line for both myself and Kelly the Cockatiel for over 10 years. Kelly adores Sandi even when she is grooming him. When Kelly is boarded with Sandi, he is well fed and comes home happy and energized. I never worry about him when he is there at her place and I am sure he does not even miss me. Sandi is very knowledgeable about the different bird types as well as their daily needs and dietary requirements.
Myrna & Kelly
I've been taking my red bellied parrot, Isaac, to Sandi's for years and I can honestly say you will never meet anyone who loves or cares more about birds. Her professionalism, attention to physical safety, mental health and just overall bird fun is simply beyond compare. Taking your bird to Sandi's is like dropping them off at a second home. I used to worry that bringing him to "the kennel" was a boring place but now I know it's like a fun, crazy summer camp. And Isaac agrees. Most of the time, it's hard to get him into his travel cage because that usually means a trip to the vet. But now all I have to do is leave it open nearby and ask "Do you want to go see Sandi? And Gizmo? And Scooby?" or any of the other parrots' names and he jumps right in! He's always glad to see me when I pick him up, but I know he has a great time while I'm away. Sandi really has built an amazing place and you shouldn't hesitate to trust her with any of your feathered friends.
Sean (and Isaac)
When I moved to Calgary in 2004, I was in a terrible dilemma as to boarding my little girl Snoopy. I had to leave her in Edmonton for 9 months until I found a home here in Calgary. Although she was well taken care of and I would drive up every couple of weeks, she missed me. It was through Dr. Korber that I found Sandi and she has been my God send ever since. The first time I took Snoopy to Sandi’s, she wasn’t sure what was going on, but when I went back to pick her up, it was like “I don’t want to leave; I have a new friend and made lots of friends while I was here”. Snoopy took to Sandi like no one else and to Sandi’s husband. She gets to see her birdie buddies and have conversations with them all day long, gets lots of loves and cuddles, her own toys and healthy homemade food and treats from Sandi. Sandi has also taken care of Snoopy in my home and has her own key now to get in when I am away. Besides my family, she is the only one I would trust with a key. Sandi has been a rock for Snoopy and me and has always gone out of her way to accommodate us. (She tells me Snoopy is an “angel” when there – still haven’t figured that one out!) Sandi always sends Snoopy home with a meal treat also – where else and who else do you know that would take such care and show so much compassion for someone else’s pet? Her knowledge is immeasurable and knowing that my little girl is in such good care and healthy and clean living conditions always puts my mind at ease. There is not another person anywhere (other than an Avian Vet) that I could confidently say would take such good care and have the wherewithal to know what to do with the birds if they were in distress or what they require to be happy while at the “birdie spa”. Thank you Sandi, for loving Snoopy and being such a good friend to me.
Lynn
Thank you Sandi... I am so grateful to have met you! When I Google searched bird groomers I was expecting to find someone to simply do nails and wings and what I for was a whole lot more! It has to be said that you have gone above and beyond anything I could have imagined! When you buy a bird off Kijiji you know nothing about this creature and now I have a history on Roscoe that only you can take credit for! You found two of his 8 plus owners and brought us together and I now know his date of birth and other info that makes me realize how hard I have to work & how many bites I must endure to ensure he stays with me for life! Your love of birds amazes me and motivates me to make Roscoe the happy birdie he deserves to be!!! A great big thank you is just not enough!!!
Loretta
Kat & Desi
Heather
Garth and Dianne
Rebecca
Wade & Leza
I asked our vet a number of years ago if there was a good bird sitting company in the city as our folks who used to look after PJ then bought a bird of their own, so thought we needed another place to ship PJ off to when we took some holidays. Our nephew and niece did for a while then they got a dog and had some children so thought we might need a permanent bird hotel if there was such a thing in Calgary. One of the ladies at the vet clinic suggested I contact Sandi as they heard other people had been very satisfied using her services. After the initial phone call with her, I immediately felt comfortable based on the number of years Sandi has been involved with the bird community in western Canada. PJ is a one man’s bird I believe he only tolerate other men and just hisses at any and all female humans that I have seen him come into contact with so I mentioned this to Sandi. She advised this should not be a problem, and left me thinking that I can hardly wait to see how he reacts with her. When it came time to dropping off PJ for the 1st time, I was amazed that she was able to take PJ out of the cage and into her own without any problems, and that was the start of knowing that he would be in good hands with her. It has now been a number of years we have been dropping off PJ, one to three times a year for a few days to a few weeks at a time and I believe she really takes an interest in our little guy, nice to hear that she is able to bath him as well as trim his nails and clip his wings without any issues. PJ gets a better balanced diet than he does at home, as Sandi is always good at sending home a extra meal for him when I pick him up so he can have another good meal when he gets home. We are dropping him off again soon and have another small holiday planned in the near future so we are so pleased that PJ always has a great second home at the fancy bird hotel as I call it when taking PJ over to Sandi’s place. I just can only hope that Sandi wishes to continue to offer her great services to us for many years into the future as PJ is only 31 years old. If you are reading all the testimonials on her website, you can see that using Sandi’s services would be the best thing that you can do for your loved feathered friend(s).
Don & PJ
Upon moving to Calgary five years ago, I started searching for a bird trimmer for my two cockatiels, Jazzi and Salsi. I found Sandi's website and immediately contacted her. She has been with us ever since and my 'boys' LOVE her, as I do! I lost my sweet Jazzi last July . He was 18 years old but his last five years of life was definitely enhanced having Sandi coming to trim his wings and nails every few months. Sandi is so gentle and loving , giving my boys foot massages and so much tender loving care, as she trimmed them up. Sandi continues to come to Salsi, who turned 20 this week and I will forever be indebted to her for loving my 'boys' as I do. I would absolutely recommend Sandi to care for your bird (birds) and I have secretly named her 'The Bird Whisperer'....she is truly an animal lover and is amazing with our fine feathered friends! Thank you Sandi!
Dawna
