This week’s Newsweek Pet of the Week winner is 30-year-old Moluccan cockatoo Max who lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Max is well known for something rather unusual for a bird—his extensive on-trend wardrobe.
“Max had been enjoying going outside for walks wearing a harness for safety, so was accustomed to getting dressed,” owner Nicole Hankel told Newsweek.
In 2020, Hankel elevated Max’s style by switching harnesses for hoodies, although he does wear a harness under his tops for safety.
Originally from the warm Molucca Islands in Indonesia, Max’s tropical nature makes Alberta’s winters a challenge, and a hoodie is the perfect fix. “Because we live in a climate with a long winter, and many cooler days in the spring and fall, the hoodie was an easy solution to extending ‘patio season,’” Hankel said.
Beyond outdoor adventures, Max wears one of his chic hoodies to events where he entertains seniors and children. “While out, he proudly wears his outfit and doesn’t chew on it at all—a signal that he is happy and comfortable.” However, once home, he tugs at it as a reminder that it’s time to relax.
Max’s love for choice extends to his clothing, much like a toddler. “When he started wearing a harness, we discovered that the ‘closet choice’ was a great way for him to participate in agreeing to wear a harness.” Now, with a closet full of seasonal outfits, Max selects what he wants to wear.
A rescue bird, Max has lived with Hankel for 20 years. Their bond is evident, as Max calls Nicole “Mom” and occasionally will holler across the house when he is looking for her just like a toddler. She explained he often says: “Mooooom. Mom. Mom. Moooom!!!!”
Max isn’t the only pet in our Pet of the Week, either. We’ve also put together our finalists, from a cat rescued from Maui to a globe-trotting pup.
If you want your pet to be next week’s Pet of the Week, follow the instructions at the end of this story to get involved.
Finalists
Our first finalist this week is Radar, a dog that owner Al Roversin describes as his “shadow.”
Like most dogs, he likes the simple things. Roversin told Newsweek: “[He] likes running off, belly rubs and treats.”
Next up this week is Potato, a rescue cat from Maui who was adopted by owner Mary Papp after the Lahaina fires.
It has taken some time for him to get used to his new life in continental U.S. “He had a hard time adjusting to the weather. He loves sunning in the window and sleeping under the covers to stay warm. He is not a fan of going out in the rain or snow,” Papp told Newsweek.
Last but not least this week is Beanz, a globe-trotting dog that owner Melissa Lekias describes as “the most adaptable, accommodating dog ever.”
“He traveled all by himself from Australia to Italy and since arriving has been continually traveling Europe, embracing every opportunity with sheer delight,” Lekias told Newsweek.
Beanz takes every adventure in his stride and is a great travel companion to his owner. “He makes me smile every day and is without doubt the best travel companion I could ask for,” Lekias said.
If you think your pet could be next week’s Newsweek Pet of the Week, send us your funny and heartwarming videos and pictures of your pet, along with a bit about them to [email protected] and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
The post Fashion-Forward Bird Wins Pet of the Week With Bold Style appeared first on Newsweek.
