Karen Anderson

 

Karen Anderson

In 1997, several people who dreamed of a premiere parrot boarding facility built Avian Suites™.  This created, for the first time, a secure, healthy, caring environment staffed by competent people familiar with the special needs of companion birds. I was one of the first clients of Avian Suites. I had retired early from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, and because I traveled a lot I often boarded my parrots at Avian Suites and was an ardent supporter of its standards, policies and staff.

In 2001, I was offered employment by Patti Christie, CVT, RN who had taken ownership 2 years previous.  Since that time, I have been an integral part of the team that makes Avian Suites the highly regarded boarding facility that it is – recognized both locally and nationally.  I have regularly participated in educational opportunities offered both locally and nationally including the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine Avian Emergency and Critical Care conference, the annual Avian Behavior Conferences, workshops with Barbara Heidenreich and Dr. Susan Friedman, Parrot Festival in Houston, TX and the annual Association of Avian Veterinarians convention. 

When Patti was offered an opportunity for a position at The Gabriel Foundation in Colorado, I offered to take over ownership of this much needed business.  Having worked beside her for over 6 years, and having developed relationships with our clients and guests, it was an honor to consider keeping this going.  As a bird owner myself, I know the value of peace of mind that comes knowing that competent people are caring for my companions!  While we will miss having Patti here every day, the team looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that she began.  As leader of the team, I am looking forward to more educational opportunities and meeting the special needs of our clients and guests. 

My own flock consists of Alfalfa (12 year old female Cockatiel), Earle the Girl (a female Congo African Grey – named prior to DNA sexing! She’s was hatched in 1997), Gabby (a male Congo African Grey that was a guest at Avian Suites.  Gabby’s mom passed away after caring for him for 15 years.  He was hatched in about 1987), and my newest – a male Rose Breasted Cockatoo named Bijou (adopted from The Gabriel Foundation in 2006.  He was hatched in 2004).

 

Avian Suites