Ashes2New: Wings for Warriors
A First-of-Its-Kind Bird Sanctuary for Veterans & Military Families
Ashes2New is a nonprofit avian sanctuary and therapy program that rescues parrots and other companion birds, rehabilitates them, and thoughtfully matches them with U.S. veterans and military families. Inspired by the bond between Bogie the Blue & Gold Macaw and co-founder Angelica, our mission is simple and profound:
Give birds a second chance. Give veterans new wings.
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Match & Heal
Rescue & rehabilitate surrendered, abandoned, and at-risk birds
Match birds with veterans & military families for emotional support and healing
Educate the community on responsible bird care and long-term commitment
Build a sanctuary & aviary where both birds and humans can feel safe, seen, and loved
We are building a space where trauma meets gentleness, where noise and feathers become comfort, and where every adoption is a story of renewal.
A Thoughtful, Bird-First Process
1. Bird Rescue & Intake
We accept surrendered birds from families who can no longer provide appropriate care. Each bird receives:
- Health and wellness evaluation
- Behavioral assessment (temperament, noise level, bonding style)
- Quarantine and stabilization as needed
- A personalized care and enrichment plan
2. Veteran & Family Intake
Veterans and military families interested in adoption or avian therapy complete a simple intake:
- Service background & current needs (PTSD, anxiety, isolation, etc.)
- Home environment and lifestyle
- Prior experience with animals or birds
- Goals: companionship, emotional support, family bonding, etc.
3. Matching & Bonding
We don't just “give” birds away — we introduce them.
- We identify birds whose temperament and needs align with the veteran's lifestyle
- Veterans spend multiple bonding sessions with potential birds
- The bird must show comfort and connection with the adopter
- Only when the bond is mutual do we move forward with adoption
At Ashes2New, the bird chooses too.
Accessible, Sustainable Care
We keep adoption fees accessible while ensuring sustainable care.
Large birds
Macaws, cockatoos, large parrots
$500
Medium birds
Amazons, African greys, conures, etc.
$300
Small birds
Budgies, cockatiels, finches, etc.
$100 or less
These fees help cover:
For qualifying veterans with financial hardship, we work to explore sponsorships and donor-supported placements whenever possible.
When Life Changes, We're Here
Bird Surrender
We accept birds on a market-based surrender fee that reflects:
- Current food prices
- Electricity and housing costs
- Medical intake needs
This allows us to responsibly care for each bird we accept.
Boarding (future program)
As we grow, we plan to offer short- and long-term boarding for:
- Parrots
- Chickens
- Ducks and other domestic birds
Boarding will help fund the sanctuary while giving families a safe, trusted place for their birds during travel or emergencies.
From a Home Shed to a Full Sanctuary Campus
Today
Ashes2New currently operates from a small, dedicated area of our home and a bird shed that houses our growing flock. Visits are by appointment only, with a focus on:
- Safe, quiet bonding sessions
- Stable routines for the birds
- Thoughtful, one-on-one matching with veterans and families
Tomorrow
We are actively working toward:
- A large outdoor aviary for flight and natural enrichment
- Expanded indoor housing and quarantine spaces
- A veteran bonding room for private, calm interactions
- Community education areas for classes and events
Every donation, every adoption, every surrendered bird brings us one step closer to a full sanctuary campus.
Be Part of Our Flock
If you believe in second chances \u2014 for birds and for people \u2014 you're part of our flock.
Adopt a bird as a veteran or military family
Sponsor a bird to support its care and future placement
Donate to help us build the aviary and expand our program
Volunteer with cleaning, enrichment, socialization, and events
Partner as a therapist, counselor, or veteran organization
Contact & Appointments
Interested in adopting, surrendering, or supporting Ashes2New?
Tell us your story. Tell us what you're carrying. We'll see if a pair of wings is ready to carry some of it with you.
Reach OutA Structured, Bird-First + Veteran-Centered Placement System
A repeatable protocol that protects both the birds and the veterans who rely on them.
1. Program Purpose
The Ashes2New ESA Matching Protocol ensures that every bird placed with a veteran or military family is:
- Behaviorally appropriate
- Emotionally compatible
- Safe for the home environment
- Capable of providing therapeutic benefit
- Matched through a mutual bond, not convenience
This protocol protects both the birds and the veterans who rely on them.
2. Eligibility Requirements
Veteran Eligibility
- U.S. veteran or active-duty military family
- Experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, isolation, or adjustment challenges
- Stable home environment
- Ability to commit to long-term bird care
- Willingness to participate in bonding sessions and follow-up support
Bird Eligibility
- Completed intake and quarantine
- Behavioral assessment completed
- No severe aggression or unpredictable biting
- Stable enough for therapeutic placement
- Demonstrated ability to bond with humans
3. Intake & Assessment Workflow
3.1 Veteran Intake Assessment
Conducted during the first appointment. Data collected:
- Service background
- Current mental health needs
- Daily routine & lifestyle
- Household composition (children, pets, noise level)
- Prior bird experience
- Desired traits (quiet, cuddly, independent, high-energy, etc.)
- ESA documentation needs
Outcome: Veteran is assigned a Compatibility Profile.
3.2 Bird Behavioral Assessment
Completed by Ashes2New staff. Measured traits:
- Temperament (gentle, cautious, dominant, anxious)
- Noise level
- Bonding tendencies
- Handling comfort
- Trauma history
- Special needs (medical, dietary, behavioral)
- Preferred human personality types
Outcome: Bird receives a Behavioral Profile.
4. Matching Algorithm
The Compatibility Profile (veteran) is matched against the Behavioral Profile (bird) using the following criteria:
4.1 Primary Matching Factors
- Temperament compatibility
- Noise tolerance
- Handling comfort
- Energy level
- Household stability
- Veteran's emotional needs
4.2 Secondary Matching Factors
- Bird's trauma triggers
- Veteran's prior bird experience
- Family involvement
- Long-term lifestyle alignment
4.3 Disqualifying Factors
A match is not attempted if:
- Bird shows fear or distress around the veteran
- Veteran cannot meet the bird's enrichment needs
- Household environment is unsafe
- Veteran requests a bird that does not fit their profile
5. Bonding Protocol
This is the heart of the program — modeled after Ziggy's Haven's bird-first philosophy.
5.1 Required Bonding Hours
- Veteran must complete 20–40 hours of supervised bonding.
5.2 Bonding Activities
- Gentle handling sessions
- Feeding and treat training
- Positive reinforcement exercises
- Quiet time (reading, sitting, talking softly)
- Family involvement sessions
- Trust-building exercises
5.3 Staff Monitoring
Staff document:
- Bird's body language
- Vocalizations
- Comfort level
- Progress over time
- Any signs of distress or attachment
5.4 Bonding Outcomes
- Successful Bond: Bird voluntarily approaches, accepts touch, shows comfort, and displays affiliative behaviors.
- Unsuccessful Bond: Bird avoids, bites, screams excessively, or shows fear. → Match is discontinued and a new match is attempted.
6. Home Environment Review
Before adoption is approved:
6.1 Home Safety Check
- Cage size & placement
- Air quality (no smoking, no aerosols)
- Temperature stability
- Other pets
- Noise levels
- Escape risks
- Toxic plants or hazards
6.2 Family Readiness
- Children understand boundaries
- Household supports the veteran
- Everyone agrees to long-term commitment
7. ESA Documentation Support
Ashes2New assists veterans by:
- Providing behavioral reports
- Providing care plans
- Connecting veterans with licensed mental health practitioners
- Preparing documentation packets for housing or travel needs
Ashes2New does not issue ESA letters directly — only licensed clinicians do.
8. Adoption Approval
Adoption is approved only when:
- Bonding hours are complete
- Bird shows consistent comfort
- Home environment is safe
- Veteran demonstrates readiness
- Staff unanimously agree the match is healthy
9. Post-Adoption Support
9.1 Required Follow-Ups
- 2-week check-in
- 1-month check-in
- 3-month check-in
- 6-month check-in
- Annual wellness review
9.2 Support Services
- Behavioral troubleshooting
- Training refreshers
- Emergency boarding
- Sanctuary visits for continued bonding
10. Program Ethics
Ashes2New adheres to:
- Bird-first placement decisions
- Transparency about behavior
- No impulse adoptions
- No forced bonding
- No placement of birds with unsafe households
- No placement of birds with veterans who cannot meet care requirements
- Lifetime commitment mindset — these are intelligent, emotional beings who may live decades
A Flock Is Stronger Together
We welcome collaborations with veteran organizations, licensed clinicians, avian professionals, and community sponsors who believe in second chances.
Therapists & Licensed Counselors
Co-develop avian-assisted therapy referrals and connect your clients with healing placements.
Veteran Service Organizations
Refer members, co-host bonding events, and expand our reach across Florida VSO chapters.
Avian & Veterinary Partners
Support intake health evaluations, behavioral assessments, and ongoing avian care.
Corporate & Community Sponsors
Fund the aviary build, sponsor a bird's care, or underwrite a veteran placement.
Military Family Readiness Programs
Bring Wings for Warriors to installation Family Readiness offices and spouse communities.
Let's Build It Together
Tell us how your organization would like to partner — referrals, co-hosted events, sponsorships, or avian care support.
Start a Partnership