WILLITS, CA., 11/04/24 – On Oct. 25, a beloved and well-known caique parrot, Susie, was reported stolen from Fish Out of Water, a pet shop on South Main Street in Willits. Despite an outpouring of pleas from Mendocino County residents for the bird’s return, Susie has yet to be found. The Willits community has gathered a $1,300 award for anyone who can return Susie to her home.
Susie, a small bird with colorful green, white, orange, and yellow feathers, is an admired resident of the Willits community. Fliers with Susie’s photo have been posted throughout town with a description of the person who allegedly stole her and a description of Susie’s gleaming personality.
“She’s the town’s ‘Sweet Angel’ and the community and all who love her are broken without her,” the flier reads. “Please return with no questions asked. Please just bring her back.”
Melissa Marsh, owner of Fish Out of Water, said in an interview that Susie was a unique bird who lifted the spirits of both the pet shop animals and community members.
“I discovered that she had to be held by 20 people a day, or she wasn’t happy,” Marsh said. “We called her the therapy bird. People would be on the verge of suicide and then come sit with Susie, and she made everyone feel good. She was so special to us. She wasn’t just ‘this bird.’”
Marsh explained that Susie was taken on a Friday evening, when there was only one customer in the store. The owner recalled that a man had been lingering inside the shop for an estimated 40 minutes. He asked about purchasing Susie but was told by Marsh that Susie was not for sale. She said that the man gave her “a funny look.”
Marsh explained that she placed Susie near the front counter and headed into the fish section. By the time Marsh returned to the counter, Susie was gone.
“There have been times that there were many people inside the shop, and I wouldn’t have known,” Marsh said. “But he was the only person that was in here.”
Marsh described the sole customer as a man about 5’8 with a slender build. She noted that he appeared to be of East Indian descent, with salt and pepper hair and green eyes. She also recalled that he was wearing a black puffer jacket with the word “security” embroidered on the back and an upside-down blue triangle on the sleeve.
Unfortunately, Marsh has no security camera footage of the person she believes took Susie that day. The shop’s security camera stopped working just before the robbery occurred.
“Because there is no footage of the guy, there is only so much we can do at this point,” Marsh explained. “I am trying to get other footage from the taco restaurant next door.”
Those with tips or questions on the ongoing investigation should contact the Willits Police Department at (707) 459-6122 or Melissa Marsh at (707) 354-0393.
The Mendocino Voice contacted the Willits Police Department for more information but did not receive a response before publication.
This beautiful bird was a delight for me and my daughter over the years when we would regularly visit the store. The low life that took her didn’t just steal a bird, he took a piece of our hearts. Bring her back.
Is there a picture of the person that took her?
I got to meet Susie …..she got right on my hand. What a sweetheart she is. For the love of God , do the right thing and bring her back. Or if not you, have someone else do it. Susie needs to be back with her family . Please don’t let your own greed overtake your logical thoughts. It’s like taking a child from its family. How would you feel if someone you loved was taken from you? Please, please, do the right thing ……please.
This lady’s had police called on her several times and is a wack job. This sounds fishy the whole story’s fabricated sure the cam just stopped working sure she’s help by 20 people a day in Willits where maybe 5 come into that store.
All animals are in poor health especially the fish the name is of course fish OUT of water hint hint.
Iv met Suzy she was a really cool bird and I hope she finds a awesome home with a family that will give here there attention.