The Unexpected Arrival of Gucci

A hummingbird named Gucci entered Katya's life during her darkest hour. After losing her husband and receiving a terminal illness diagnosis just months apart in 2009, Katya had scaled back her small bird sanctuary work. She found herself in a lonely place, unsure of what would come next.

But fate had other plans for her. After successful treatment for her illness, a veterinarian friend approached her with an unusual request - would she care for a one-eyed hummingbird that needed constant attention?

A Reluctant Beginning

Katya hesitated. She had never cared for a hummingbird before. She was also scared to bond with any animals after her recent losses. The pain of losing loved ones was still fresh.

Despite her concerns, her friend encouraged her to try. Katya took the tiny bird home and named him Gucci, after the glasses case he chose as his favorite sleeping spot.

Emotional Medicine

What happened next surprised Katya. Gucci seemed determined to transform her life. For the nine months he stayed with her, the tiny hummingbird became what she calls her "emotional medicine."

Gucci was impossible not to love. He stayed close to Katya whenever she needed a friend most. His presence brought comfort during lonely times, and slowly, a new passion began to grow inside her.

A New Purpose Emerges

Because of Gucci, Katya discovered a new calling in hummingbird care. What started with one special bird has grown into something much bigger.

Now, twelve years later, Katya's apartment has transformed into a hummingbird hospital. She cares for up to 60 hummingbirds at once. People from all over bring injured hummingbirds to her, trusting her expertise and dedication.

Full Circle Moments

Katya makes sure to invite everyone back when their rescued hummingbird is ready to be released into the wild. These moments of freedom celebrate not just the birds' recovery but also the healing journey Katya herself has experienced.

Looking back, Katya credits Gucci with giving her what she calls her "new life." From the depths of loss and illness emerged a beautiful purpose that continues to take flight each day in her hummingbird hospital.

What started as caring for one tiny, one-eyed bird blossomed into a mission that brings healing to dozens of hummingbirds - and to Katya herself.