A few years ago, George and I were having pizza in downtown Mount Vernon. Nice little local place, chatting amiably with the waitress who was also an actor at the venerable Lincoln Theater next door. Preparing to leave we asked for a box to bring the crusts home for our parrots.
The waitress abruptly became aloof and avoided our table. As she rang up our charges I thanked her for the to-go box and said that our macaws would be very happy. She stared at me and then started to laugh. "Parrots! I thought you were saving the crusts for your PARENTS."