A True Treasure

[AZWhitefeather]

~ Pij ~

On April 29, 2004, Pij & I met, thus initiating what would turn out to be a wonderful relationship. He was a beautiful fancy pigeon who, back in Dec., 2003, was found 'tumbling' about in someone's front yard.

Pij's rescuer telephoned me explaining that she has acquired a tumbler pigeon. In addition to his 'tumbling' skills she was quite taken in by his 'other trick', holding his head upside down for long periods of time while staring at the doves above him that he was housed with. As this was not characteristic of a pigeon, I suggested perhaps she had a fancy pigeon with possible neurological problems rather than a 'tumbler' pigeon. Moreover, she might have a pigeon who was possibly suffering from Paramyxovirus, more commonly referred to as PMV. This virus affects a pigeons central nervous system. I suggested she contact her avian vet to get his/her opinion of the situation.

Reluctant to keep Pij after speaking with her vet, she asked if I would be interested in taking him. Without hesitation, I accepted her offer.

When Pij arrived at our house, he was experiencing nearly nonstop seizures, which his rescuer defined as tumbling. His head was upside down 99% of the time, he didn't utter a peep & would stand, endlessly, in one spot unless he was in the midst of a seizure. When I would hear him begin to thrash about, I would quickly pick him up, place him against my chest & stroke his back. He would soon relax.

Pij & I promptly visited a vet who also specialized in avian medicine. The vet suggested starting him on a course of Prednisone, which is a steroid, as whatever was going on may have been irritated by inflammation around his brain.

After the first week on Prednisone, his seizures began to subside. Within a month of being on Prednisone, his head was right side up more than upside down. After nearly two months of being on Prednisone Pij's symptoms had resolved.

Gradually, he began to coo. He would hop on my hand, however would not fly. He so enjoyed playing our special game of 'hand tag'.

As Pij grew more confident, he would make small flights around the AZ room while I was cleaning. He loved to watch the ferals mingling about in the yard and had a great time flying with his feathered friends in the aviary. As his wonderful personality blossomed, so did his devotion toward Rae Charles, our adorable blind pigeon, whom we adopted a two months after Pij came to live with us. He was constantly entertaining us all with his wonderful antics and 'coo-waka-wakas'.

Sadly, Pij passed away in my arms on the morning of February 11, 2006. He was laid to rest next to our beloved Whitefeather.

"Thank you, sweet Pij, for building such a beautiful nest, filling it with all our treasured memories and placing it ever so carefully in my heart. I visit there often."

Cindy

[AZWhitefeather]

I would like to share some of our most memorable moments of Pij and his friends. He had such a gift of being able to put a smile on the faces of everyone who met him.

I hope you enjoy our stroll down memory lane.

[AZWhitefeather]

Continuing our stroll down memory lane.

[Pigeonpal2002]

Cindy,

What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful pigeon. Pij was so lucky to have those 2 years with you and I know how hard it is to lose such a dear pet. I know you still think of him often but it's not always easy to remember and look back either. I like the added pictures showing him doing his thing and it shows how comfortable he was and how much he loved his life with you.

We do our best for our birds, but sometimes they still leave us behind. I'm finding out that the best remedy for a loss is spending even more quality time with the ones that are still with us. This seems to be the best way to overcome or at least alleviate our grief.

[AZfiddler_1996]

Oh, Cindy, Pij is beautiful and the story and pictures brought tears. Poor Rae Charles sure had a good friend...

[Maggie-NC]

Well Cindy, I knew when I first mentioned having a "Hall of Love" forum that it would be extremely sad and touching but also that it would give honor and love to those pigeons we love so deeply.

There is no way I could love Pij as you did but I did love him. I loved reading about his antics in the AZroom and seeing his beautiful, beautiful sweet face in the wonderful pictures you take.

Your tribute to Pij has made me cry this morning but that's ok. I know it was so hard for you to do it but I hope the words you wrote and the pictures you have shown will touch someone who has never known the joy of sharing the life of a special pigeon and that, maybe, they will look at them differently.

I especially loved the "is something wrong with your leg" photo. Pij's expression is so cute. So, to Pij, who is in heaven, thank you sweet bird for bringing a smile to my face.

[TerriB]

What a beautiful tribute to a special bird! Your photos highlight a cherished pet, one who had a wonderfully full life during his time with you. My favorite photo is the one where Pij is watching the feral pigeons in the yard - what a contrast in types! Thank you for sharing him with us.

[tipplersnepal]

I should admire you really have a soft heart for birds, and you pij looks awesome, well done dude,

[Mindy]

After reading this wonderful story and tribute on Pij, I'm crying my eyes out. Beautiful pictures and I really enjoyed reading it. Even after three years of being gone, people are still reading and crying over pij. AZwhitefeathers, your place looks amazing and I really enjoyed looking at all the pictures. Great job. mindy