In loving memory of little Speckie

[cyro51]

I thought that it would be fitting to start my tribute to Speckie with the tribute that Helen wrote for her back in 2002, before she came into my care:.

Speckie is an epic of her own, I have had her over a year and she came in with her neck in a funny position.

Fortunately I put her in quarantine and as the day wore on it became
evident that she had paramyxovirus. Any stress sent her neck twisting round in paroxysms and she was unable to fly. She was the worst case I had seen, but she was such a pretty pattern I was loath to euthanase her. Despite her
problems she was well able to self feed and take water so I put her on a
month long course of Baytril to counteract any secondary infections arising
from her affliction.

And she stayed in quarantine - months passed and still she stayed in
quarantine. One day Laura and I were discussing her case and she did some
checking to discover that although her neck still twisted terribly under
duress - and probably always would do, she could now safely be counted as
recovered and would not be infectious to my other pigeons. So I then
introduced her to my loft and kept a very close eye on her because I knew
some of my big boys could be bullies. They did try - but she was well able
to hold her own and she fought back valiantly. By the end of the first day
the bullies had learnt to leave her alone.

Very slowly, over the last 6 months she has gradually improved. She laid
two eggs at one point, but on the floor as she was floor-bound. Any attempt to fly sent her twisting over and crashing to the ground again. I put the eggs
under foster parents as with Speckie being a single parent they were in
danger from my marauding flock of bullies. She was upset and took to
fostering a pair of babies out of Silverpidge and his mate - who had nested
on the floor quite near her. They didn't seem to mind and as they grew
older and the parents were away from the nest more often, she would seize everyopportunity to go and stand guard over them. I even caught her feeding themtoo! It was a very touching sight.

A couple of weeks ago I walked into the loft one morning to feed up, and
the first thing I noticed was that Speckie was not there! Now that is
noticeable as she is floor bound. Stunned, I checked every nook and cranny - but no Speckie. Just gone!

I gave up in the end and holding my food bucket I called to the flock who
came winging down from the skies on hearing my breakfast call. As they
poured in through the door who should be among them but my Speckie!!! At
long last - after more than a year of convalescence she has finally made it
to take to the skies again. And what's more - now she is flying with the
rest of them, one of Silverpidge's sons has taken a great shine to her and
she is prospecting nestboxes on the wall.

There's more to Speckie's story too. Remember the eggs I put under foster
parents? Well they were both fertile, so some cock bird thought she was
worth some attention.

The picture below is of Speckie taken soon after admittance.

> Helen at Wild-Life-Line

[AZWhitefeather]

Such a wonderful tribute to Speckie, Cynthia. And yes, fitting indeed.
Our PMV babies are truly special.

Cindy

[mr squeaks]

What a lovely story for such a beautiful hen!

Thank you!

[Lady Tarheel]

Cynthia, Speckie is a tribute to both you and Nooti for taking such great care of her. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful pigeon.

[Reti]

What a special sweet baby.
Thanks to Helen and you she had a chance in life and she certainly enjoyed it fully.
PMV birdies are so special.
May she rest in peace.

Reti

[TAWhatley]

Cynthia,

I'm so very sorry that Speckie has passed away. She was, indeed, a very special bird.

Terry

[pigifan]

Such a beautiful pigeon. So sorry she passed away.

PMV pigeons can certainly form special bonds with their carers that makes their departure heartbreaking.

[feralpigeon]

Cynthia, I'm very sorry to hear about Speckie, she was one of those special
birds who had the special fortune of your intervention and advocacy.

fp

[maryjane]

What a lovely bird she was, and what a wonderful life you helped her to live. She is flying in a perfect body now.

[kittypaws]

Cynthia,

So very sad to hear about Speckie.

Tania x

[Pete Jasinski]

I'm so sorry you lost your beloved Speckie, she indeed is a beautiful girl. They nest deep in our hearts and when they depart this life the hurt is equally as deep

[TerriB]

Speckie showed that our pigeons know no limits!

[andinla]

sorry for your loss. Sending a hug your way....Andi

[Pigeonpal2002]

I'm so sorry Cynthia to read about Speckie I remember this pigeon from years ago and when you got her from Helen. She was a beautiful and very much loved pigeon.

[arnieismybaby]

Cynthia, truly sorry to read of the loss of Speckie, such a beautiful and courageous bird. May her soul be free to soar through the heavens free of pain and disease.

Michelle.