To a Nameless Little Pidge I Barely Knew

[Insomniac]

This past weekend, my mom and I were driving one of our rescue dogs to his new adoptive family. It was rush hour and we were on a busy 6 lane road waiting at a red light. As the light turned green, a beautiful grizzled feral pigeon sitting just behind a car in an adjacent lane caught my eye. My mom and I immediately stepped into rescue mode and turned on our hazards, opened our doors, and began waving wildly at the drivers behind us. Thankfully, they were all reasonable people and allowed me to quickly run out and grab the obviously stunned Pidge, who made no effort to evade capture.

I got into the front seat, hugging the pigeon to my chest. Unusually, we had no box or kennel in the vehicle. We had removed them to make room for passengers at a protest the day before. I stroked his neck and spoke softly to him, trying to imitate the coos of my pigeons at home. He was obviously in shock, so still.

Five minutes later, rushing to the nearest vet, he started to shake his head and kick his legs, and in another five minutes, he was seizing. I continued to hold him and try to keep him comfortable, but a few seconds away from the vet, with the clinic in sight...he uttered some tortured sounding coos, went still, closed his eyes, opened his mouth, and died. He died in such pain. It was devastating. We took him to he vet anyways to be cremated. The only comfort I can get from this is that he wasn't struck repeatedly, he died in a warm place, with someone who cared about him and shed tears for him. He didn't deserve such a horrible death. Cars are no match for a little pigeon.

R.I.P. Little Pidge, I don't know how old you were or what you've been through, but I know you were unique and have left behind both a person, and probably other pigeons, that love and appreciate you. I'm glad you didn't suffer the fate of so many by being completely disregarded on the road.

[Trees Gray]

I'm so sorry to read about this very sad ending, but a successful rescue nevertheless. Thank you for giving this little sweety some warmth, compassion and especially LOVE before it's passing. That is all that matters, you did what you could and that is all that is expected of you.

I know this was very heartwrencing, as I sit with tear running down my cheek.

Sending a big hug for comfort.

Thank you again.


Rest in Peace, little one.

[TheSnipes]

What a sad and tragic story and I'm sorry you had to experience this - but I am so grateful that you crossed his path and were able to offer comfort to this little soul who would otherwise have passed away in pain and alone.

[Lady Tarheel]

Insomniac, your post is one of the most touching I have ever read. I have often said that it doesn't matter if we have our little pigeon friends for a few minutes or years. The loss is still very hard. I have had that happen and it always hurts.

Blessings to you and your mom for picking this little one up and for the love and concern you showed him. I think God acts in mysterious ways sometimes and that may be why you didn't have a carrier handy. This little one was able to feel your love and compassion when it passed.

[flitsnowzoom]

I'm so sorry to read about this sweet little pigeon. Bless you and your mom for helping him out and taking him in for that last little time he had. Sometimes all we can do is just be there as best we can, offer what comfort we can, and cherish their life.
I'm sure that this little one is safely over the Rainbow Bridge now, helped by your loving hearts.

Feather hugs and tears -- Mary

[TAWhatley]

Many thanks to you and your Mom for helping this unfortunate pigeon and making its passing as safe, warm, and loved as possible. I wish there had been a happier outcome.

Terry

[Charis]

I'm so sorry... thank you for your love and kindness... being there at the right time made a difference for that poor little pigeon.

[Vasp]

I saw a resident crow go that way, too. The poor little one had hit its head and was seizuring a lot. It made efforts to stand up eventually, but then got worse and after a really bad episode, lay on his side, tucked his head on his chest, and died. It was absolutely devastating for me.

Birds are absolutely the most beautiful creatures on Earth. I'm very sad to hear of this little pigeon's suffering but glad to see it was in good hands in the last few minutes of its life... Thank God you saw it. Other eyes may have been blind to its existence and to its pain.

[mr squeaks]

You and your Mom were there when needed. This pigeon died in loving arms and that's what counts.

THANK YOU BOTH!!

With Love and Hugs to help ease your sadness...

Shi

[zimmzimm3]

I am very sorry for your loss but at least you let this pigeon know that someone loved him in this world where not many do. Thank you for your kindness and i am sure that pigeon is looking down from pigeon heaven and thinking the same thing. Thanks again

[weaver]

What a lovely ,caring person you are
Last summer me and my neighbour were going in the back road to Belfast when I spotted an injured racing pigeon at the side of the road.Made her pull in although it was a really dangeruos stretch of road.Took it home and fed and watered it but sadly it died the next day
But like yourself,I am glad it died with me,warm,fed and in a box rather than at the side of a roadof a

[Feather]

Thank you for trying. You know our member Phyll prays for all of the little injured animals in the world who are afraid and in pain. She prays for all of the ones that we don't find.

Now...when I remember...I try to do the same.