Setting the Abby story straight

In the Tampa Tribune, this article begins the healing process with honest, more thoroughly researched journalism regarding the recent "Dear Abby" anti-dove column. There are articles and "letters to the editor" being printed all across the country, in a number of newspapers and other forms of media, regarding that topic. Masses of individuals have taken up their pens (or keyboards) in an attempt to set the record straight and make an attempt at some semblence of damage control.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/20/na-dove-trainers-seek-peace-with-worried-bird-love/?life

We are so very grateful to all publications and other forms of media for taking this issue seriously enough and giving these birds their fair flight toward truth. We have high hopes for Dear Abby, and the opportunity to clarify such truths in the May 29th column.

Dear Abby -- The Other Side of Doves Releases?

We have been informed that on Thursday, May 29, 2008, the Dear Abby column will be publishing letters from readers regarding the previously-mentioned "anti-dove" column. Ethical dove release lovers from all over the country will be looking forward to reading the column, in hopes that there will be redemption and integrity manifested in the letters chosen to be published...

My Letter to Dear Abby

"I appreciate your letter published on April ___, 2008, regarding the releasing of doves for events. While it is a fact that the birds you speak of would not survive in the wild, upon their release, you have neglected to complete the full story regarding dove releases. A glaring piece of information is absent in the letter you published.

The fact is, all over the world professionals are using pure white homing pigeons for special events. Members of the White Dove Release Professionals, especially, follow a code of ethics regarding the safety and care of these "Rock Doves." Amongst this group's release policy is the requirement that these birds are carefully trained to return quickly and safely home to their well-managed lofts. These birds homes are most often kept quite clean, and the birds are cared for with fresh, fortified water, quality grains, grit, salt baths, and many other amenities. Upon their release, they most often will beat their care-takers home.

I appreciate that in the published letter and your response to it, readers are warned not to release species of doves incapable of finding their way safely home: Nobody would like to see the unfair and heartless demise of these innocent creatures. However, once again, I would like to ask that you publish the full story, which is that, when done properly and ethically, White Dove Release Professionals can provide a beautiful and ethical dove release, such as the one recently seen at Yankee Stadium in honor of the pope. These doves were, in fact, carefully trained pure white homing pigeons, and their release was, indeed overseen by professionals. Further, following their release, these lovely Rock Doves returned quickly and safely to their loft homes, just as they choose freely to do each and every day.

Use Right Birds for Dove Release

Use right birds for dove releases
May 4, 2008

Usually, ''Dear Abby's'' advice is appropriate. However, she should have done more homework before writing on April 28 about the ''certain death'' awaiting '' wedding doves.''I have been releasing doves at weddings and funerals in the Lehigh Valley for some time. Like other responsible businesspeople in this field, I release pure white homing pigeons. These strong and highly intelligent birds do indeed return home, often flying at speeds approaching 50 mph. They take to wing with exuberant joy and fly back to their loft out of love of home. It's a rare event when they don't beat me home. Some people purchase white doves at pet stores and release them; these captive doves will not survive. This is why it is important to make sure a responsible dove handler is used. Doves are frequently released at weddings, but more so at funerals. Those who have witnessed the peace and comfort a release can bring to someone who is grieving know just what a dove release represents. Readers can learn more at the Web site of the American Racing Pigeon Union: http://www.pigeon.org Heather Barbosa

Published in “The Morning Call”

Dear Abby's Blunder

Recently, Dear Abby published a story regarding the use of doves at weddings. Her column featured a letter from an ill-informed reader on that topic. In the letter, the writer warns brides that as wedding season approaches, that, for ethical purposes, brides should not release doves at their ceremony -- that these birds will perish.

The reader's intentions appear to be innocent. However, he/she is poorly educated on the subject and Dear Abby buys right into it. You see, the reader was correct in his/her warning that some types of doves would indeed perish if released into the wild like that. However, the column sorely misses a critical point -- that there are professionals who release pure white homing pigeons, carefully trained to return quickly home to their ample lofts. There are reputable companies all over the world which provide such services. These carefully trained homing pigeons, also known as "Rock Doves," are released at weddings, funerals, and many other special events. Following their release, they circle, gathering together and navigating to hone in on the direction of home. They then return to their lofts, most often arriving before their releasers.

The dove release community is up in arms about the negligent and mis-leading column Dear Abby so haplessly published. Her credibility has plummeted in the eyes of all who are perfectly aware of the ethical dove release options made available all over the world. Further, rather than research this topic with any care, her staff simply made a phone call to one single zoo for "expert input." And either this "zoo employee" was none-too-educated on the fullness of the topic, or Dear Abby had an agenda which she furthered by publishing a minute and mis-leading portion of the facts.

For Dear Abby to be so remiss on this topic is shameful. When one has such far-reaching affects via a widely popular column, such power should be wielded with accuracy, care, and responsibility. Hopefully, she will be so kind and wise as to redeem herself by printing a retraction.

Wedding Butterflies & Doves

There is hardly a day more romantic and exciting for a couple in love than a wedding day. Many brides have dreamt of that fairytale wedding since childhood, and this vision they hold has been nurtured by the princess-like images of Disney-esque weddings they've viewed in so many movies.

So, beyond the lovely location and that perfect wedding dress... a well-performed dove release can be the culmination of the ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere a girl has always envisioned.

But there is another way to add punch and substance to the atmosphere... butterflies!

And what's a girl to do, if she has to decide between one or the other? Which is right for her?
Here's my take on it:

A Wedding Doves Release:
If set up and performed by a professional and ethical dove release company (see White Dove Release Professionals, WDRP), a dove release is a powerful experience. There are numerous descriptions of the timing of dove releases on the internet, so I will focus only on the moment of release, here.

Upon their release as a flock, these snow white beauties fly with strength and poise. They rise into the air with a certain burst of energy, while at the same time exuding gracefulness. The movement of their wings creates a light breeze around them. This gentle whisper of wind further adds to the breathtaking experience of these spiritual creatures taking wing around the bridal party and front row of guests. If you embrace the doves' symbolism & beauty, it is an incredibly amazing experience.

For a "hand release" of the dove pair, the birds must be gently restrained in a proper hold. This is a great photo opportunity for the photographer, as the bridal couple cradles their birds with properly-placed fingers. The bridal couple simply opens their hands to release these doves, and the birds will then take quickly to the sky. If there are no trees or other obstructions, the two birds can be seen circling on high together.

Whether it is a flock release or a pair release, guests are able to see the doves quite well, whether they are sitting near the front row, or all the way in the back. If the photographer has listened to the overview of the dove release professional, he or she will likely catch the birds on film from any vantage point.


A Wedding Butterfly Release:
If it is a butterfly release you desire, the Monarch is my recommendation. Monarchs are larger than many other butterflies, which makes them more visible to your guests. Monarchs are not as timid as many other butterflies can be, and their flight is quite elegant.

A butterfly release occurs much more slowly than a dove release. As the container is opened for the butterfly release, rather than take immediately to the sky, the butterflies will more often hesitate. This allows for a more intimate, hands-on experience for the bridal couple. The experience is much slower than with doves, and is a bit more unpredictable. However, for many, the intimacy of a butterfly release is more desirable.

The release of butterflies is a more gentle experience. Their acension is slower, their direction less predictable. There is more mystery, less adrenaline and "pop" in comparison to the release of white doves.

A photographer will need to be close to the butterflies, for best photos. Butterflies will not show up so well with a bright sky in the background. However, there are ways to encourage the butterflies to remain still for a few moments, in order to set the stage for some beautiful close-up shots. So many of us feel that the magic of being in the presence of a butterfly unforgettable.

Whether a bride chooses doves or butterflies to add that extra splash of magic to her special day, either creature gifts us with the stunning freedom of its flight. And each is remarkably beautiful in its own lovely way. It's all a matter of personal preference -- and on a bride's big wedding day -- the one she's always dreamed of -- that's what matters most!

Valentine's Day

On the wings of love...

Here is some trivia regarding doves and birds, in relation to their association with Valentine's Day.

"In the Middle Ages, people began to send love letters on Valentine's Day. Medieval Europeans believed that birds began to mate on Feb. 14.

Lovebirds, colorful birds found in Africa, are so named because they sit closely together in pairs. Doves are symbols of loyalty and love, because they mate for life and share the care of their babies." – http://www.people.howstuffworks.com

Comparing Butterfly Releases & White Dove Releases

Taking advantage of some unusually blustery Fall and Winter days, I am newly-venturing into learning more about the world of butterflies. My intentions are to possibly offer butterflies for release at the same events dove are.

I've heard so many stories about butterfly releases. I want to learn for myself and judge for myself.

Studies have encompassed vast amounts of hours, learning, analyzing, processing. So much of the information required of those who raise butterflies is scientific and in-depth. It has been a fun, fulfilling ride for this information junkie.

In all of the studying and experimenting, I think I've come up with a clear idea of the differences between dove and butterfly releases. I'll feature each aspect in different threads in the days to come...

Merry Christmas

As we enter into the Winter season, it is also a time when we reflect upon peace, love, joy, and hope. These characteristics that signify the DOVE are inherently intertwined with Christmas, and its intricate spiritual symbolism.

May you all enjoy a Christmas filled with peace in your heart, love to fill it completely, enough joy to cause your soul to "glow," and vast amounts of hope to propel you through the season and spread your warmth to others.

Pigeon Palace

This article comes from the femalefirst.com website. What a great way to house some of our favorite avian friends! This guy has paid loving tribute to his pigeons, treating them like royalty.

Pigeon Palace

9th January 2007 07:01:01
A UK man has had a luxury log cabin customised for his 85 pigeons.
Mike Wood, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, won the £2,500 holiday hut after he competed in a radio music quiz.
After being told what his prize was, he immediately rang the timber cabin firm who supplied the prize and asked them to adapt it into a lavish home for his precious pigeons.
The 8mx2.4m shed now sits proudly in Wood's back garden.
Wood said: "It looks smart and the pigeons are like my children."



http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/bizarre/Pigeon+Palace-28635.html