Pidge
1993 – 2014
Rest in Peace
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Pidge on the 11th June, 2014, at the age of 21. In the past year Pidge’s health had deteriorated but he remained in good spirits and was cared for with love and devotion by his mate and the staff at Folly Wildlife Rescue. In the last months, as he was unable to walk very well, Pidge spent his days with his original carer, Annette.
Pidge was the first feral pigeon hand-reared and cared for by Annette (my former employer) at Folly Wildlife Rescue. He came to her as an orphaned baby in 1993 and she fell in love with him. Pidge lived as a free-flying pigeon for many years until he had a close-encounter with a sparrowhawk, after which it was decided that he would be safer in a large aviary with non-releasable pigeons.
All the staff and volunteers at the rescue centre fell in love with Pidge. He had charm and character and would entertain us with his behaviour all the time. Pidge would strut and coo to anyone who visited him. He LOVED people! He had such enthusiasm! Without fail, Pidge would fly over to me to greet me when I would enter his aviary to feed and clean. You couldn’t help but laugh and greet him back with joy. I believe he was the first pigeon that I met that opened my eyes to how wonderful pigeons are. It is possible to say that without meeting Pidge I may never have adopted my own pigeons.
Pidge wasn’t only interested in people, he also found love with a resident pigeon, Dora, and was very devoted to her. They were definitely the “celebrity couple” in the aviary, being so pretty and outgoing. Dora stayed by Pidge’s side when he fell ill, defending him from intruding hands (staff members who tried to clean the cage they were in) and giving him lots of cuddles and affection when he was unable to move about easily.
I can say for certain that Pidge will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful pigeon. Rest in peace, dear boy.
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If you would like to donate to Folly Wildlife Rescue in memory of Pidge, please visit their website: www.follywildliferescue.org.uk
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You can read more about Pidge on my previous posts: Pidge and the resident pigeons
Pidge with his mate, Dora:
very sad, looks like he was very loved and lived a very long time!
Hello Mike, thank you. Yes, Pidge did live a very long time and was very loved. We were lucky to have met him and enjoy his company for so long.
So sorry but he lived a wonderful life. r.i.p pidge
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Pidge. He looks like he was loved very much. I hope Dora will be OK? As well as the human care giver. You have my sincere condolences.
Fly free and high Pidge, up to the stars.
They give love, they deserve love.
Hi Jennifer, thank you, Pidge indeed had a wonderful life.
Hi Clara, I am worried about Dora too but I know she’ll have lots of suitors (she’s always been really popular) to distract her. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you, Zdzislaw, for your lovely coment. It is very true.
a lovely long life pigeon. He wont be forgotton in the mind of many people. Fly free and live happily in another world.
As I read this, the tears began… what a wonderful long life “Pidge” had….and it is so apparent, that his love for life was lived to the full. There will be many heavy hearts, with those who loved him and cared for him, but the memories will stay beautiful and alive forever. Thank you for allowing others to share some of these too. R.I.P Pidge – special, special boy.xxxx
Hello Jean, thank you for your kind words.
Hello Fiona, thank you so much. Pidge had a very full life and 21 years is a good age, but he will of course be missed. I was looking through all the photos I have of him and remembering the time I spent with him at the rescue centre. He was always a joy to be around.
OMG, so sorry :,(
I’m sure that he lived a wonderful life!
Hello Vla, you are right, he had a long wonderful life. Many people loved him and he loved them back in return.