Recently I was quite aggressively accused of ‘exploiting’ my doves. This is why I strongly refute that…
Our doves are loved, respected, well cared for and completely free to leave. In fact they do, since every day their shed is opened and out they fly, free as any other bird in the sky. We shut them in at night only to ensure they can sleep peacefully and keep them safe from predators.
They can find a new home whenever they like though- and occasionally one will. I was in Horsham a few weeks ago and spotted a pure white dove courting a pigeon in the town centre. Delighted, I pointed it out to the friend I was with and as soon as the dove heard my voice he stopped and listened. I spoke again and his head twisted, then he walked closer and alongside me as I talked to him, head twisting, neck stretched toward me. My friend was amazed “He knows you!” she said. It was very obvious he did – he’d recognised my voice and came close to say ‘Hello’. It was also obvious he’d chosen a different life now and when his lady friend called him from where she’d flown further up the path, he nodded his goodbye and flew back to her.
I’ve never owned him, anymore than I own the others, some of whom have been returning every night for years. They know the routine as well as a guide dog does his. The only difference between my doves and any dog, horse, donkey, oxen, camel or chicken that is well looked after as they do a job that blesses humans, is that our doves are more than capable of looking after themselves and completely free to leave or return as they choose.
My work brings me in an income, not a large one or even a regular one, but one that provides well for them and helps me. What my doves and I do together has over the last decade blessed so many, many families saying farewell to, or remembering a loved one, as well as young couples setting off on a future together. That’s why I love it.
I’ve watched adults and children hold a bird for the first time, heard their amazement at the softness of their feathers, seen love on their faces as they gently hold them and make a connection and memory that will stay with them forever. What I know when I see that connection take place is that from now on they, like me, will will notice and care more for birds in general. They’ll look up and notice the dances that go on in the sky around us, they’ll enjoy the birds that visit their gardens more. That connection with nature, especially for the children, is something I’m so proud to be able to introduce them to…
If you’d like reassurance and to meet them before you book, give me a ring and come over for a cuppa. You can stroke or hold one if you like and watch them fly to and fro as we discuss the dove release that’ll be so special to you.