Frankie was found dumped in a feral flock that is cared for by pigeon hero Jennifer Morales. His legs had been shattered at some point prior to his rescue, and he had clearly been made to heal without veterinary intervention because they had fused together awkwardly. He had also been scalped.
Once healed, Frankie was adopted by Moose’s Flock board member Chris Arvanitis. At that point he was mobile enough to be in Chris’s beautiful aviary of rescued pigeons, where he was boss of his area, unafraid of anything and absolutely thrived for a few years. (This video shows him in the communal bath, although he had his own separate space in the aviary where he could interact with everyone but was safe. He was only out with the flock when supervised.
Then, during a change in the winter weather, Frankie had an episode of flailing that wouldn’t stop, even after he was brought inside. Something was wrong, and birds hide their illnesses really well, so when YOU can see it, you know the pain is severe.
But this is not a story about pain, or giving up. It’s a story about how one little bird had a will to live that defied the odds for so long, and in doing so he brought people together and filled our lives with love.
Frankie ended up needing more immediate care than was possible for Chris, who works more than 9-5 and who had family coming for the Christmas holiday, which is when Frankie first needed help. So Jenna took him to Moose’s Flock.
It took a few weeks of round the clock care by Jenna and Chris, but Frankie stabilized. He also visited Dr. G and soon he was back to his spunky self. He also married a stuffed animal named Lamby, who would remain the love of his life until the end.
Over the next year, Chris, Dr G and I both struggled with Frankie’s random bouts of pain and flailing. It is extremely difficult with any bird, not to mention one with a body as busted as Frankie’s, to figure out what exactly is ailing them. Frankie was usually happy at home with Chris, but sometimes he would need more round the clock care, and then he would come to me. Always, he would clearly show his love of life and his will to live. He was adept at moving around a living room, loved to fight with your hands, and was a Master Seed Flinger of the highest order.
Pigeons are the most resilient birds on the planet. They have survived massive injuries and gone on the lead happy lives, despite any resulting disabilities. There are pigeons who can’t walk, can’t fly, can’t see and yet, if the right people find them and give the time necessary, these birds live full of joy and vigor.
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And yet…we all must, eventually, move on from this life. Frankie even did that on his own terms, quietly, wrapped in a blanket with his head resting on his beloved Lambie. He left behind many people who loved him, rooted for him, and tried everything possible to make his life one of comfort and love.
Please never underestimate a disabled pigeon. They can absolutely live in happiness and peace. With pigeons, we NEVER start with euthanasia. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.