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.