Homing Pigeons/Doves in the News

The following is an article on rock doves/homing pigeons flying beautifully in Maryland. Dom Cirri is the owner of the company and is a respected, upstanding member of the ethical international dove release organization called the White Dove Release Professionals (WDRP):

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=806&NewsID=737057&CategoryID=17260&on=1

Dove Release in the News

http://www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2006/06/12/news/top_stories/01festival12.txt

Kathy Dusart of Wings of White in Colfax, California is featured in the news, doing a fabulous release. There is a great, great picture of Kathy performing a beautiful release. Kathy is President of the WDRP (White Dove Release Professionals).

Explaining WDRP Policy: Refunds

This is probably one of the more flexible rules, with no precise, specific guidelines. The "jist" of it is that dove release companies with WDRP membership will issue refunds to customers, if an "Act of God" or inclement weather has prevented the release. For some companies, this entails a full, complete refund. For others, the amount of the refund is based upon circumstancial evidence, such as how much work was already completed prior to the event, what the contract entails, and possibly exclusions, such as refunds, less reasonable administrative fees.

Usually, if a dove release professional feels pretty certain that a dove release will not be possible, due to a strong weather storm system, they will call the client or the contact to let them know they will most certainly not be able to perform the release. Occasionally, a client still requests the dove release company come to the event, nonetheless, "just in case." This is understandable -- it is the client's big day, and she has most often been dreaming of her dove release for months. Most companies will be perfectly willing to bring the birds to the event. However, this will most often mean that there will be no refund to the client if weather prevents the birds from being released.

A white dove release company's desire is to be able to perform a beautiful release for a client. We will do everything we can to make that happen, and to make it as amazing as we can for our customers. Unfortunately, we cannot fulfill our obligations to the extent of the US Postal Service: Come rain, snow, or sleet, we must protect our birds and "wet wings can't fly."

Explaining WDRP Policy: 100% Reliable & On Time

The reason for this portion of the ethics policy is probably self-explanatory.

When a funeral director places a family in contact with a dove release company, they are taking a risk. They have, essentially, put the care of the family in the hands of someone outside their funeral home for an important aspect of the funeral. The funeral homes must be able to rely completely & confidently upon the character of the dove release representative. The F.H. director needs to know, with every confidence, that the dove release coordinator will treat his/her funeral family with the highest of compassion, respect, and professionalism.

The F.H. director also needs to be confident that the dove release coordinator will show up on time, to every single release, every time. He/she is staking his/her reputation on it.

When I was newer in the dove release business, I faced the burden of proving my reliability, perhaps more than the average "dove wrangler": A few of the funeral homes told me they'd had to deal with a lady, in the past, who would sometimes just not show up for the dove release at all. Her business faded quickly because they could not risk her un-reliability as a factor in their services. So I had to build my reputation for 100% reliability through time, gaining their confidences by being someone they could unquestionably count on.

Similarly, brides, grooms, and wedding vendors must know, through the reputation a dove release company has earned, that their dove release coordinator will be perfectly reliable. The last thing a bride needs to worry about on her wedding day is whether or not a vendor will show up on time for her very important day.

If there are impending circumstances which threaten the ability of the dove release coordinator to perform the dove release (heavy rains, winds, an "Act of God," etc.) a good coordinator would never just "not show up" to a release. He/she would make every possible effort to communicate with the contact for the event.

Explaining WDRP Policy: Appropriate Handler Attire

The idea that when representing a dove business, the dove handler should wear appropriate attire might be self-explanatory. However, I'll delve into the subject, briefly.

I think many people envision someone who raises homing pigeons as being perhaps a little unclean from managing the lofts and the other physical aspects required in maintaining a clean, healthy environment while working with animals. Good care does, indeed, require a great amount of physical work and does involve "mess.

However, while this is the case when it comes to loft maintenance, pampering the birds, and very physical work, it doesn't mean this is how the dove handler should EVER show up to a release assignment.

WDRP members want to reflect their professionalism and how seriously they take making your event beautiful in every way, within their realm of responsibility. So don't ever expect a WDRP member to show up in overalls, with a stem of straw between his/her teeth (said with tongue in cheek, lol). We take our jobs seriously and want to reflect this in every way. Most male WDRP members will wear suits, and some even wear a tux to attend and perform the dove release for you. Women dress in business suits or other formal wear. Good presentation is critical. Your event is very important. Dressing appropriately, and taking pride in appearance is just another imperative piece of the professional packaging that makes up the breathtaking aura of a WDRP dove release.

Explaining WDRP Policy: Releasing Only Rock Doves

ONLY CAREFULLY TRAINED, PERMANENTLY BANDED, PURE WHITE HOMING PIGEONS should ever be released, and only within the area and mileage limits of their training/service area. Yes, homing pigeons "home," but only with thorough and careful training. They have the ability, the trainers must help them hone it, and properly condition them for flights of length.

Pure white ringneck doves are smaller than the homing pigeon. The ringneck doves are commonly found for sale in pet stores, but only as pets. To release a ringneck dove into the wild would be sentencing it to certain death. The ringnecks are not able to fend for themselves against predators, do not fly well at all after having been caged, and are not able to find enough food and water to sustain them long. It is tragic and highly unethical to release this type of dove, or any other bird that is untrained and unable to return to its home safely. This is hardly the outcome a person of conscience would desire, especially after using the dove as a symbol of peace, love, hope, fidelity and the future of the newlyweds.

The WDRP

The flight of white doves is an incredible, emotionally moving sight. The release of doves is a beautiful way to add a magical touch to your wedding ceremony. Professional dove releasers can make all the difference in the quality of the experience. The White Dove Release Professionals (WDRP) is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical treatment of the birds and professionalism.

Why You'll Want A WDRP Member To Handle Your White Dove Release:

• Often imitated but never duplicated, the WDRP was the first and remains the only organization that restricts membership to proven professionals.
  
• Each applicant is screened and voted on by the membership. Not everyone who applies is accepted.
  
• Our members take pride in their work, consult with each other, and discuss the finer points of the art. They will take your event seriously!
  
• Our members will not release under anything but safe conditions.
  

Click here for more information: http://www.white-dove-releases.com/