Herman the pigeon lost his ability to fly due to a virus, and faced starvation; but he was delivered into the hands of caring humans—where he also made a few unlikely furry, four-legged friends—at The Mia Foundation.
First found in a parking lot, where he was spotted idling in the same spot for a couple of days, Herman was saved by a concerned citizen. The pigeon was malnourished, and on the brink of death.
Thankfully for the bird, they made a call and found someone who specialized in caring for animals that have birth defects.
Herman was brought to Sue Rogers, 56, founder of The Mia Foundation, based in Rochester, New York.
“I was contacted almost four years ago about a pigeon found in a parking lot unable to fly,” Sue told The Epoch Times of the rescue. “Herman was starving to death and I had to tube-feed him for a few days and then modify food and water dishes.”
Herman, Sue learned, had contracted a virus called paramyxovirus, or PMV, a common ailment among pigeons with lasting effects causing disability in the species, such has inhibiting their ability to fly. He also had a “really weird” involuntary head tilt, she noted.
“[PMV] causes permanent neurological issues. Herman will never be able to fly again,” Sue shared, having learned this unhappy news from talking with other pigeon owners.
While Herman was healing up at the safe haven of The Mia Foundation, he was surrounded by a host of animals in recovery from other ailments—among these were puppies.
Strangely, in this environment, Herman bonded with one particular puppy named Lundy. Though Lundy passed away in 2021, Herman soon found another furry fellow, named Mandy; he befriended her and all became right with the world.
The shelter founder managed to capture this uniquely adorable friendship of pup and pigeon on video, showing Mandy grooming the bird with her tongue, them snuggling together in their dog bed, or moseying about leisurely.
As words, even pictures, can hardly do these blissful scenes justice, here’s the footage:
However, Herman did not warm up to all the puppy dogs at The Mia Foundation. “He picks which dogs he likes and wing-smacks others,” said Sue.
She remarked on his comedic personality and how he has become “one of the dogs.” “Herman is funny. He’s curious. He begs like a dog. He loves his cuddle time. He loves wandering around the house during ‘free time,’” said Sue.
Although the pigeon has been estranged from his flock, he has made a new home, to rival any other, at the foundation, not to mention a welcoming new family.
As no other human nor shelter would take Herman in—some told Sue that they would euthanize him—and he wasn’t releasable, Sue decided to care for him for the rest of his days.
Sue shared with the world a message about inclusivity—that all creatures, including those with birth defects, are deserving of a second chance at life; according to Sue, all animals ought to be treated with love:
