True stories of a small flock of remarkable individuals -- and other critters.



Tuesday, April 16, 2013

A Little Hen with a Big Heart

In the scope of things, with the horrible tragedy in Boston and all the other sorrows in our world, the death of a chicken really doesn't fit in.  

But Pigeon will be missed, like any of Mother Nature's creatures, by the ones who loved her.


She was a survivor, a trooper, and one of the happiest characters I have ever met.  

Pigeon endured some hard times, just as we all do.
Those hard times ended the day we met.   
She healed, she blossomed,
She thrived. She was a treasure. A comical, half-blind, enthusiastic hen. She became the flock leader and she ruled with a warm and compassionate heart.

You can find out more about Pigeon's happy life HERE....and HERE.... and her rescue story is in my book.

Today, the day after Pigeon's passing, we have no sorrow in the coop.  While Pigeon was ill, Lucy and the gals paid their respects, treated her with kindness, and prepared for change. 

Today Lucy and Lil'White and Daisy carry a bit of Pigeon's warmth with them as they joyfully trample my young garden in search of slimy and crunchy treats.  

The sun is shining and the breeze is soft. 

And it's okay to pause and cry, because pain and loss happen.  

But still, today is a beautiful day.
Pigeon



60 comments:

  1. I just lost my flock leader, Blondie, last week. Yes, we grieve and miss their gentle, comical spirits. But there is sunshine, and there are bugs and lilacs, and we smile and remember and go on.

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  2. Pigeon was so loved by you, by her flock-friends, and by all of us that have followed the ups and downs of her story.

    RIP sweet Pigeon ... :)

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  3. Oh, I'm so very sorry. Such a very sad day indeed. She was such a sweet bird. I'm so very sorry.

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  5. so sorry, first Fern, and now Pigeon. We do love them so much, don't we? She's crossed over the Rainbow Bridge to be with Fern.

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  6. So sorry for your loss. I never tire of reading about your cast of characters. Pigeon will be missed. Bless her!

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  7. We lost our Ethel last week. I think Burnsides does miss her, she certainly is noisier. But as you say, there are bugs, snails and other tasty treats in the garden to check out. RIP, our little friends.

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  8. I am so sorry to read about Pigeon. She will be missed I'm sure. Thinking of you.

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  9. Sorry for the loss of Pigeon. She was a sweetie!

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  10. Oh no! Oh Lauren, I am so very sorry to hear about Pigeon, and so soon after Fern. I lost Betty not long after Hattie, it was heart breaking.
    Pigeon was so lucky to find you, and you her. Thank you for sharing Pigeon's life with us.

    Sending HUGE hugs across the sea to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  11. Oh Lauren, My life was touched by Pigeon and I am so sure that she will be dearly missed by all those who met this fabulous girl. Thank you for sharing her with us all. Bless her heart.~Melissa xo

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  12. So sorry. Pigeon was precious. Thanks for sharing her with us all!

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  13. Oh, no! :( I'm so sorry to read!

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  14. Thanks for sharing her life with us. It certainly lifted my spirit to hear what she and the other gals were up to. Will be missed for sure.

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  15. Sorry for your loss. I hope when I have to go through losing one of my little flock members I can do it with such grace and positivity (I'm sure that's not even a word). You are an example.

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  16. When my four year old asked if there will be chickens in heaven, I said "Of course there will be chickens in heaven! Because God loves all his little creatures." I'm sure Pigeon is strutting her stuff as we speak!

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  17. Bye bye Pigeon. I'll miss you too!

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  18. RIP Pigeon. You will be missed by your entire flock; avian, human, canine...thank you for touching my heart through your Mama's stories she shared in her book.

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  19. Awww. We will all miss her! Sorry Lauren.

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  20. My heart is touched.
    Rest in peace, with flower fields
    and garden beds, dear Pigeon.

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  21. Oh, not Pigeon. I loved everything about that little hen that I never met, starting with her name. The best thing about the backyard chickens, their fortune, is that they are individuals. They make their way into our hearts. They live the slow life, not one in which they are a cog in a wheel. I'm glad she gave you joy.

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  22. Oh Lauren,

    I'm so sorry to hear of Pigeon's passing. Her story, and beautiful re-blossoming under your care have been a joy to read and follow. I'm so sorry. I do think she was my "favorite", or at least one of the favorites - her sense of adventure and resilient, happy nature were so very, very endearing. She will be deeply missed.
    Our condolences to you.
    Jane & Bill down the road

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  23. I am so sorry. Pets are a part of our families and it is always hard when one passes. (((((hugs))))

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  24. So sorry, Lauren. Lucy will miss her as we all will. I'm glad I have your wonderful book full of memories, photos and drawings of Pigeon to look back on.

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  25. So sorry for your loss.
    Good bye little Pigeon.

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  26. I, too, have chicken, Nutmeg, who is blind in one eye. Can you tell me what kind of waterer Pigeon used. I'm thinking of switchen from a galvanized fount with the water tray to a nipple system. But I am afraid Nutmeg won't be able to find the nipples to get the water. So I wonder about your experience. Thanks.

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  27. Oh, Lauren. I'm so sorry. Losing a hen is sad. We've been through it twice and they're still missed. But Pigeon... She'll live on in your book and your heart. *hugs*

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  28. Awwww.... poor Pigeon.
    Sleep tight, sweet girl~ you will be missed....

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  29. When I wept over the loss of my first hen, thinking it was silly, yet feeling it deeply, a good friend of mine gave great advice: "Don't qualify your love. It doesn't have anything to do with what other people are losing. You lost her. You loved her. You're grieving. Be kind to yourself. It's okay to grieve the things we love." RIP Pigeon. :(

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  30. Sorry to hear bout a feathered friend crossing over to the big free rangin' in heaven so soon.

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  31. I am very sorry to hear about Pigeon. She did matter! She was loved and lived out her days happily. Take comfort in that.

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  32. Sorry to hear of Pigeon's passing, but how wonderfully her life has been shared (and will continue to be) in your writings and artwork :)

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  33. I an so sorry. I lost our head girl a few months ago and I know how heartbreaking it is. I find I still talk about her when I am watching the other girls antics. Pigeon was lucky to be loved by you and will live on in your book forever.

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    1. I, too, am sorry about the passing of Pigeon especially since reading your book of how she came from rags to riches at your coop. I have lost lots of chickens to natural deaths over the last 16 years and its never easy to lose those you love so much. And you too, Carol. May you both heal. I have cried more over my chickens than my real people in life. Its because they love you and respect you as their "mother hen". Cause without you they would not survive. I have taken in chickens no one wanted and been rewarded with happiness. Take care.

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  34. Oh good grief...I am bawling my eyes out like a baby! (((Hugs))) I am touched by how much these happy little creatures can mean to us and teach us. God bless chickens! xxx

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  35. Oh Lauren! Of course she will be missed. She brought such joy to your family. So sorry for your loss.

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  36. I'm so sorry. She was a beautiful darling girl. Thank you so much, for sharing your girls with me, I love reading about them. Hugs xxx

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  37. I'm so sorry. I lost one of my first chickens yesterday too. Not a good day. My 16-yr old cat also went over the bridge yesterday. I feel your loss and sadness. Bless you for being such a wonderful mother hen.

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  38. Oh Pigeon... I will miss hearing about you sweet chicken. RIP.

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  39. That's a very lovely reflection on a very lovely life. What a beautiful girl. I'll miss seeing her pictures and your sketches of her.

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  40. I'm sorry for your loss, but I love your philosophy.

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  41. Oh Lauren, I am so very sorry. Giving them up is the hardest part of loving chickens. Often times they go far too soon. I'm so glad you rescued her so she knew a happy life and knew what it was to be loved. I think she and Buttercup are scratching and pecking together in chicken heaven now :)

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  42. I know Pigeon had a good and happy life; thank you for sharing her life with us. mjc

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  43. So sorry for your loss of Pigeon. I feel honored that you shared her life with us.

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  44. I'm sorry.

    Deirdre

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  45. Dearest Lauren,
    I find myself wiping my eyes with sadness for the loss of a dear little soul, and joy for the smiles you have both brought into my life.
    Hugs,
    Paul

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  46. Oh Lauren, I only just found that Pigeon has gone to that big chicken coop in the sky <3 I so hoped she's bounce back for you, but having lots of chickens I know that hope was sort of futile. They don't let you know they're not feeling well until they just can't hide it any longer.
    I hope she and Fern are having a time pecking and scratching the dirt
    at the Rainbow Bridge together. Hugs, Linda Bickford

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  47. So sorry to hear about Pigeon. No doubt she will be missed. Just think about how much she enjoyed her life with you and the flock. xoxo Chris Seaver

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  48. Hugs to you...
    Carla

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  49. I'm sorry for the loss of your sweet little Pigeon.
    Hugs))

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  50. I'm so sorry to hear that you've lost Pigeon. Your stories and illustrations of her always made me chuckle and smile. Surely she'll be missed. Hugs and prayers!

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  51. I'm sorry that you have lost your girl, Pigeon. I know how it is, and it's ok to write about it. What struck me as interesting, is that my one-eyed girl is my flock leader and top hen, too. <<>>

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  52. I just finished your book! So sorry to hear of our loss of Pigeon. I lost one of my hens after she fell ill this winter and mourned more than I ever thought I would. They do touch your heart, don't they. Hugs your way.

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  53. AWWWWW im soooooo sorry I cant stop crying I have lost a chicken to :( I will buy your book im so sorry for your loss :( I read your whole blog I love it soooo much

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  54. So sorry to hear about Pigeon.. :( It's never easy, losing a loved feathery one. Some people don't understand, but those of us who are your fans and friends love chickens as much as you, and we know how hard it is. You and your girls are in my thoughts, rest in peace sweet Pigeon! What a wonderful life she had with you.

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  55. Oh no! Pigeon was such a sweet hen. But as the chickens say, love, remember, then go find some tasty treats. R.I.P Pigeon!

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  56. Thanks so much for your blog its very helpful I am a new chicken owner. Love your coup

    Karin http://openbeauty.blogspot.com/

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