LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: A recent column discussed “white doves” being released at special events, and I asked you about any experiences you had. Here are just a few of the responses: Linda R. of Madison, Ala .,says: “I work at a pet store, and a customer brought two doves to me, complaining that they had purchased them for a wedding, as a fly-away effect. She didn’t buy homing pigeons. These doves don’t have the homing gene and will fly around aimlessly and then land wherever they please. Doves make great pets and are very gentle. But don’t think that this type of bird will survive in the wild; it will not.”
Sue, via e-mail, says: “I was glad you encouraged people to choose bird professionalsto supply doves. Often people just go to a pet store and buy ‘doves.’ These aren’t ‘homers,’ and they are left to fend for themselves when the festivities are over.”
Patty H. of Jacksonville, Fla., says: “I’ve now had a white dove for many years! She is sweet and gentle, recognizes our voices and loves living most of the year on our screened-in porch. We could never come up with a name, so we just call her Dove.”
Alice H. of Springfield, Mo., says: “At the 2009 National Day of Prayer, hundreds of people met on our courthouse lawn. At the conclusion, several doves were released, leaving everyone with an aura of peace.”
Dan F., via e-mail, says: “Doves were released at my father’s funeral last year. To music, a single dove was released. It circled higher and higher in wider circles for several minutes. We thoughtthat was to be the only dove, then six to eight more were released. They climbed higher and higher until they joined the other. The flock then flew into the distance. Each person took his or her own meaning from the experience, but no one was untouched.” Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
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