A white dove

One summer day, I saw a white dove that wasn’t moving in the corner of our back entryway. Not knowing what was wrong with the bird, my husband and I thought it should be protected from cats and dogs.

I covered the bird with an old laundry basket—the same one we used years ago for another bird that couldn’t fly.

My husband secured the basket with plant pots in case a cat tried to move it. I gave the white dove some water and mashed oatmeal. I spoke to the dove, telling it “not to worry and to rest well.” That night, we turned off the back porch light for the white dove.

The next day, the dove looked much livelier. We felt confident that it could fly and return to its family. We removed the laundry basket. The bird didn’t fly right away; it carefully walked around the entryway. My husband gently held the dove, lifted his arm toward the sky, and opened his hands for it to fly.

Then an astonishing moment occurred. The dove flew up but immediately came down to me, as if to thank me, and then it flew away. It was a beautiful moment.

It was the second time we had rescued doves that were in trouble. We keep the basket for any future moment when a distressed bird might need help.

Doves are internationally known as symbols of peace and love. In Feng Shui, they also represent harmony and long-lasting love. Placing two white dove figures in the relationship area of the Bagua map can be a meaningful aspiration for harmony between partners and for a long, loving life together.

FYI: You cannot keep a wild bird unless it is injured, and even then you should keep it only for a day or two. If the bird does not show any improvement, you should contact your local Audubon Society.