Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue (2025)

15/09/2025

Meet Juneau: A Distinguished Gentleman in His Prime
At eight years old, Juneau insists that middle age is the new twenty-five, and honestly, who are we to argue with such wisdom? This distinguished gentleman is a survivor of the demanding pigeon racing industry, and the fact that he’s reached this impressive age is nothing short of miraculous. We’re incredibly grateful he was rescued because Juneau has so much love left to give! What makes Juneau truly special is his perfect balance of engaging personality and stoic composure. He’s the kind of companion who brings a calming presence to any room while still being wonderfully interactive and aware of everything happening around him. There’s something almost regal about his demeanor, like he’s seen the world and emerged with both dignity and grace intact.
After going without food for far too long while struggling to survive on his own, Juneau has developed the most touching appreciation for every meal and treat he receives. Watching him enjoy his food with such genuine gratitude is both heartbreaking and heartwarming – he truly knows the value of a safe home.
This incredibly gentle bird is an absolute delight to be around and such a good boy in every way. He’s wonderfully easy to handle and pick up, and he looks absolutely handsome in his pigeon pants, wearing them with the confidence of someone who knows he’s looking sharp! But perhaps his favorite activity is the most endearing of all – relaxing on the couch with his foster family, contentedly watching TV or observing video game sessions like the perfect couch companion he is.
Juneau is looking for an adoptive family who will appreciate his gentle nature and his love of simple domestic pleasures. This distinguished fellow is ready to be someone’s devoted couch buddy for many years to come!💓

15/09/2025

You couldn’t ask for a more perfectly named pigeon than Scrappy! This incredible little fighter earned his moniker through sheer determination and the kind of scrappy survivor instinct that carried him through unimaginable hardship. When he was found, Scrappy was suffering from a severe case of stringfoot on both feet – debris had wrapped so tightly around his feet that they were actually tied together, leaving him unable to walk. It’s hard to imagine how painful and frightening that must have been.
But here’s where Scrappy’s story becomes absolutely heartwarming. The moment our volunteers freed him from his painful burden, he seemed to understand immediately that these humans were his heroes. Instead of remaining fearful or withdrawn after such trauma, Scrappy made a remarkable decision – people were going to be his best friends! His gratitude was instant and genuine, as if he knew exactly who to thank for giving him his mobility back.
Scrappy has embraced his second chance at life with enthusiasm. This little guy loves his treats and has claimed a favorite cushion as his personal throne, but what he enjoys most is being right in the thick of whatever’s happening in his foster home. He’s curious, social, and always wants to be part of the action. Whether it’s watching daily activities or just soaking up the company of his human friends, Scrappy wants to be where the love is. Scrappy is looking for a forever family who will appreciate his remarkable spirit - this grateful little survivor is ready to be someone’s most loyal and loving friend!❤️

15/09/2025

Meet Yarrow: A Snowy Beauty Finding Her Voice
Sometimes the most beautiful stories are about quiet transformations, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Yarrow. This stunning snowy white lady is a survivor of the cruel dove release industry, where birds are used as living decorations for events and then abandoned to fend for themselves in a world they were never prepared to navigate alone. When Yarrow was found, she was lost, confused, and understandably shaken by everything she’d been put through.
What makes Yarrow truly special isn’t just her breathtaking appearance – though her pristine white feathers are absolutely gorgeous – it’s the incredible journey of healing and trust-building she’s embarking on. After experiencing the trauma of being used and then discarded, she’s slowly learning that not all humans are the same, and that some are genuinely kind and trustworthy. One of the most exciting developments is that Yarrow is becoming much more talkative! It’s as if she’s finally finding her voice again after being silenced by fear and uncertainty. Each little coo feels like a victory, a sign that she’s beginning to believe in safety and love again.
Yarrow is looking for a patient, understanding family who will continue nurturing her growing confidence and appreciate the privilege of witnessing her complete transformation. She needs people who understand that trust is earned gradually, and that the most rewarding relationships are built on gentle consistency and unconditional love.🤍

15/09/2025

Meet Agent Birb: The World’s Most Innocent “Spy”
You absolutely cannot make this stuff up! Meet Agent Birb, whose rescue story reads like something straight out of a novel. This remarkable pigeon is a survivor of the racing industry who found herself lost and desperately seeking help when she landed on a naval base. What happened next is almost too incredible to believe – she was actually seized and investigated under suspicion of being a Chinese spy! Yes, you read that correctly, and no, we promise we’re not making this up. After what was presumably the most unusual interrogation of her life, Agent Birb was officially deemed innocent of all espionage charges and handed over to the local animal shelter. Fortunately, the shelter knew exactly who to call – our wonderful volunteer Kara, who welcomed this “former suspect” with open arms. Despite her brush with international intrigue, Agent Birb has proven to be anything but a master of espionage. In fact, she’s quite the opposite – a sweet and delightful lady who’s completely transparent about her favorite activities. She loves posing fashionably in her pigeon pants and spending quality time hanging out with her foster mom. Her idea of undercover work involves finding the coziest spots in the house for maximum relaxation.
This charming “agent” has traded her racing days and brief career in alleged international relations for a much more appealing lifestyle of being thoroughly spoiled and loved. Agent Birb is looking for a forever family who will appreciate her incredible backstory and provide her with the peaceful, loving home she deserves – no security clearance required!🥸🕵‍♂️

15/09/2025

Meet Cubby Bear: A Gentle Giant Seeking Peace
There’s something wonderfully poetic about how Cubby Bear got her name – rescued during a Cubs game in Chicago, this impressively large pigeon earned a moniker that perfectly captures both her size and the city that became her sanctuary. Her bold name might suggest a fierce competitor, which she certainly was during her difficult days enduring the cruel pigeon racing industry, but the real Cubby Bear is so much more tender. This magnificent bird carries herself with the physical presence you’d expect from someone built for endurance and speed. Her impressive size speaks to the strength that helped her survive an industry that demands everything from these remarkable athletes. But look into her eyes, and you’ll see something that tells a different story – the gentle soul of someone who’s been through too much and is still learning that the world can be kind. Cubby Bear is still working through the trauma of her racing days. The constant pressure, the demands, the uncertainty – it all left its mark on this sensitive bird. She’s cautious now, understandably so, and needs time to understand that she’s truly safe. What she’s looking for isn’t excitement or adventure, but rather the quiet comfort of knowing that each day will be peaceful and predictable.
The perfect home for Cubby Bear would be one filled with gentle voices, patient hearts, and lots of quiet love. She needs a family who understands that healing takes time and that the greatest gift they can give her is the security of knowing she’ll never have to race again – just rest, recover, and finally learn what it feels like to be truly cherished.🐻

13/09/2025

In August we averaged 18 new rescues a week! Your help makes this possible!

10/09/2025

Hey there. I'm Arete, and I'm still learning what safety feels like.
Out on the streets, string wrapped around my feet until I lost some of my toes - I was in pain, but I stayed quiet. That’s what pigeons do—we keep going, even when it hurts.
Now I’m in a safe place, and things are… different. There’s food, warmth, and no danger waiting around every corner. I’m still unsure if I’ll always get to be safe like this. But I’m watching. Listening. Trying to understand.
What I need is patience. A calm home. Someone who sees me not for what I’m not—but for what I could become.
My feet are okay now, but really appreciate these soft surfaces like blankets, that feel so comfortable.
I’m not sure yet that I’m really safe. But I’m trying. Please keep me safe.
—Arete 🙏🏻🪻

10/09/2025

Promise is a striking pigeon with soft silver feathers, bold black wing markings, and a shimmering patch of green on his neck that catches the light. Found tucked under a car after surviving the racing world, Promise now deserves the quiet safety of a forever home.
His name was inspired by a brilliant guide in Tanzania—someone full of knowledge and quiet strength—and this beautiful bird carries the same sense of quiet dignity. Promise has a thoughtful gaze and a gentle presence. He seems to prefer calm, soft spaces where he can feel safe and comfortable. Promise is looking for a home where he can be loved and cared for—no more racing, no more fear. Just warmth, peace, and the promise of a better life.🔓❤️

10/09/2025

Sometimes the most incredible birds find their way to freedom through the kindness of strangers, and that’s exactly what happened to Puff! This magnificent fellow is a brave survivor of the demanding pigeon racing industry who found himself lost and confused on the streets of Chicago. Fortunately, fate stepped in when two compassionate women spotted him and knew he needed help, bringing him straight to our wonderful volunteer Susan.
One look at Puff and you’ll understand why his rescuers gave him his name – he’s an impressively big and robust bird! But what makes Puff truly special isn’t just his physical prowess, it’s his absolutely delightful personality that shines through now that he’s free from the pressures of competition. This charming guy has discovered the joy of simply being himself, and what a playful character he turns out to be! Puff approaches life with enthusiasm and curiosity, always ready for the next adventure or game. His robust size matches his robust personality – he’s confident, engaging, and has that wonderful zest for life that makes every day more interesting. Puff is looking for a forever family who will appreciate his impressive presence, his playful spirit, and his remarkable journey from confused racing bird to beloved companion. This big-hearted champion is ready to trade racing for a lifetime of love and play!🎈

09/09/2025

Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way, and it’s how we adapt that truly defines us. Meet Violette, a sweet pigeon whose journey took an unexpected turn when she collided with a window. While this accident left her with partial vision impairment, it certainly hasn’t dimmed her spirit! Violette has embraced her new reality with such grace and determination. She’s discovered a wonderful new hobby that brings her endless joy – climbing onto all her favorite perches and cushions throughout her foster home. Watching her navigate from spot to spot, you’d be amazed at how well she’s adapted. She knows exactly where her preferred cozy corners are located and moves between them with the confidence of someone who’s completely at home in her environment.
Everyone who meets Violette is immediately struck by her incredibly gentle nature and those big, beautiful eyes that seem to see straight into your soul. Despite everything she’s been through, she remains remarkably sweet and docile, with a calm presence that’s both soothing and endearing. There’s something almost wise about her demeanor, as if her experiences have given her a deeper appreciation for the simple comforts of life.
Violette will thrive in a peaceful forever home where her gentle personality will be treasured and where she can continue perfecting her perching skills!🪻💜

09/09/2025

Breezy is a gentle, resilient pigeon with a story to tell. He was rescued after surviving a dog attack, arriving with missing tail feathers, a wing injury, and wounds on his side. Despite all he’s been through, he carries himself with quiet sweetness. This handsome boy has shown himself to be very social—he enjoys the company of people and other pigeons alike. Breezy always rushes to greet volunteers with a happy dance, and craves attention and kindness, revealing his soft and steady nature. Now fully recovered, he’s ready to leave his racing days behind and begin a new chapter in a safe and loving forever home, where he can simply enjoy being the sweet companion he was always meant to be.💕

09/09/2025

Meet Mallory! She is a gorgeous city girl who was found downtown laying on her side by a building. Since being rescued, she has had time to recover and truly shine. She has lovely dark charcoal black plumage with some spots of white, and of course, sports some shiny purple and green feathers along her chest and neck. You will also notice that Mallory is perfectly rotund and pigeon shaped, making her an ideal ‘birb.’ However, as you can see, Mallory is missing all of her toes on her right foot. Mallory is a victim of stringfoot, a condition in which string or other waste such as strands of human hair get tangled tightly around a bird’s foot and lead to pain, infection, or in Mallory’s case, loss of toes. Although Mallory used to be a city girl, she knows it is time for a change of pace. Mallory is looking for a permanent home with a kind human who will provide her not only with treats and soft surfaces to rest on, but also patience and love. In return, she will provide you with companionship, soft coos, beauty, and peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life!🏡

Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue

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