Dear Pav,

For those unfamiliar with my medical history, I am an ex-PMV pigeon. PMV (paramyxovirus) can affect a pigeon's balance, coordination, and the way they hold their head. In my case, I developed a rather dramatic head tilt and spent some time viewing the world from what I can only describe as an alternative perspective. At one point, I was apparently found sitting in such a peculiar position that my mom, Iris, called an exorcist. This did not help.

What did help was a nutritious diet, physiotherapy, massages, PEMF therapy, and a great deal of patience from the humans around me. Little by little, I improved. In fact, I'm still making progress to this day.

How am I coping? Remarkably well, thank Coo! 

I enjoy sunbathing, napping, flirting with inappropriate suitors, demanding snacks, judging visitors and supervising the Love a Dove matchmaking service. I have also successfully trained my human to cater to my every whim, which I consider a major milestone in my rehabilitation.

The funny thing about disability is that humans often worry about it far more than we do. I don't spend my days wishing I was a different pigeon. I spend them deciding where to loaf, who to coo at and whether the current seed selection is acceptable.

The jury is out on that one.

Princess Pavlova