Andy's Pet Shop

Andy's Pet Shop in San Jose has been open for more than 50 years. Last year it was purchased by Lissa Shoun and, instead of buying puppies and birds from breeders to sell, she's providing room and board for rescued animals that are available for adoption. She's got rabbits and dogs and cats and fish and hamsters and a gianormous iguana and a toucan named Mango and now, four king pigeons. I took Alejandra & Sparks and Willow & Blue (along with their respective nests and wooden eggs) this afternoon. Each couple has their own large cage (with milk crates as temporary nest boxes) and all were starting to settle in when I left.



My loft is definitely different already without them there. There are 12 rather than 16 birds. Sparks, though mated to Alejandra, was always courting Louie and, though Louie refused his advances, I wonder if she'll miss the attention. Alejandra pal'd around with Billie and I'm sure Billie will miss her. Willow was, of course, the Mayor of the loft and his absence leaves a big hole that had previously been filled with his outgoing nature, muttered opinions and general joie de vive. Blue's sweet peacefulness will be missed.

I hated, in some ways, to uproot them from the home they've had for months but the opportunity to have rescued king pigeons featured in such a popular destination is not to be missed. They're ambassadors now, on behalf of king pigeons, and all pigeons. If you go visit them, say sweet things softly. They like that.

To know more about Andy's, read the story, "Landmark becomes haven for rescued animals" recently published in the San Jose Mercury News.

Previous Posts

Rescuers Needed And Found
Baby Pigeons Dill and Tess, Chapter 2
Baby Pigeons Dill and Tess, Chapter 1
June 2008 Rescue Updates
Bird Bath
Saving Spice the Goldfish
One that can be saved
May 2008 Rescue Updates
Wild Goose Chasing
Big Day in the Menagerie
Pigeon Family Values
Pearl
Brave Irina
Sparks & Doll are doing great; Willow is recovering and my Charlie girl has died...
Sparks is home and Doll is better
Unusual (and unwelcome) drama
First in-house injury
Coyote
The hawk that played oppossum
Gurumina: First king that I really met
King Pigeons
Elephant seal pup
The baby bird that trusted me
Monkey
First blog