Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/pet-pigeon-pidge/

In the bustling streets of New York City, where the unexpected becomes the norm, a unique companionship blossoms between Abby Jardine, a 26-year-old party products developer from Brooklyn, and her pet pigeon, Pidge.

This is not just any bird tale; it’s a story of an extraordinary bond, potty training, and adventures across the city’s iconic landscapes, all of which have catapulted Pidge into viral fame.

purse pigeon nyc 4 - New York Woman and Her Potty Trained Pigeon Take the Big Apple by Storm
Photo: TikTok / @abby_nyc_
Pidge enjoys a lifestyle that includes dining at fine restaurants and attending social events.

The Unlikely Beginning

Abby’s journey with Pidge started unexpectedly when she discovered the pigeon, then a helpless chick, near some trash in her neighborhood, Fox5NY reports.

Sensing the bird’s distress, Abby reached out to the Wild Bird Fund for guidance. Despite her initial lack of avian affinity, Abby couldn’t resist the immediate connection she felt with Pidge.

This encounter marked the beginning of an inseparable bond, transforming Abby into not only a bird person but a dedicated pigeon advocate.

purse pigeon nyc 6 - New York Woman and Her Potty Trained Pigeon Take the Big Apple by Storm
Photo: Pexels
Abby Jardine, a Brooklyn resident, rescued Pidge, a pigeon, from near her apartment.

Pidge’s New York Lifestyle

Pidge is not your average city pigeon. Beyond being a comforting companion to Abby, she leads a lifestyle many New Yorkers might envy. From dining at the city’s finest eateries to attending cool parties and enjoying Uber rides, Pidge does it all with the ease of a social butterfly, the NY Post reports, nestled comfortably in Abby’s crème-colored leather purse.

This pigeon’s adaptability and impeccable manners stem from Abby’s dedication to her unconventional pet, including an innovative potty-training regimen. Abby ensures that Pidge can relieve herself in a hygienic manner, maintaining cleanliness and order wherever they go, Dexerto reports. This practice involves regular bathroom breaks, allowing Pidge to do her business over a toilet.

purse pigeon nyc 5 - New York Woman and Her Potty Trained Pigeon Take the Big Apple by Storm
Photo: TikTok / @abby_nyc_
The duo’s adventures across New York City have made them a viral sensation on TikTok.

The Viral Sensation

Pidge’s charm and Abby’s storytelling have made them a sensation on TikTok, where millions have been captivated by their adventures. Followers are treated to glimpses of Pidge peeking out from Abby’s purse, their strolls around the neighborhood, and their shared moments of companionship.

@abby_nyc_ purse pigeon #petpigeon #pigeontok #pigeon #pursepigeon #pigeonpropaganda #nyc #rescuepigeon ♬ Hope – Makree

Challenging Pigeon Stereotypes

Through their online presence, Abby and Pidge are challenging the long-standing stereotypes surrounding pigeons. Commonly dismissed as “sky rats,” pigeons often bear the brunt of urban disdain. However, Abby’s narrative showcases Pidge’s cleanliness, sociability, and intelligence, gradually shifting public perception. This mission to improve pigeons’ PR is underscored by Abby’s tongue-in-cheek reference to her efforts as “pigeon propaganda,” reports the New York Post, a light-hearted nod to their cause.

Abby and Pidge’s story transcends the typical pet-owner narrative, offering a glimpse into the power of empathy, the potential for interspecies friendship, and the joy of breaking conventions. Their journey together not only enriches their lives but also invites us to reconsider our views on urban wildlife and the capacity for unexpected connections in the concrete jungle.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog