Therapy Pigeon Helps Girl With Autism To Enjoy Life Again

When Ash Holbrook fostered a baby pigeon she never expected it to change her life. Ash was born premature and later diagnosed with autism. The bird she rescued, named Geraldine, soon became her “therapy pigeon”.

Geraldine was found injured after falling out of a barn rafter. When it was time to release the pigeon, Geraldine didn’t want to leave. The same day Ash’s dog of 15 years passed away. That’s when Ash realized that this feathered friend was something special just for her. Geraldine gives Ash the same sense of peace that her beloved dog had offered.

“It’s just crazy how a tiny little bird can impact your life in such a beautiful way” Ash shared to The Dodo. “As long as she’s with me, I can go anywhere.”

Because of her autism, Ash was struggling with being overwhelmed by her surroundings. But with Geraldine around, Ash finds that the pigeon becomes her focus and she feels a sense of calm. Because the bird was found when it was very young and has been fostered in a home, it has learned to be very calm around people.

Ash’s mom shared that before Geraldine was in their life, Ash struggled to vocally communicate but with the comfort of the sweet bird, Ash is finally able to have the needed confidence to talk with others. When Geraldine went missing while on a recent road trip, Ash was devastated. Local news stations picked up her story, thankfully Geraldine found just the right carport to seek refuge. Dolores Chavez saw the pigeon from the news stories and called out to Geraldine who flew to her arm!

If birds could talk, we think that Geraldine knew she had a job to do! Of course, birds cannot go through true “therapy” training, but this “emotional support animal” takes her job very seriously. Geraldine clearly loves on Ash as much as she receives love! What a beautiful relationship with one of God’s special creatures!