Dear Friends,

I’m writing to let you know that I’m taking a three-month leave of absence beginning January 20, 2025.

I’ve been trying for quite a while to find the right words to express how incredibly grateful I am to the amazing Palomacy community. You all have given me so much hope and faith throughout these past 17 years. We live in a hard world that often feels heartless- except within this kind, compassionate, generous family that we have created together. You all are truly the best of the best.

Though I’ll be taking a break from bird rescue, Palomacy will continue thanks to our many flock members working their miracles every day.

Jill (McMurchy) Shepard will be Acting Executive Director and taking over many of my responsibilities in addition to her role as Care Director. Please support her as enthusiastically as you always do (and maybe even a little more). Our Board Treasurer Jenna Close will provide extra support on the financial and organizational administration side of things. Rose Lalla Jensen is the Administrator and Lead Moderator for our online Palomacy Help Group. Dion Campbell is our Phone Line Lead (415 851-5948). Heather Hohlowski will be publishing your stories and articles to our website, blog and newsletter. Board member Aileen (Ellie) Paterson will manage our GlobalGiving reports and appeals. And there are over 100 more dedicated volunteers helping to do everything- all the rescuing, fostering, aviary cleaning, rehoming, care coaching, supporting, publicizing, posting, fundraising and advocating for our precious birds!

Together you are every day making the world-changing, life-saving difference for pigeons and doves that they said couldn’t be done.

I thank you with all my heart for carrying on while I take a break.

With love,

Elizabeth Young, founder