Couple adopt injured pigeon and sacrifice holiday for over 17 years

Bertl and Irmi Reiterer, an animal loving couple from Austria, have not been on holiday for over 17 years – after adopting an injured pigeon!

Mr Reiterer, 84, found the pigeon by the side of the road with a broken wing and suspected it had been hit by a car. The couple ensured the pigeon was seen by a vet to check she was okay and then brought her back to their home.

It was clear by her injuries she would no longer be able to fly so the couple decided to house her in the garage downstairs. However, one Christmas the door to the garage was left open and she managed to find her way into the house and hopped into the oven. It had just been used and was still warm, making a much desired change from the chill of the garage, so much so she refused to come out.

Mr Reiterer explained: “We gave her a bit to eat in the oven - a few pieces of cornbread. The next morning when she was still there we gave her some water, and she sort of just remained."

The couple named the pigeon Susi, and say that they can't imagine life without her, despite her advanced age.

Mrs Reiterer, 77, said that they have to wait until the pigeon decides to go for a walk around the house before they can use the dishwasher as it disturbs her while she is sleeping.

"I don't regret the fact that we haven't gone on holiday because of her - we didn't travel much anyway although we do have a hut in a ski district we can only go there for the day," she said.