A Formerly Feral Dog and His Human Save an Injured Baby Hummingbird From Almost Certain Death

A formerly-feral and once-uncontrollable dog named Rex was in the company of Ed Gernon, the human who rescued him when he spotted an injured baby hummingbird who was left behind to die. Surprisingly, given his past, the dog decided to do for the bird what Gernon did for him. A year later, the incredibly loved hummingbird, now named “Hummer”, flies around Gernon’s house, greets him at the door, bathes Rex’s water bowl and absolutely refuses to leave, despite the open windows. Gernon spoke with CBS Los Angeles about the impact Hummer has had on him and on Rex.

It was this little creature. This fragile creature that the whole world wanted to kill and he [Rex] was trying to protect her so I thought I’d go the distance …It’s time for her to start mating and I keep leaving the doors and windows open thinking she’ll leave. …I rescue this dog. He rescues the bird. The bird rescues all of us in a weird sense and it’s just a miracle

Life With Hummer

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.