Ceremonial white doves are couple's passion and livelihood

Some Veterans Day ceremonies feature the release of white doves, many of which are cared for by a Lakeland couple.

Frank and Mary Jean Fanni started A Touch Above Doves in Lakeland over 10 year ago. The couple has over 50 white doves, which symbolize a brighter future and peace in special ceremonies.

Often, though, the release of a dove can also signify moving on from a tragedy.

"Funeral and memorial services somehow they feel the presence of their lost loved ones in that dove when they release it," Mary Jean Fanni said.

The couple spends a lot of time caring for and training the birds. They said the birds are their pride and joy.

"It's a nice scenery to see your birds come home," he said. "They're just like your kids coming home, you know. You always wonder if they're gonna make it home alright."

When doves mate, they spend their lives together, but professionally the Fannis said it's better the doves work apart.

"When I fly them, I don't fly them together," Frank Fanni said. "I usually take one out and leave one at home and that makes the other one come home quicker. "

The highly-intelligent birds are equipped with an innate homing device, which allows them to find their way home after being released, sometimes as far as 50 miles way. They fly fast, too, often beating Fanni home from the spot where he releases them.

Fanni said that, even though his passion for the birds dates back to his childhood in New York City, what is most important about the doves is what they can give back to the community.

"It's all about peace and release, peace of mind," he said.