Remember being told this joke and seeing it in many different pigeon publications and websites. Enjoy!
Sal and Tony were friends and pigeon fanciers for many years. As they got up in years they promised one another that if one should die before the other they would somehow send a message back to the other about whether or not pigeon racing exists in heaven. As fate would have it, Sal passed on before his friend and Tony missed him dearly. Breeding season had just ended and Old bird season was about to begin. As Tony cleaned his loft one evening, to his surprise, he heard his long lost friend calling his name.
Sal: Tony, Tony!
Tony: Is that you Sal? How are you buddy? I have missed you!
Sal: Yeah, Tony it is me. Remember the promise we made one another?
Tony: Boy, do I! So tell me is there pigeon racing in heaven?
Sal: You bet there is! But, with that good news I also have some bad news to tell you.
Tony: Bad news? What could possibly be bad news when you have told me such good news?
Sal: Well, pal. You are shipping with us on Friday!