Today is a sad day. It started out lovely with ice out on the sunny side of the pond. The ducks, Dilly, Quackers, Peep and Squeak enjoyed a first spring dip in the pond while I enjoyed the view from my chair in the shade.
Yet, when it was time to bring the ducks in this evening, there was no Dilly to be found. I discovered her body on the edge of the pond. While six years seems like a long life for a physically challenged duck, losing her hit me hard.
Dilly has always held a special place in our hearts. Because of her deformed legs, walking was very laborious for her and she always brought up the ducky rear. The pond was her favorite place – she would complain loudly when the other ducks left her behind. She was our best broody duck, working so hard at sitting on her nest every summer, never with any luck. Dilly got a little extra TLC, like picking her up to put her in the motar box for a winter bath or allowing her nest in the lavendar or wherever she wanted.
It’s an end of an era here at Downeast Thunder Farm. We’re going to miss Dilly.
Dilly Posts
- 3 August 2014: Dilly, One Annoyed Duck
- 14 July 2014: An Uncooperative Broody Duck
- 22 April 2013: Dilly in the Lillies
- 16 March 2013: The Restorative Power of a Bath
- 4 April 2012: Dilly the Duck Adopts Chicken Eggs
- 8 August 2011: Dilly Our Physically Challenged Duck
- 23 March 2012: Dilly the Broody Duck
- 6 April 2012: Silly Dilly The Movie
- 27 March 2012: Rules to Being a Broody Duck
- 21 January 2012: Dilly the Duck Felt Pattern
- 4 August 2011: Dilly – Our Physically Challenged Duck
I’m so sorry.
Sad that you lost Dilly .r.i.p
I’m so sorry that Dilly is gone. We recently lost our beloved kitty Tim and I know that heartache! Dilly was a duck like no other and she had a good life with your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Love is love, no matter the type of animal or person and it always leaves a hole in your heart when you lose that loved one. My sympathy and thoughts go out to you and your family. I hope with time that the sadness wanes and the happy times will be remembered and make you smile. Peace.
So very sorry for your broken hearts. Dilly sure was a special little lady <3
So sorry to hear about Dilly. I don’t post as much, but i follow along with the mailings.
Debbie
I had a house duck for 4 years named Dodger. I named her that thinking she would have to dodge us going around the house. Turned out it was a very apt name as we were the ones who were dodging-her. She was a crested duck. She was a delight and we loved her dearly. Like Dilly she loved to swim only she had the use of our guest bathroom tub. I am an invalid and she would sit by my wheelchair through the day and talk to me. She was my companion. She slept in a dog crate at night with a sheet over it. When she heard my husband get up in the morning she would start in quacking to be let out and about. One morning she didn’t and when my husband took the sheet off he found she had stuck her head through the bars and had not been able to get it back through and had hung herself. I cannot begin to tell you how I felt. Four years later as I write this I have tears rolling down my cheeks. Ducks are so personable. They are funny and loving. I am so sorry for your loss. Dilly was one very special duck and can never be replaced. I know that Dodger will be waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge. I am sure Dilly will be waiting for you, and the next time you see Dilly she will not have deformed legs and she will come waddling up to you as fast as any duck can waddle.
Sorry about your duck. I’m glad she had you for a family.
TerriSue, your story brought a tear to my eye too. I’m so sorry you lost Dodger too soon.