Good Therapy // Sydney & Sandy Clegg

My name is Sydney. And I’m awesome. At least, that’s what my family tells me. After you read my story, I bet you think I’m pretty awesome too.

Oh, I forgot to mention – I’m a duck.  Are you surprised? Don’t be. There really are a bunch of us around. You just don’t notice us. Or maybe you get us confused with our cousins, the geese. Don’t tell anyone, but they can be somewhat annoying with all the honking.

I’m sure you are wondering what I’m doing here on FrankenSTART. What’s so great about a duck – and why in the world would feathers be part of Feature Friday? Well, like I said – I’m not ordinary. Neither is my story.

My family saved me from a place called freezer camp. I’ve been told it’s not a camp at all, and no duck I’ve ever known that’s gone there has returned, so I’m not feeling too good about the place. Seriously, who likes camping, anyway? The day after my family brought me home, I had an encounter with a wild parrot named Coo. He jumped up and bit me on my beak. Can you believe it? That is some nerve starting a fight with a baby duckling. I guess I was a tough duck, though, because all I ended up with was a scar. I also fought off a vicious monster attack one night when my sister and I were sleeping outside. The monster kidnapped her, but I survived.  I’ll spare you all the details, but let’s just say I had a difficult childhood. I felt completely ordinary.

Luckily, things started to look up pretty quickly. My brothers started taking me on walks in our neighborhood. It was awesome! I got to see new houses and sidewalks and trees. I even got to the chance to swim every now and then. I ran into some of my friends, the Mallards. They weren’t very nice to me, and wouldn’t swim with me. Apparently, I didn’t fit in with them. But that’s okay. I loved the fresh air and the cool water, even just for a short time.

I left my flock a long time ago, but I often wanted to go back. I wanted to be with my friends and family in a world that was safe and familiar. I wanted to be with other ducks. I didn’t understand this world with humans and their strange language. But, slowly, over time, they brought me into their world. They were different. They were loving, and kind, and wanted to make a difference in the world. So I decided to make a change. I decided to move away from feeling ordinary. I decided to become an overachiever in a non-feathered world.

I’m not sure she knows it, but I helped my Mom find an ad in the paper for the Humane Society. They were looking for therapy animals. I didn’t really know what a therapy animal did, but it sounded like a pretty cool adventure to me, and I wanted in! I made sure she saw that portion of the paper that day. I had to make a little mess to do it, but it was worth it. At first, I think she just dismissed it. But, I kept bringing that paper back in front of her. And then she did something crazy. She sent them an email!

She didn’t tell them I was a duck. Honestly, I was a little offended by that. But, the lady who responded actually guessed I was a duck and wanted to meet me. Can you believe it? Instantly, Mom was concerned. She has yet to figure out how to potty train me. I don’t even know what that means, but I will tell you I will NEVER agree to it. Potties are disgusting, and I am not going anywhere near one.

After we met with the Humane Society, they told us I could now start visiting nursing homes. Mom seemed pretty excited about that. It took me a little while to get used to the idea. Okay, maybe only five minutes, but in duck time, that’s forever! I strutted my stuff down those hallways like I owned it. And guess what? People liked me! Everyone was calling my name. “Sydney! Sydney!” I could barely keep up with the attention. I felt warm and fuzzy and at home.

The best part happened after that. Because many of the people who live there are in wheelchairs, it’s hard for them to reach down and pet me. Mom picked me up and let a man stroke my feathers. I remained very calm and relaxed. Something about it soothed me, and it seemed to make him happy. Then, I decided to get a little silly. I wanted to see if I could make him laugh, too. I put my beak on his bald head and tickled him. That was my favorite part. He laughed and smiled and seemed like there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

I’ve had different reactions from people. Some people cry when they touch my feathers. Others smile and stare off into the distance. But, I feel connected to them. I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. And that makes me happy.

Now, I get to visit nursing homes on a regular basis. I see some people I’ve met before, and new people, too. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried this therapy stuff. It makes me feel great, and helps others, too. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

Sydney the Therapy Duck belongs to Sandy Clegg. She loves watching the elderly light up with smiles when Sydney waddles into the room. You can follow her journey at www.sydneysmiles.net.