Hi Flapper. Guess what?
"What's wrong, Mom. You look weird. Uh oh, you took in another duckling, didn't you."

How did you know that, Flapper?
"Be serious. What were you thinking? You weren't thinking, were you."
It's just until the little kid finds a forever home, Flapper. Okay?

"Well... I guess that's okay, as long as I don't have to share any treats."

I mean, look at your feet. Those are some great kicks, kid.

"Do you really think someone will want me?"
Oh yes. I think so, baby duckling.

"Did anyone ask about me yet?"
Not yet little buddy. But let's wait a day or so and check again.

"How about now? Did you show them my feet?"
Hmm... no one has asked about you yet. I did show them your feet, too.

"It's been days. I'm starting to get worried.
What if no one wants me? What will happen to me?"

Well, there is one family that wants you.

"Uh oh. I know where this is headed. Guys! Come listen to this!"

"Really???"
Yes, really, baby ducky. Do you want to hear about it?

"Oh yes!"
Okay. The family that wants you has some other ducks. And some cats and a dog, too.

"She's not serious, is she? I'd better eat all the treats I can find!"

They want to name you Chewy Magooey, because you chew on stuff a lot.
And they want to love you forever. What do you think, Chewy?

"I'm okay with it. But I'm not sharing my pen."

"Can I think about it for a minute?"
Of course. Are you worried about something?

"I'm afraid I'll miss it here. Will my new home love me as much as you do?"

Well that's the thing, Chewy. Your new home... is this home.
I decided you should stay and be a part of our family. I know it's a little crowded, but I'd love for you to be my new kid. What do you say?

"Are you serious? I can stay?"
Oh yes, Chewy. I'm very serious. I would love for you to stay here forever.

"Yay! I have a forever home! I'm home! I love it here, at my home!"

"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist those feet. You're such a sucker.
But that's it. No more. Promise me."
You're right, Flapper. How did you get so wise?

"I'm the oldest. With age, comes wisdom."
Just not maturity, eh Flapper?

We'd like to officially welcome Chewy Magooey to the family.

Chewy has already made him/herself right at home, and is doing really well.

Chewy is a great swimmer and loves diving for treats in Flapper's pool.

Chewy just has to be careful to avoid the O'Malley shark and the Flapper biter.

Chewy even has his/her own predator-proof night pen, and stays there all day until s/he's full grown. For now, Chewy sleeps in the house at night, until s/he is fully feathered.

Welcome to the family, Chewy!

Chewy Magooey
Hatch date: Approximately April 26, 2007.
Adoption date: May 7, 2007
Breed: possibly a magpie/runner mutt duck.
Story: Chewy was found in Volunteer Park by 3 teenagers. S/he walked right up to them and sat down. They knew Chewy wouldn't survive alone and tried to take Chewy to a wildlife rescue, but Chewy isn't wild... s/he's domestic, so they brought him/her to me.

"You forgot to say you promise."
Okay, okay... I promise, Flapper. No more ducklings.
"Okay, good. Now promise more french fries. Do you hear me? Mom?"

Flapper and family would like to say hello to Quacker the duck and Quacker's human Robert. Thanks for sharing this great photo of Quacker. Nice wing display! Watch Quacker & Jack in "The Running of the Ducks" on YouTube.

Thanks also to Robert for creating this "motivational poster" of Flapper. Very funny.

Thanks to Jim for beak-sitting Chewy at the office.

And to Chris, for feeding Chewy at the office.

Chewy would like to say "quacks" to his/her new best friend, neighbor kid Clara.

And finally, Special Congratulations go out to my nephew Ethan for graduating from high school. Nice work. Congratulations, kid.

The Duck Rescue Network (in conjunction with Carolina Waterfowl and several sponsors) is hosting a weekend conference in August for people interested in waterfowl rescue and rehabilitation. Visit duckrescuenetwork.org for more information.