Best Valentine’s Story Ever
I raise ducks and have a flock of about ten. One of the hens, Persia, has a nervous disorder that causes her to be unable to walk at times. She struggles to get around quickly and often has to sit down between times of slow walking. Because she can’t keep up, the flock leaves her behind. Since her disorder manifested, she has been left alone by the rest of the group.
Until Reza came along. He is the son of Daroga, the king of the pond, and Giry, one of our Peking hens. Daroga has a history of killing his competition and we didn’t know if Reza would survive his father’s jealous wrath. But, he has survived and started a new flock with Persia.
While the rest of the flock is gallivanting around the two acres of yards, he walks with Persia as she stumbles across the yard. She falls and he stands beside her, checking to be sure she’s okay. When she can walk, he ambles in front of her, slowly so she can keep up, and quacks to remind her he’s here.
When she can’t go on, he waits for her to gather herself and keep going. She is no longer alone and he doesn’t worry about dying at the claws of his father. Both are happy; both are healthy; both make the best Valentine’s Story this year.
