Meet Honey, a duck residing in a small Washington town with her family, which includes dogs and other ducks. Honey was born with a neck kink due to inadequate nutrients during incubation by a previous caretaker. Fortunately, her condition doesn’t cause her pain, and her owner, Alma Ackermann, describes her as leading a “healthy, happy life.”
However, due to her disability, Honey often finds herself excluded from the mealtimes and social interactions of the other ducks in the Ackermann household. Determined to alleviate Honey’s loneliness, Ackermann introduced her to a group of 4-week-old puppies she had been caring for. Uncertain of how the introduction would unfold, Ackermann believed it was worth a shot.
To everyone’s delight, Honey and the puppies hit it off immediately. Upon their first meeting, the puppies showered Honey with affection, jumping around her, sniffing, and wagging their tails. Honey appeared overwhelmed with joy at the attention she received.
According to Ackermann, one reason for the bond between Honey and the puppies is their similar height. Due to her neck kink, Honey cannot stretch as tall as the other ducks, but she and the puppies are at the same eye level, fostering a strong connection between them.
Honey’s sweet and puppy-like demeanor has made her a perfect fit with the puppies. Just like a puppy, she delights in running up to greet people.
Currently, Honey spends her days with the puppies, forming a unique bond with them. She takes on a nurturing role, caring for and grooming them as if she were their mother.
Ackermann affectionately describes Honey as feeling like the puppies’ mommy, solidifying the special connection between them.
Honey’s integration with the puppies has led her to adopt some puppy-like behaviors herself. According to Ackermann, when Honey gets excited, she even wags her tail.
Observing the bond between Honey and the puppies has been heartwarming for Ackermann. Despite feeling excluded by her own kind, the puppies have given Honey a sense of belonging and love.
Ackermann emphasizes the importance of giving every animal a chance, highlighting Honey’s story as a testament to the transformative power of love and acceptance.