Betty, Luna, and New Friends

Betty and Luna are not the new friends. Luna is on Day 7 in the house, and Betty is very curious. Luna is very cautious.

I think it was the third day Luna was in the house that Betty grew brave enough to investigate the duck. Betty did not like the quacking and seemed to just stay away from Luna at first. I thought this was fortunate because I was worried about Betty deciding to pounce. But, on that third day, I guess curiosity got the best of her–plus, Luna was quiet.

I was working on my laptop at the kitchen table, very near Luna, and she let out the loudest quack I have ever heard. It echoed! I jumped and saw Betty scrambling, terrified. She flew through the kitty door and down into our basement.

About 15 minutes later, I heard the kitty door open, and in slow motion, Betty made her way through the door. With her paws stretched, she walked back by the duck–ever so slowly. It was like she was afraid to take a step near the monster. I laughed at poor Betty’s fear. I asked her if she was okay, and she glared at me, just glared. How dare I bring this monster into our house? It was the cutest thing, but poor Betty didn’t think any of it was cute.

After another day or two, Betty got brave again though, and this time, Luna didn’t scream at her. This has led to some bravery on Betty’s part, which has led to some stress on my part.

Thankfully, Luna has made a friend. It’s our teenage son, and I am surprised. At first, he complained when we lost the guest bathroom to another duck. That kid is going to have some stories when he grows up.

I noticed he kept asking questions about her though, and by the end of the first day, he was asking about petting her. I told him he could see what she did. If she seemed too nervous, maybe not. I explained the nature of Indian Runner ducks. I thought she might be nervous about someone who is essentially a stranger, but then I remembered he was very involved in the raising of our ducks when they were babies. They loved him, and he spent a lot of time with them.

Maybe she remembers him or maybe it’s just that these two connect, but I am shocked by how much this duck loves our son in just a week. The first time he leaned into pet her, she raised her bill up and touched him, and they have been fast friends ever since.

I noticed Luna, who is getting frustrated with her hurt leg, was starting to complain more during the day. This, coupled with Betty’s fascination with her, made me wonder if I was going to have to think of another solution for Luna during the day, but the best solution arose. Luna loves our son so much that she is content just hanging out in his room and being near him.

She’s safe from Betty’s curiosity and seems to be in heaven hearing our son’s voice. Interestingly, when he’s been outside and comes in the house while she is having a tub soak, she hears his voice and starts quacking. This is all fascinating stuff. As an animal person, I hoped both my children would be animal people. It’s great when they are. Animals make us better humans. Luna can teach him things I can’t.

I hope they stay good friends.