Hey guys, you've got mail.
"It is another fan letter for me?"

"Wait a minute! This isn't even FOR ME!"
Oh, you're right, Flapper. It's addressed to Chewy Magooey.

"Sigh, I guess it can't be for me ALL the time."

Oh, Chewy?
"Yeah mom?"

You've got mail, Chewy. Should we open it?
"Oh yes, please!"

It's a very nice note from your friend in Virginia.

Wow! Look, Chewy... it's a gift card for treats!

"Are... you... SERIOUS!?"

"That is so nice!"

"Do you think I should share with the others?"
That's your decision, Chewy. It is nice to share... but it was a present just for you.

"Let me think about it over some treats... I'm thinking."

"Well?"

"I'm still thinking."

"Come on already!"
That's not the right attitude, Flapper. You might have to say please to get Chewy to share his treats.

"Forget it! I'll just skip the treats."

"Mmm thinking is so tasty."

"I can't take it. I want some treats!"

"Okay. I guess I can share a little bit."

"I like that kid."

"Sweet, delicious peas."

"I LOVE PEAS! I LOVE YOU!"
Whoa, Kozmo. I love you too, buddy.

"Thank you for sharing your get well treats, Chewy."

"Yes, thank you, Chewy!"

"You're welcome, Georgie. You're welcome, Flapper."

"Hey Mom, I didn't share ALL of my treats, did I?"
Nope. You still have money left for more treats tomorrow.
"Whew!"

"Why did Chewy get treats anyway?"

I'm glad you asked, O'Malley. Chewy joined the flock when he was fully grown.

It's hard to be the new kid in the flock, and bullies can be mean to new kids. But Chewy played tough and did pretty well for a few days.

Unfortunately, Chewy got between O'Malley and his ladies, and O'Malley was not happy about that. He caught Chewy and ripped a hole in his side. Usually ducks can't do that much damage to each other. But muscovy ducks like O'Malley have a sharp ridge to their upper beak. He caught Chewy and hurt him pretty badly.

"I was really scared and in a lot of pain."
Chewy had surgery on July 4th to sew up his wounds and had to be separated from the flock again until he was completely healed.

"I'm really sorry, Chewy."

"It's okay. I'm better now."

Chewy now has his very own "O'Malley-free" zone of the yard to forage in during the day.

"Hey, wait! I can't get in there!"
Yep. That's the point, O'Malley.

Chewy also has his own big pool and some new plants and grasses.

"I know what it's like to be picked on. Thanks for sending Chewy some treats. It made his day."

"Yes, thank you SO much!"

"Thanks for making Chewy feel better, from all of us."

Special quacks go out to Jake in PA, to Attila & Popcorn, to Jess and Clayton in Australia, to Beastly the cat, to Dan & his rescued goose and ducks in Tacoma, and to Kelly for the very nice get-well treats for Chewy Magooey. Thank you!

A special GET WELL SOON goes out to Ms. Moor in the Netherlands.

Kelly also sent this photo of "Sergeant Flapper" reporting for duty. Very cute.

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.