A Very Sad Day
The day I hoped would never come is unfortunately here. We had a raccoon attack at Flapper’s house today at 1pm. Georgie was killed and Petunia was injured. Petunia is at the vet’s office and they called to say she will probably be okay, but it will take a few hours to know if she was shaken or not. Right now it looks good for her, but she is in a little pain.
It’s my fault that I took the risk to leave my ducks out during the day, and Georgie paid for that risk with her life. I am so sorry, Georgie. And I’m sorry for all the ducks having to be terrified by seeing that. I saw the raccoon on Flapper cam and made it home in 14 minutes, but it was not anywhere near fast-enough to save Georgie. The raccoon is obviously hungry and hung around even with me out there. I think our friend Dawn saw it all on Flapper-cam and I’m truly sorry to her for that as well.
I thought I was being careful to be home by 4pm in the winter to lock them up before dusk, but after 4 1/2 years of no incidents, my luck ran out.
I’m so, so sorry Georgie.
I’m not in a very good place right now so you won’t hear more from me this week. Rest assured Flapper, Chewy & O’Malley are safe and will not be out alone again, ever. We will have a much larger predator-proof pen built for them to use in the day, and of course they still have their predator-proof night pens. But it will take some time to build that, so they will be locked up for awhile.
I’m sorry to share such horrible news today, and especially sorry to sweet Georgie.
36 Comments
I’m so, so sorry, Tiffany! My family sends their condolences. Georgie was a beautiful, delightful animal friend. We send prayers for Petunia’s recovery.
Oh my Heavens! I am so sorry Tiff! I can’t believe your terrible fortune this year. I can’t imagine how you must feel right now. I hope petunia will be alright.
Tiffany,
You have my most heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. You and Flapper (and the rest of the duck family) were lucky to have Georgie in your lives. Best wishes to Petunia for a quick and healthy recovery.
With all the love in the world,
Meg
Again I am so sorry and please don’t blame yourself. Georgie knows you loved her.
*hugs*
What!!!!!!!!!!! Georgie is dead!!! I can’t take this… she is the most sane, dry, sarcastic, smart duck ever. To hear that she is killed by a stupid racoon breaks my heart. And all the other kids watched it happened… unacceptable!
Georgie… you will always have a special place in my heart.
I miss you… especially since we haven’t heard from you for a while.
P.S. I am sobbing uncontrollably.
Especially since Georgie and Petunia were locked up in their pen when you were in Boston…
I miss Georgie. And her dry humor.
Oh gosh, I’m so very, very sorry. We are sending comforting and loving thoughts your way tonight – godspeed Georgie, and speedy recovery, dear Petunia. I think I speak for everyone when I say we love you guys and are wishing you all some peace tonight.
Rest in peace, Georgie.
Little F and I will try to make something to make you feel better.
I saw Petunia running and just thought that maybe one of the boys was annoying her. The next second, I saw the raccoon, and things just unfolded from there. It was very surreal and seemed to happen in slow motion. Yet I couldn’t look away. I desperately hoped that they would be able to fend off the raccoon. I guess it was not to be for Georgie. I got teary-eyed at work but held it together. Once I got home I let loose. It’s hard not to relive the scene in my head.
Georgie knows that you loved her, Tiff. It’s not your fault. You gave her a wonderful life, and you inspire us with everything you do for the duckies.
Goodbye, sweet Teapot. You were a lovely, elegant, regal hen, and I will miss you very much. You can now join your kids in duckie heaven and enjoy eternal peas.
You’re the Lady of the Yard now, Toonie, so you have to get better really fast. The boys are going to need someone to keep them in line.
Dawn… I emailed you at your yahoo account.
It’s at times like these that a hero’s character is tested, and make no mistake, Tiffany – you ARE a hero. You’ve watched over ducklings as only the best momma could. You’ve rescued injured buddies and put them to rest when it was the humane thing to do. You’ve done more to make sure that your ducks have everything they could possibly need, and you’ve gone well above and beyond the call of duty
You were and are the best momma Georgie could have possibly asked for. Please never forget that.
You have been an inspiration to me, Dawn, and many others. I don’t have many heroes in my life, but you are one of them. What is tragic now is not just your loss, but your sense of recrimination; that you could have done something more or better. I don’t think that anyone could have done better for your family than you.
You have my deepest sympathies, and I know that if he could, Flapper would waddle out and get you some french fries.
So, so sorry that this happened! You take such excellent care of your birds. Who would have expected this. My sincere condolences to you and your flock.
Oh Tiff, I am so sorry to hear about Georgie, you and all of your ducks. What a tragedy! My deepest condolences to you and your flock.
But please know that my heart is with you very much. I had to put down my sweet cat, Carter, suddenly last Wednesday morning. I sobbed and sobbed and begged the doctor to fix him but his liver was in complete failure and he had suffered approximately 15 seizures before I could get him to the vet. I know how hard it is to watch your best friend suffer and be completely worthless to him/her.
May you and your flock find light in this time of true darkness. You are loved and respected very much. Stay strong.
Pleae accept our condolences. Nature works this way, sadly sometimes, and it’s difficult to overcome it. You are a good mother and a good friend to the ducks.
A sad “quack” from the nation’s capital. Fondly,
Sam and Toni
trying not to cry. (I’m not in the best place right now, either.) big hugs to you.
Our condolences on your loss. I think it may be a big year for raccoons – We’re keeping the ducks in now until broad daylight and one of us is home. It seems like there are more raccoons in the area and after one close call, we’re afraid to risk it. Take care of yourself – you did what you could based on reasonable expectations. That’s really all you can do.
Erin (Fling, Thor, and Juno, too)
I am very sad and sorry to hear about Georgie. She was definitely one of my favourite ducks and was a calm and gentle soul. I hope Petunia makes a full recovery and can soon go back to chowing down on peas again. You’re all in my thoughts.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Author unknown.
I know it’s just a poem but it was the first thing that came to mind when I read today’s post. I know what it is like to be in a bad place and I am so sorry; in this regard I can’t even imagine what you are feeling. I know it doesn’t help but I don’t think there is anything you could have done, it sounds to me like the predator was determined to get what he wanted. I keep up with a couple of blogs but generally avoid making comments, however, I wanted to let you know that I was very sorry and I was thinking of you. I think your ducks know that you love them very much and there is no doubt in my mind that one day (many many years from now) there is going to be a whole lot of wing flapping as all the ducks you have loved and helped meet you to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Even though I don’t really know you, I am thinking of you and am very sorry you are having to go through this. I truly believe Georgie knew you loved her and I hope you can find some measure of comfort in knowing that.
This is so sad. Even though I haven’t met you or the ducks, I still feel like this happened to one of my own pets. Just remember that there are many people around the world that are thinking of you.
*hugs from Korea*
I’m so very sorry for you and your clan.
It’s the next morning now (with coffee in hand) and I just want to apologize for my outburst when I took in the bad news last night. Tiff, it’s so not your fault and I know the duckies would never blame you for this. If anything, they all know you had protected them 1,000 of times from all the predators and dangers they would have faced if you didn’t exist. You must be torn by mixed emotions this morning, as we finally got rid of Bush but Georgie is not around to see it. Still remember your banner for Flapper / Georgie 2008…. Take care and we grief with you. Pansy
Hey Tiff, I just read the numerous posts and was touched by the heart felt support your community shared with you. I agree with all of them, you are a great Duck Mommie! I couldn’t help but shed a tear as I felt your friends hug around you with support. Please don’t blame yourself. You’ve been there for all the animals in your life. Wish I was close and could help you enlarge your predator proof pen! For know, just know our Love and thoughts are with you!
Love, Dad
I’m so sorry. Rest in peace, beautiful Georgie. Get well soon, lovely Petunia. Forgive yourself, dear Tiff. We do the best we can, balancing our ducks’ quality of life and their safety. I’m sad for Georgie, you, and the rest – but I’m happy for the wonderful full life Georgie enjoyed. You gave her that. Let Flapper, Chewy, and O’Malley give you hugs, they understand your grief and want to help soothe you.
Please let us know how Petunia is doing, when you feel you can. Best wishes for her good recovery.
Oh Tiff, I’m so sorry. Please try not to beat yourself up – you are a terrific duckie mommy and you only have the best in mind for your duckies. When you are up to it, please let us know how Petunia is doing.
Blessings to you and yours…
Carol
Tiff, nobody could care better for your sweet ducks than you do. I am so sorry for your loss and for Georgie and Petunia — but you are indeed the best duckie mommy and should not blame yourself. What in the world a racoon was doing out and about at 1 p.m., I don’t know.
Hugs, quacks, and love,
Linda
hey tiff i know this is an hard time for you these guys do an humane rlaes of the racoon check it out
http://www.seattlepestanimalcontrol.com/
I check your site everyday as I have been a duck pet owner in the past. I have lit candles for you and Georgie and my thoughts are with you.
Wow, this is very sad and tragic. Tif, whenever a plane goes down and hundreds are killed; it’s generally human error or a weather problem, or something mechanical with the plane. But they learn from those accidents what to do for future planes – building them better, training pilots in different ways. It’s the same for us all and for the Georgie incident – you’ll now have a better pen than ever and your family of ducks will be the safest yet. Georgie gave his/her life for the other ducks so that they will be safer in the future.
My condolences are with you and those that witnessed the attack. My heart goes out to you; myself being a major lover of water fowl (and cats, animals in general).
I’m so sorry to hear about the raccoon attack, the loss of your beautiful Georgie and the injuries to Petunia. I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now and am amazed at the effort you put in to take care of your charges. It must be especially difficult w/ducks bc I imagine one doesn’t really want to keep ducks indoors much, the way one can do w/cats, dogs, etc. You tried to balance keeping your ducks safe and giving them the outdoors life that they need. That’s probably always going to be a gamble so please don’t blame yourself. Even this tragic experience has taught you something, i.e., how to better care for your ducks, current and future. I wish there was something to say that could take away some of your hurt, loss and blame. Wishing you and your ducks all the best.
Oh Tiff, I am so sorry.
I have been reading Flapper blog since around March, and checkign enarly everyday.
These were unexpected news to me, and ofcourse you, flap flock and people who ahve been watching flapcam.
My own dog has died just a little more than I week ago, so I kind of knwo how you feel. I am sorry, and I cannot imagine how Flapper feels after loosing his kids and their mom.
Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor….
then I remember,
it’s where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound….
then I remember,
It’s where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can’t be yours….
your golden voice is still.
But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I’ll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.
Author Unknown
I know it is not about ducks, but I think it does quite fit in.
I hope that all your sweet passed duckies are little angels up in the heaven, having fun with Koz and his pool parties, snacking on peas and french fries, away from racoons
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope Petunia comes through ok. I can imagine how hurt and traumatized you must feel. I know how easily pain and fear can consume everything in terrible times. I only hope you are somewhat comforted by the fact that Georgie can’t feel any pain now where she is. I like to think that all she can feel now is the love felt in life. I know you gave her the closest thing to heaven in real life. Please don’t blame yourself. Life can be unbearably unfair and cruel at times. All we can do to combat this sad truth is to live and love every day to its fullest.
I’ve been sick to my stomach all day and felt paralized so I totally missed your blog. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say, I’m touched by all these moving comments, you’ve got many dear friends Tiff, everyone wishes you and your ducks well that must be of some comfort.
May poor George rest in peace, I will miss your beautiful white girl and hope Flapper, O’Malley and Chewy will get over their fear soon. Best wishes to Petunia, I hope she will recover soon.
I’m here, you know that.
I am so very heartbroken for you and your duckers. As a former duck mom myself, losing mine to the same fate as Georgie, even though they were protected as well as we thought we could protect the…. it’s heartbreaking and sick making when we lose them.
Ducks are such funny adorable creatures, they give comfort and love and make us laugh so hard sometimes.
Find comfort in the rest of the gang… love them more than before. We all love them ourselves.
This is indeed the worst possible news. My husband son and I read the news together. Yesterday when I got home from school I put Nibbles on the porch for her evening toilette and because it got dark so fast she was sitting on her banister, saying OMG OMG OMG. There were four count them four big raccoons on the deck deciding if they wanted Peking duck or crispy duck for dinner. So today she stayed in and used the toilet. Tomorrow Bill and Alek are going to take care of these bandits since they have made their den right under Nibble’s wading pool. We live in Georgia we can shoot them outright. I am not waiting for them to get my baby and because the put the captured ones down anyway we are skipping the middle man. Sorry raccoon lovers but my baby has the right away on her porch. My condolences to the flock and you Tiff. I know Georgie was extra special.
I am so sorry! I hope the rest of you will be ok.
Ducks are so amazing. They celebrate and are grateful for every minute of their lives, treating each minute as a gift, from the day they are born. They are such happy creatures, so thankful for their lives! We feel robbed when they leave us, and nature seems SO cruel. But when “it’s time” for ducky heaven, we have no choice but to let them go back to nature from which they came. You are doing an excellent duck mother job, as there is not a foolproof way for each possible threat. I know an abundance of joy will return to your family soon. And, if on any particular day you are missing Georgie and find that hard to believe, go somewhere to hear the ecstatic chatter of a new baby duck. Life is good. Ducks make it better. Humans are only human.