Bobby's New Home

Hello all. Bobby the duck here: newest resident of Feathers Drive which is at the ABC Animal Sanctuary. Here’s my story…

I was hatched in Surrey, and being a rather handsome drake, was quickly adopted by my Original Humans (OHs) along with three rather fetching young ladies. Oh, the fun we had! It was a non-stop party which lasted for years. But nothing stays the same, and to my great chagrin my wives all became elderly and the party slowed. One by one my loves passed over Rainbow Bridge, and I was left alone and lonely. My OHs became increasingly concerned for my wellbeing and it was decided that I should be found a new home with company to keep me amused.

It wasn’t easy to find a suitable place for me - I’m a big lad, and I was suffering with a sore eye to boot, but eventually OHs came across ABC, and from that point on my life took a series of interesting turns…

I’ve heard humans say that moving house is pretty stressful, but you should try being a duck! Firstly, I was boxed up. That was indignity No 1. Upon my release I was subjected to indignity No 2 - a very thorough medical examination! However, it was announced that, apart from my poorly eye, I was in excellent condition and would be very welcome in Feathers Drive. Indignity No 3 was being placed in the isolation block whilst the general population came and gawped at me through the bars. A lesser duck could have been quite intimidated!

OHs were very sad to leave me, but the New Humans (NHs) were very reassuring, and as OHs drove away my new life began.

What I didn’t know was how timely my arrival was. Mork, ABC’s only other big duck, had recently lost his best friend, Sir Francis Drake, and was lonely for company of his own size. So, my isolation only lasted for 24 hours, and I was introduced to Mork – who has quickly become my new best friend. He showed me all around the place and gave me tips on getting along with the other birds. What a pleasant chap he is.

He can get a bit overexcited when bathing though.

He also helps himself to food from the saucepan I brought with me, but that aside, he is a splendid fellow.

After a week of treatment my eye infection was cured, but it left me with impaired vision in one eye and blow me down - one of the little ducks, also white - is partially sighted as well. Her name is Tango (she has a bright orange bracelet on her leg), and she has become a good friend to me. Occasionally she allows me to give her a little kiss, but mostly we just hang out relaxing together.

Tango and I have two good eyes between us, but Priscilla, another little white duck, is completely blind. She’s happy though. The NHs give her loads of special attention and keep her safe.

As for the rest of the ducks, they are a really noisy bunch. They are a mix of mallard and call ducks and can really make a racket. The first time one started up behind me I was so scared I took off like a Harrier Jump Jet. NH reckons I jumped close to a meter. Still got a spring in my step…

So, as you can tell I am settling in beautifully and am rather popular, even if I say it myself.

It turns out I’m not the only newcomer at the ABC Animal Sanctuary - shortly after my arrival, a group of new ponies joined us! They are Betty, Mouse (yes, she’s definitely a pony, not a mouse!), Libby, Tweedy and Tinkerbell. Like me, they were a little unsure at first, but they’ve quickly settled into their new home and are loving life at the sanctuary.

They’re neighbours with the sheep - who they affectionately call “clouds on legs” - and have been soaking up all the attention from their NHs.

The five of them have already become stars here, and we’ve affectionately nicknamed them “the Famous Five.” It’s safe to say they’re now fully part of the gang!

Well, it’s time for me to sign off - I can see the sweet corn tin being opened by a NH and I'm feeling a little peckish. Oh and I haven’t shared my opinion of chickens yet. That, my dears, is a story for another day!

Best wishes to you all.

Love from Bobby xxx

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Why not sponsor an animal at ABC Animal Sanctuary? It’s a thoughtful gift that helps support rescued animals and makes a meaningful alternative (or addition!) to Easter treats.

💚 Sponsor an animal for just £3 per month and receive: • A sponsorship certificate • A photo of your chosen animal • Regular email newsletters • Invitations to visit the sanctuary twice a year at exclusive sponsor open events • The chance to meet your sponsored animal and enjoy tea and cakes at Bertie’s Café.

🌟 Or become an ABC Ambassador for £25 per month and receive: • Sponsorship of a resident animal of your choice • A special sponsorship pack • An ABC goody bag filled with gifts • Two free entries to the annual ABC Open Weekend each year • Regular email newsletters • Early invitations to events and sanctuary news.

Ambassadors and sponsors are also invited to two exclusive open events each year, where you can meet the animals up close and relax with tea and cakes at Bertie’s Café.

✨ Give a gift that changes lives — for animals and the people who love them.

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