Daniel Wolfram
This is a story between an odd pair of animals who became best friends
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Friendships are some of the most important things in life for both dogs and human beings.
It can take a toll on both the dog and the family when sickness knocks at the door and the medicine comes with side effects.
For one household, the ultimate cure came with feathers instead of fur.
Unexpected pet
Life in the Cannarelli household used to follow a fairly predictable routine. Justin and Tori Cannarelli were raising their two kids, Cameron and Charlie, alongside their golden retriever Barley on Long Island, New York.
Suddenly, Justin needed a bird for his local garden center. The couple tracked down a newly hatched duckling from a local Long Island elementary school.
Tori brought the bird home for a quick visit before moving him to the shop. They named the duck Louie and he immediately made himself right at home.
“I never expected to own a duck. Never expected him to stay long-term,” Tori told CBS News.
Losing her spark
The decision to keep Louie turned out to be life-changing for Barley the dog.
A few years earlier, Barley began suffering from recurring seizures. Daily medication made the episodes disappear, but the treatment drained the dog of her usual warmth and energy.
“She just lost her spunk,” Tori proclaimed. “She lost her goldenness.”
Justin admitted that watching their cheerful pet fade into the background felt devastating. “We thought, oh man, this medication we have to give her for the rest of her life,” Justin further explained. “So this is how she’s going to be.”
A feathered miracle
Then something unexpected and unusual began to build between the dog and her small new roommate.
A close connection started to form between Louie and Barley, with the duck nudging and pecking at the quiet retriever. Bit by bit, the small duck coaxed the dog back to her normal self.
“She started smiling again,” Tori said excitedly. “She started wagging her tail. She started having a personality again.”
Joy restored
Today, the two animals are completely inseparable, spending their days playing and resting together.
Their young son Cameron believes he understands what happened.
“She wanted to be friends with Louie and hang out with him a lot, so she kind of stretched her joy and fit in with him.”
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