Sebastian, a duck with wheels!
Sebastian, a duck with wheels!
Handicapped pets are not limited to just dogs and cats. This is Sebastian, my handicapped duck who just celebrated her 10th birthday with family and friends this past June 4, 2005.
One summer night this tiny yellow duckling was crawling & struggling to walk across the sidewalk Some cruel person didn’t think her life was worth anything and threw her out with the garbage. She had cuts and scrapes all over her tiny body. To make matters worse for this little duckling, her legs were deformed, she was handicapped, her legs bend & she couldn’t stand up and walk, so I took her to the doctor to see if anything could be done for her legs to give her a chance at life, but they wanted to put her to sleep they said nothing could be done, so I said no I won’t put this little duck to sleep. I named her Sebastian not knowing if she was a boy or a girl, which she turned out to be a girl duck & took her home instead, that was 10 years ago, I guess the doctor didn’t think anybody would care for this little duck…..I couldn’t find her a home or an organization that would take her so I had to keep her myself I became her mother and she my child and I must say what a great job I did. I unselfishly and unconditionally love Sebastian… I added 10 years to Sebastian’s life that otherwise she would not have had if not for my love and my own sacrifice, no time off and no vacations, it’s hard work & total dedication round the clock.
Sharon and Sebastian
Baby Sebastian
Sebastian is the love of my life I just love Sebastian so much words cannot describe it, her life is filled with love, hugs and kisses everyday, since she is handicapped I have to do everything for her it’s a lot of work and dedication but I don’t mind one bit because of the strong love I have for this duck, we both love each other so much and are so bonded. My husband builted Sebastian a wheelchair although she can’t move it she doesn’t mind sitting in it to be near me while I do housework.
Sebastian has her own bedroom and sleeps in a playpen on baby blankets, she needs to be kept on soft surfaces so she doesn’t get sores on her hocks, her hocks are wrapped in self grip to prevent sores, our day begins with good morning & happy to see you kisses, then I changed the blankets she was sleeping on all night with clean fresh ones, then after that I go and get her breakfast ready, she knows I making it because she starts quacking up a storm, after breakfast she will take a nap, after the nap comes more blanket changes and lunch, after lunch I will put her in the kiddie pool for her daily bath & swim when she ready to come out I put her in her outdoor pen where she preens herself and enjoys the sunshine, I begin her laundry by washing all her towels & blankets and I scrub out her playpen clean, after several hours of being outside in her pen, I take her out and hold her on my lap for some petting and play time or we just sit on the grass and play, now it’s toward the evening I feed her dinner her tummy is full…I can sit and relax for a while until later when I give her a snack before she goes to bed kiss her good night shut the lights and start all over again the next day……..I want to say thank you for all the wonderful & touching comments everyone has expressed towards Sebastian.
When you have a pet that is handicapped and you unconditional take care of that pet the love that you received back is so much worth the work that it takes to care for them. Never give up on your beloved pets that can no longer walk they deserve every chance that a human does, because all forms of life is precious. Sharon & Sebastian
If you’d like to ask questions about Sebastian, please post them on the Sebastian’s message board .
Hello, your duck is very cute, but i have a question for you. I was wondering what is required to raise a duck in your home? Because just this morning a little duckling followed my dad into our house, and he/she appears to have no mother, father, nore any brother’s or sisters; so were going to have to take care of it. Any info would help really. You could e-mail me at
I think you are wonderful to take such good care of your sweet little duck. It breaks my heart to see photos of factory farmed ducks which are crammed in windowless sheds and with no access to water. Sebastian is so lucky to have you. I found a little hen when I was a child. She was wondering along a busy London street. I picked her up and took her to the police station. No one wanted her except me. I loved this little chicken and would push her around in my doll’s pram. I will never forget her. Denise
Why have you a Duck there are Handicapped? The Duck looked fine, but the legs looked not fine. What are there matter with the Duck s legs?
I have a week and a half old baby mallard duck. It is completely paralyzed in one leg. It just drags it along. I don’t know what to do, I am not giving up on it though. Your story has inspired me, to know that I am not the only one to go through this. thank you, Shannon in Texas
I am so glad you took it upon yourself to save and enrich this bird’s life. I have several ‘rescue’ animals that have brought great joy in my life, do wildlife rescues, and although it can be challenging and sometimes heartbreaking, any pain and trouble is washed away by the look in their eyes- the look of hope and love. Sebastian is one lucky duck!! Karen graasch
I admire your devotion to Sebastian and appreciate your love for his little person. At Windmill Animal Rescue we have been fortunate to be able to help save the lives of several ducklings and goslings with serious leg deformities and injuries. None seem to have been as severe as Sebastian’s, however. Most of the little fellows we’ve rescued regained the use of their legs after anywhere from a few weeks to several months of therapy swimming. They couldn’t walk to start, but the buoyancy of their body in water allowed them to do their own physical therapy. I’m just including this information for others who might have ducklings with less severe injuries than Sebastian. The perseverance and love you and Sebastian have shared is an inspiration to others. Thank you! Toni windmill
Hey! I’m so glad I found your story! I have a one-week-old duckling that is deformed in several ways. We got him just because the other ducks were pecking and trampling him, and we just wanted to let him die in peace. We got another duck to keep him company, just in case he pulled through. Well they have made it five days now and are doing okay, but I am very concerned because the deformed one is not growing. His spine is very crooked, and he has a bad foot, so he hobbles. But he eats and drinks alot and is pretty active despite everything. As the other duck has grown, however it is much more apparent that this duckling is very different. The other one is more than twice his size. I know if I take him to a vet they will want to euthanize him, and I want him to have a fair chance. His food sack (crop) is on the side, and his neck is sortof curved around to the side of his neck. I just hope he is not suffering, and really am torn about what to do. I honestly didn’t think he’d even make it this long… any suggestions? I’m planning on just giving it more time, and see what happens. Thanks! -Lindsay
The story about sebastian brought a tear to my eye. It is wonderful to believe that people still have so much love within them. Sebastian is such a sweetie!
Hi, I am looking to make some wheelchairs for disabled pets. I have people working with me to create various models and such. (that we plan to donate or give at low cost to help) I would like to know ANY information you, or anyone, could offer about how you went about building your wheelchair. For example, the best type of wheels to use, etc. I run a organization that assists Animal Shelters and Rescues in need for ALL types of animals. From Small Animals to Farm Animals. I am in RI…but this is a nation wide organization. I LOVE the fact that you made one for your duck. Not many people would care enough to do that (although I wish they would…I love all animals!!!) Thanks! Chrissy www.shelterforshelters.com
Sebastian is adorable! You have done a wonderful job!
I am so touched by the way you care about sebastion and how you treat her as if she was a your baby instead of a duck!!!
We LOVE Sebastian! Ducks are fabulous creatures with great personalities. How marvelous that you saved her, and gave her such a wonderful, cushy life. BRAVO to you! -Raine in CA
What a terrific person you are to take care of this little duck I run a duck rescue and rehab center for ducks i have 45 handicapped ducks here in florida keep up the good work, Love dr quack615@aol.com
I saw your web site advertised today during a vet appointment. I was in with two baby doves with splayed legs. One is improving. The vet decided to x-ray the other baby, and sadly the baby went into cardiac arrest and died during the procedure. My eyes are swollen from crying. I have had handicapped birds in the past, and hope to help more in the future. I read about Sebastian when I got home with our little one, may (s)he rest in peace. Glad to have found your site.
Sebastian, we saw your web site and we think you are wonderful. Hope you have a long and happy life. Lots of love from all the children at West Byfleet infant school, England
How sweet, I wish I could do things like that for helpless animals everyday. Good Luck!!!!! Sammie
i cant smile….. cuz im a duck!
Sharon…You are an angel. I wish the world were filled with more people who have the compassion and love that you have. I have a cat that cannot walk, she was born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia. You are so right when you say “…they deserve every chance a human does….life is precious”. The love in return is boundless. I wish more people understood. Thank you for your compassion!-Michelle in Massachusetts-
I haven’t seen Sebastian in quite a while, WHAT A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL DUCK! DUCKS ARE MY FAVORITE FEATHERED FRIEND!
Hi there. Thanks for the story. I have a baby muscovy duckling with completely curled in feet. He walks on his knees/ankles so to speak. He was given to me with his sister and brother and gets around quite well, but now as he gets bigger, his sister isn’t caring and protecting him as much and he is coming into the house to visit with us some times. The name he came with is stumpy, but I think it is time to rename him don’t you think! lol Alana, Vancouver Island, bc, Canada
i agree with you .she certainly deserved a good life every life is valuable and worth saving .i myself have a young chicken that has a deformed leg she fought very hard to live she is beautifull healthy and happy . he you have any advice for me ore suggestioned on how i could build her some type of leg i would be very happy. louise lalondelouise@hotmail.com
there should be more people like you ,who try to get a better life for handicapped animals like sebastian is one of all the best lukas from austria
QUACKY, WE LOVE YOU AND SEBASTIAN. LOVE, HONKY AND POOPSIE
Wonderful story written by a wonderful person!
Sebastian is a cool duck!!!
Sebastian is a very special duck and you two are lucky to have found each other. I can relate to the name, I had a male duck who I named Daffodil thinking he was a she, but we kept his name since he knew it and I liked it. He also had a great personality, came when I called him and would quack to me to tell me where he was and what he was doing. Daffodil passed during surgery to biopsy a cancerous testicle at age 6. Everyone at the veterinary hospital fell in love with him while he was there. He was also a very special duck. I miss him a lot. Wishing you and Sebastian many more happy years together.
Sharon, you’re the greatest! Sebastian is a precious girl and it took a loving person like you to see that. May you have many more happy years together! Lori
God bless you! It doesn’t matter if the pet is a dog ,cat, bird, or anything else that lives. All creatures will show love, if real love is given. Dennis
Sharon you are the best. I’m very proud of you and the way you have unselfishly taken care of Sebastian al these years. Carole B.
More people should love and care for their children the way you love Sebastian. I have had the pleasure to meet both Sebastian and Sharon. Sharon’s love is so unconditional it’s as real as rain. I applaud you for the love and dedication you have given Sebastian. Goodness and kindness will always prevail. Pauline
Can Sebastian move by herself?