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From
The Associated Press:
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — For more than two years, Laura Backman has cared for a little one with a neurological disorder — feeding her, changing her diapers, helping to teach her to move with a walker.
Now, that baby is getting around with her own webbed feet. Lemon, a Pekin duck, has been physically disabled since she hatched in the kindergarten class Backman taught. Backman has now turned Lemon's life story into an illustrated children's book, "Lemon the Duck," to teach tolerance and inspire hope in children.
After Lemon hatched, her balance problems were immediately apparent. She couldn't walk on her own — and she still can't, because of a neurological problem her veterinarian suspects could have been caused by temperature or humidity problems during incubation, or by a virus or other infectious agent.
The handful of other chicks hatched in the kindergarten class incubator all went to pre-arranged homes, but Backman agreed to take on Lemon and all the tender care she needed.
"I know it probably sounds like I'm obsessed with her," Backman said. "And I am. But it's a good obsession."
Backman has always loved children's books and thought Lemon's life was worthy of print. Her publisher agreed.
"We just thought it was a fantastic inspiration story, what she's done with this duck," said Meghan Nolan, editorial director at Lobster Press, a Canadian kids' book publishing company. "The messages were really nice for kids, about acceptance and embracing difference."
The book describes the story of how children come to understand Lemon's disability and rally to help her and take turns feeding her. By the end of the book, Lemon mucks around in the grass with other ducks thanks to a feeding harness — a dog's water flotation vest turned upside down and attached to a stand. Backman's character — called Ms. Lake in the book — tells her students Lemon will always need them.
"I think we need her, too," says one student as he hugs Lemon.
In real life, Lemon is cuddly, sociable and never shy to butt into a conversation, letting out a rapid series of guttural barks when Backman presents her with a bowl of chopped tomatoes.
Her disability is occasionally obvious: When Lemon attempts a movement, her neck twists around until the bottom of her beak is facing skyward and the tuft of white feathers on her crown is pinned to her breast.
Sometimes she gets herself untangled. More often, Backman gently pries loose her head.
But Lemon goes right back to eating or pushing herself around in a specially designed walker. The "Lemobile" is about a foot-and-a-half-square contraption made of white PVC piping, a sling and smooth-rolling wheels. Lemon kicks her feet, wags her tail feathers and propels herself forward or in circles.
"She's very feisty. She has a real zest for life," Backman said as Lemon quacked contentedly in the family's airy, waterfront home in Portsmouth.
Because Lemon can't control her bodily functions, she has to wear diapers that Backman changes six times a day. Backman bathes her every morning and carts her almost everywhere she goes.
Lemon has been with Backman to dentist appointments and relatives' sonograms.
Backman, who is 39, was introduced to ducks by her father, who kept them as pets when she was a child. He developed multiple scleroris, and she and her family had to help him with his every need.
"My dad couldn't do anything for himself, but we didn't let that stop him from having a full life," Backman said.
In her book, Backman names one of the kids Richard, after her father, who died about a year before Lemon hatched. A couple of veterinarians Backman consulted questioned Lemon's quality of life and implied she might consider euthanization.
But that was never an option for Backman, in part because she was assured Lemon isn't in pain.
"She really does spoil and love this duck, and she's a happy little duck," said Kimberly Link, president of the Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary in Connecticut. Link's organization is receiving some of the proceeds from Backman's book, as is the Rhode Island Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The book costs $19.95 and can be ordered through Lemon's website, http://www.lemontheduck.com/, or through other online booksellers.
From The Associated Press:
