Bionic Bill

I love watching ducks.

When my favorite guy and I were first dating, he used to take me downtown to the Riverscape and we would sit on the swing near the water, talk, and watch the ducks.

Ducks are cool creatures, and they seem to be very laid back.

One thing a duck needs to be successful is, a bill. If a duck doesn’t have a bill, it’s going to hard for it to do things such as, eat, groom itself and quack. I would say a bill is equivalent to a person’s mouth. Think about it. If you had half a mouth, it would make life pretty difficult.

Unfortunately, Polley the duck was struggling with the devasting issue of missing half of her bill after being found at a pond. It had been determined that a snapping turtle had bit half of it off. Because of Polley’s injury, she was having difficulties caring for herself. Although Polley had adapted to her situation, I feel Polley had wished there was something that could’ve been done to enhance her quality of life. When I first learned of Polley’s story, the whole thought of her issue just made me so sad.

You know one good thing about living in today’s world is that technology is so advanced. Even when the report looks grim, technology can give hope for a better future.

After Polley was taken to All Wild which is a wildlife rehabilitation center it was determined that something could be done to help her with the assistance of some Southwestern University students.

With the help of a 3D printer, the students not only designed but made a prosthetic bill for Polley.

I can only imagine how the student’s heart went out to the duck after seeing her. Polley’s situation reminded me of many rehabilitation technicians who work with people with disabilities. After observing people with disabilities, rehabilitation technicians create plans to help us achieve independence. Sometimes their plans include creating a device for one to use to help that dream become reality.

Although Polley’s able to do many more things with her prosthetic bill, she will never be able to be released back into the wild. Because her bill isn’t permanent, living in the wild isn’t safe for her anymore.

You know, after seeing Polley, the students could’ve given up on her. Matter of fact I bet some had already written her off. When a situation looks hopeless, I believe that’s the best time to press forward. For it’s at your lowest when things will suddenly turn around to make your trial your testimony.

Polley, swim on and keep being the amazing duck you were meant to be with your bionic bill! https://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article287567785.html