Dog had lost the will to live until she met this special duck friend: "She started smiling again"

New York – After a Golden Retriever dog began struggling due to some medical issues, the completely unplanned arrival of a new pet duck changed everything.

The female dog Barley suddenly became full of life again after the duck Louie moved in with them.
The female dog Barley suddenly became full of life again after the duck Louie moved in with them.  © Collage: Screenshots/Instagram/@duckandadog

Barley, a female dog, began suffering from seizures a few years ago.

The medication prescribed to stop the attacks did curb the seizures, but it completely altered her personality.

"She just lost her spunk," owner Tori Cannarelli told CBS News.

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"She lost her goldenness."

Tori and her husband Justin knew that their four‑legged companion would depend on the medication for the rest of her life and feared that Barley would remain withdrawn forever.

The twist came when a certain duck named Louie was listed on the Facebook Marketplace.

Tori discovered the animal and promptly brought him home.

Originally, the plan was for the feathered visitor to stay only temporarily – but Barley had other plans!

Golden Retriever dog and duck form deep bond

The dog and duck love to romp together through the yard.
The dog and duck love to romp together through the yard.  © Collage: Screenshots/Instagram/@duckandadog

The Golden Retriever and the duck have been inseparable from the very first moment.

Suddenly, Barley seemed like a completely different dog!

"She started smiling again," her owner recalls.

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"She started wagging her tail. She started having personality again."

Although it’s hard to imagine, a lively friendship has blossomed between these completely different species.

In the videos on their Instagram page, you can see Barley and Louie chasing each other and play‑fighting.

After the romp, they cuddle up together and relax.

"I never expected to own a duck. Never expected him to stay long term," the dog/duck mom said with a smile.

"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," Tori's son Cameron added.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshots/Instagram/@duckandadog

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