At least that is what Ivy Rose Vittle is hoping.
The 11-year-old is taking her pet Pekin duck to compete in the Dunedin Poultry, Pigeon and Cage Bird Club Annual Show for the first time this weekend.
She and Lavender had become very close since she adopted her about two years ago, she said.
"It’s been one of my best decisions.
"She’s a good friend. She’s quite a fan of cuddles."
Since then, Ivy Rose has taught her to walk on a lead, to come when called, and she does tricks, too.
"Sometimes, I’ll put some cones out and she knows to weave through them, a bit like a dog."
But it appears there are some things you cannot teach an old duck.
"She doesn’t roll on her back and play dead or beg or anything like that though."
It has been estimated Lavender is about 10 years old.
Ivy Rose’s relationship with Lavender is such that her dad regularly threatens to turn the duck into dinner if she refuses to do her chores.
"It makes me do my jobs every time."
She was entering Lavender in the show, at Forrester Park, because she had never done it before and wanted to do it before her feathered friend died of old age.
Most Pekin ducks live for five to 10 years.
"She’s probably around 100, I’d say, in duck years, and she’s got arthritis now, too.
"I’ll be very proud of her if she wins something. But it’s more about the fact that she will get to go out and have a bit of experience as well."
Lavender will be one of nearly 700 birds at the show, which is open from 11am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-1pm on Sunday.
