When many of us think about having a pet in our home, our thoughts automatically go to a dog or a cat. In reality, there are many different types of pets, some with fur and others with feathers.

Maria Hillman is someone who understands pets with feathers all too well. Her organization, Lofty Hopes, rescues many feathered creatures, including chickens, pigeons, and ducks.

Photo: YouTube/The Dodo

She has a real passion for saving these animals, and she also has many stories about the birds that receive her kindness. This includes a duck named Gertrude.

As she shared with The Dodo, Gertrude had some disabilities and was abandoned as a pet. She couldn't walk, and the veterinarian told Mariah that Gertrude's legs were like sugar.

The veterinarian felt it would be impossible for Gertrude ever to stand, let alone walk. In order to prove them all wrong, however, Gertrude decided to get busy.

Photo: YouTube/The Dodo

Maria gave her a wheelchair that allowed her to use her legs without putting too much pressure on them. When she taps on the floor quickly, she can move along, and she absolutely loves it.

They would also take Gertrude along with some when they went hiking. They never thought that she would recover, but Gertrude was about to show them differently.

During one trip, they would put Gertrude in the water and allow her to float around. She could also crawl in the water while she was on a leash, and she was having a blast.

Photo: YouTube/The Dodo

She couldn't walk, but she was certainly trying to do it, and it is inspirational to watch the effort she put forth. Eventually, however, Gertrude did something that made them all emotional.

Gertrude tried to stand up and did it. She then started to practice walking, and before long, she was putting one webbed foot in front of the other. Check out the sweet video below:

It's a story of inspiration that gives us all hope. If we put our heart into something, there's nothing we can't accomplish.