This Wednesday, January 13, 2015, is National Rubber Ducky Day! If you’re wondering why we celebrate this “holiday” on the 13th of January, look no further than the great Jim Henson. Remember the song that Ernie sang about his beloved yellow duck? Of course you do! It’s a tried and true hit. The Boston Pops and Little Richard have covered the catchy tune, and in 1970, it stuck around on the Billboard Top 40 chart for 7 weeks!
Ernie is single-handedly responsible for rubber ducks becoming such a staple in almost every house across America, and consequently, he can be credited for those lovely squeaks you hear when your pooch chews his own yellow rubber friend.
Did you know that in 1992, a gaggle of these cheery squeakers were traveling under the moniker, “friendly floatee”, when they were accidentally set free? Approximately 29,000 yellow rubber ducks fell off of a cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean, and by 2007, they had traveled over 17,000 miles along ocean currents. In fact, some of the friendly floatees are still roaming free today!
So, this week, we encourage you to get your beloved sidekick a yellow rubber ducky of his or her own (if he doesn’t already have one). Of course, while you’re enjoying the cheerful squeaks of your pup’s sure-to-be new favorite toy, remember not to allow them to destroy the duck. Watch for small parts and supervise play to avoid any gastrointestinal surprises!
Most importantly, as your pup plays and squeaks, don’t forget to sing (in your best “Ernie” voice) the song that made National Rubber Ducky Day a reality!
Rubber Duckie you’re the one,
You make bathtime lots of fun,
Rubber Duckie I’m awfully fond of you
Vo-vo-dee-o!Rubber Duckie, joy of joys,
When I squeeze you, you make noise,
Rubber Duckie you’re my very best friend it’s true.Oh, every day when I, make my way to the tubby
I find a little fellow who’s cute and yellow and chubby!
Rub-a-dub-dubby!Rubber Duckie you’re so fine,
And I’m lucky that you’re mine,
Rubber Duckie, I’d love a whole pond of,
Rubber Duckie, I’m awfully fond of you!Oh, every day when I, make my way to the tubby
I find a little fellow who’s cute and yellow and chubby!
Rub-a-dub-dubby!Rubber Duckie you’re so fine,
And I’m lucky that you’re mine,
Rubber Duckie I’m awfully fond of you!
Featured Photo Credit: Proggie via Compfight cc