It’s been a little over a year since Dork the Emu passed away in the confines of a Big Lake homeowner’s yard. But the memory of the “big chicken” — as owner Tom Berry would call him — lives on and one devoted fan of the bird decided to make Christmas special for Berry and his family.

 

Kelly Dombroske of Santiago just loves the Christmas season which allows her to express exactly how the Christmas season is supposed to be expressed — by giving with no consideration of receiving anything in return.

 

Except smiles.

 

Dombroske loves to bake and cook and each year she clears room in her kitchen to make cookies, caramels, almond-covered pretzels and other delectable treats — then hand delivers them to homes and businesses just to see the smiles on the faces of the receivers.

 

She even does give-aways via her Facebook page for lucky visitors who follow her. Recently, she hand-delivered dozens of tasty treats to the offices of the Citizen-Tribune to enjoy this holiday season.

 

Dombroske — who spent weeks and weeks last summer tracking Dork the Emu and trying to lure him home — decided to do something special for Dork’s dad as part of her Christmas generosity. She secured a photo and a poem from a local photographer/writer and brought the items to Laser Addictions to have a laser-engraved plaque produced.

 

Wednesday, she presented Berry with two plaques — one for him and one for his daughter, Kim, who also led the charge to bring Dork home last summer. Berry opened the gifts from Dombroske at the Citizen-Tribune office and he gleamed with the smile Dombroske was hoping she’d receive.

 

The poem on the plaque read: 

 

 

Dork may be long gone, but his legacy and memory will live on in his many fans and followers. He was loved and brought smiles to people’s faces — just like what Kelly Dombroske is doing during this season of giving.