Gentle Goose Rescued & Returned to Pond: Witnesses Can't Believe Their Eyes

Written by John Fry (Oregon, USA)

On a hot summer day, as my wife and I pulled into a local dog park, we spotted a big white goose far from the pond where the geese usually hang out. One person was allowing his dog to harass the goose.

I put a stop to that and approached the goose, warily, as I know they can be cantankerous. This bird was exhausted and, we soon found, thirsty. We both had water bottles with us. I turned mine upside down and the goose drank from it.

We started walking toward the pond, luring the goose along with our water bottles. It was obvious that the walk was going to be too long so I thought I would try to carry him. I got behind him, put my arms around him and lifted, not knowing if a pecking was coming. The goose wasn’t bothered a bit. So we walked along with his neck and feet sticking out in front. We must have been a funny sight. Many passing cars slowed or stopped.

As we approached the pond the goose gave one honk and all the geese in the pond came to greet us. I put him down, and he joined the crowd. Every time I walk or bike past this pond I wonder which goose is “mine,” but they all look alike.

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Mara C.

7:20PM PST on Jan 26, 2012

Thanks for doing the right thing. I would never let my dogs harass another animal for their safety as well a the other's.

send a green star

Gillian D.

2:18PM PST on Jan 23, 2012

I can't stand irresponsible dog-owners!

Sheri P.

1:49PM PST on Jan 14, 2012

SHAME on that person who was allowing his dog to harass the goose!!! YAY for the good samaritans who rescued that poor harassed goose!

Loretta P.

11:40AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

Ahhhhh, what a sweet story. Made my day. Thanks for sharing and coming to the goose's aid.

Neil A.

6:58AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

The more I see & hear I think dogs are really unpleasant, both ends being unpleasant & dangerous & so irritatingly loud with their stupid unnecessary barking.

Glad there are good people who save animals when they need it.

Anne R.

11:42AM PST on Jan 13, 2012

Whenever I read a human that intervenes and takes action to rescue, help or save another, I think we need to clone these actions and people. She is such a person.

Lori M.

9:17AM PST on Jan 12, 2012

So sweet of you to come to the rescue. SHAME on the person letting their dog harrass the poor bird...it really irks me when adults allow cruelty to any living thing with their children or pets. That sweet goose knew you were saving him!

Marlene C.

1:39PM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Thanks for caring and sharing :)

Pam W.

11:33AM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Aww, nice story share, thank you.

Walter G.

9:44AM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Geese, as I remember them in the west and now here in Southease Asia, are a communal bird, acting many times as a group. I'm a bit surprised that teh rest of the geese left one of theirs to the amusements of a dog instead of banding together to repulse it and defend one of their own. In Ramasun relay Station, down the road a bit from Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, in teh mid 60s, promptly at 16:30 2 platoons of geese would assemble in front of the actual relay building, forming in 2 straight ranks, wingtip to wingtip, wings flapping, honking, and from tht point on one had better be escorted by their handlers to get into that classified building. Geese, similar to swans, have hooks or claws on the wing joints, and along with the claws on their feet, they can mark you, make you bleed, or even blind you. These had also been taught to hit right where the pelvis joins together in front, and they could damage that, affecting walking or standing. The Thai Army handlers were the only ones who could control them, and if they decided to "mob" someone, only one platoon would do that, the other would continue to guard. I think the answer to which goose is 'yours,' may be that they all are now, for saving one of their own.