Dirty Bird

[Logan]

What a story of love and compassion! Most of us think of Canadian Geese as loud, but beautiful, and to me, a little frightening (since they tend to hiss if you come too close). Dirty Bird defies all of those thoughts.

All I can say is a big "thank you" for the introduction to this beautiful goose and his wonderful family. Thanks for sharing your story, but also thanks for the education about this breed and the links for help, if it is ever needed.

Congratulations to Dirty Bird and his family for providing a very special Pet of the Day today.

[zippy-kat]

Wow! I've never seen a huggy honker! lol
DB you have brightened my day with your story of love. What a silly goosey you are!

Have your Mom give you a nice three hour long hug for me!

Congrats!

[RachelJ]

Because of time constraints I normally don't check out the Pet of the Day, just limit myself to the Dog section. But thanks to Logan, I was previleged to read about the amazing Dirty Bird. I often say we live in the flight path of migrating Canadian Geese, because we have the pleasure of seeing so many of them up high and up close at the river and near by bird sanctuary (man made marsh area). I have been frequently enchanted by the sound of honking geese, but I never would have imagined the depth of relationship that dear Dirty Bird developed with his caretaker. Thank you for sharing this marvelous story. I'm sure I will never forget it. And in Dirty Bird's honor, the next time I get up close to a Canadian Goose, I will jokingly ask, "Wanna hug?"

[tatsxxx11]

What a wonderful thought Rachel! I have to say that Logan and Rachel have said it all so beautifully and perfectly. Your "story," DB, had me fixed to the screen in awe, amazement and smiles! What an incredibly touching tale of trust, love and deep, deep devotion! Thank you so much dear guardian for sharing your beautiful DB with us today. You have greatly enlightenend us all to the needs and concerns of these magnificent creatures that too often, are taken for granted! Congratulations Dirty Bird, our MOST deserving Pet of the Day!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

That picture tells a thousand stories, I really thank you for bringing us the story of Dirty Bird. Such compassion and love is wonderful to see in this day. It warms the heart. Please give Dirty Bird a hug and kiss from me and Congradulations for being the most loving, sweet, friendly, wonderful Very Best Pet of the Day.

[Freckles]

Yes, this is a great story! I noticed earlier today that Diane had signed up as a new member. I'm hoping she will post here soon.

[ November 26, 2001: Message edited by: Freckles ]

[lizbud]

Dear DB ,
I loved the story of your introduction to
your "new momma". Sorry about your siblings!!
Congratulations for being honored as today's
PET OF THE DAY!!!You are a Pet of a lifetime.

[margaret]

Dirty Bird's story has GOT to rank among the top ten AMAZING pet stories here on Pet Talk. Simply amazing.

Thanks to Diane for sharing her wonderful experiences with Dirty Bird with us.

[shais_mom]

I have never heard of a Canadian Goose as a pet!! What a wonderful tribute!!
I have never had the chance to get close to one!! He is beautiful!! Congratualations!

[AdoreMyDogs]

I am sorry I am late on this, but better late then never because that picture of Dirty Bird being hugged by his loving human is one of the most touching pictures I have ever seen, with an equally touching story to go along with it.

Congrats, DB, I don't think I will ever forget that picture of you getting snuggled by your loving mamma. You deserve all good things that come your way. You be good, and you enjoy all those hugs.

[DB'sMom]

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments on Dirty Bird. The priest that was killed in the collapse of the World Trade Centers always said that if you want to make God laugh, tell him what you'll be doing tomorrow. That is so true. If someone had told me that I'd be holding a goose in bed, I would have thought his brain was totally fried.
Canada geese (It is improper to use the term "Canadian geese" unless they were born in Canada-silly isn't it?) usually are only aggressive during the breeding season and during the raising of their young.This runs from approx. Feb.-July. The rest of the time they hiss for different reasons. I learned that at a resort my mother was staying at this past fall. She called to say that there was a flock of Canada geese there. Bingo!! I had an adolescent goose that needed placement, but I just didn't have the heart to leave her all alone on a pond.My mother badgered the proprietors into allowing me to bring the goose down for release. The whole scenerio was a sight to see. The geese had the whole thing figured. Every morning they made the rounds of all the visitors' apartments loudly honking. Guests stay for a week at a time so in a few days the geese had taught all visitors to come out and pay homage with whatever edibles they possessed.I was feeding bread to the flock when this HUGE goose came right up next to me and loudly hissed. I'm 5 ft. tall and this guy's head could reach under my arm pit. I gathered up my courage and offered him some food fully expecting to get pecked. He just wanted attention and his share of the bounty. He ate as gently out of my hand as Dirty Bird.
Hissing doesn't necessarily mean aggression, but the head held low to the ground does.Also it's best not to place your face too close to a wild goose.Their necks can strike out like snakes. Even if you're pecked which is highly unlikely unless you're aggravating the bird, it's not fatal or even harmful unless it's in the eye.Remember if the bird is wild, it's afraid of you and will protect itself. Wouldn't you if placed in a similar position?
Even though these are supposed to be federally protected birds, golf courses and other areas where they are deemed to be nuisances can obtain federal permits to slaughter a hundred or more of them at a time.This is unnecessary.These birds suffer terribly when they lose their mates.Volunteers can do egg addling early on in a nest which is similar to a human abortion before the third month or simply run the birds off to other territories.
Hope I haven't bored you with this blather, but I feel that Dirty Bird was given to me for a reason. I've become besotted with the intelligence and the ingenuity of the Canada goose.

[ November 27, 2001: Message edited by: DB'sMom ]