Goose Rescue Story Began

Today, just as I was leaving a doctor�s appointment on the far side of town, I got a call about an injured goose�the kind of wildlife rescue call that never comes at a convenient time. And�because the universe loves a little chaos�it was just around the corner. Well, my kind of “around the corner.” Six minutes away counts in this city.

The guy who saw it all unfold did exactly what someone not experienced with geese should do: he got on the phone and started calling anyone and everyone who might help. He got the full runaround�transfers, voicemails, more numbers than a bingo night at the senior center�until eventually, like so many do, he ended up at me.

The Moment We Found Her

I got to the scene and started looking for what he described, but couldn�t spot anything at first. Then, on my second lap around the shopping center, I found one lone goose tucked into a flower bed, right in the crook where two buildings meet. Kind of cornered�just like the caller said.

It�s also a well-known nesting spot, so my first thought was, �Oh, she�s just sitting on a nest.� She wasn�t moving, just hissing softly, which is classic nesting behavior. But when she saw the net in my hand�then she decided to let me know: no nest here, just a very injured bird.

Assessing the Goose�s Injuries

Her wing was torn off. Clean gone. The bleeding had slowed until she started resisting me, so there�s hope. I�ve treated worse. This injured goose rescue story is one of those moments that reminds me why I do this work. Geese can live full, glorious, honking lives with one wing. Heck, most of the crew at our sanctuary could start their own pirate ship by now�peg wings and all.

Tonight she�ll get a pressure wrap, and if she makes it through, I believe she�s got a real chance. There was a little blood on her beak, but that might just be from picking at the wound. Everything else looked surprisingly good.

What Happens After a Wildlife Rescue

Once we stabilize an injured animal, they�re brought to the sanctuary for monitoring, hydration, pain management, and rest. With geese, especially, it�s about keeping them calm. Stress can do more damage than most wounds. We�ll check for infection and begin wound care over the next 72 hours.
This one-winged wonder will need long-term care, but if her spirit today was any indication�she�s got fight in her.

A Shout-Out to the Kind Stranger Who Stepped Up

But let me pause and give a heartfelt shout-out to the young man at the Dollar Store: You did exactly the right thing. You saved a life today�or at the very least, you made sure she didn�t suffer alone, scared, and hurting. That is no small thing.

The world desperately needs more folks like you�people who act when it matters. I hope one day soon I get to shake your hand a second time and tell you where she is, and what she�s up to. Never lose that spark. Never let this world convince you that kindness and action don�t matter. Because they do. You do.

PSA: What To Do If You Find an Injured Goose

?�What to Do If Geese Are Blocking Traffic:

Stay calm. Honking won�t help. (Unless you�re the goose.)
Don�t chase them. This usually causes panic and makes the situation worse.
Call for help. Animal rescue, wildlife hotlines, or yes�even me.
If safe, protect them. Use your vehicle to slow traffic or guide them across if you�re able. Always prioritize human safety first.
Watch for families. If one�s crossing, more are likely on the way. Goslings often get separated�so stay alert!
Geese are wild, stubborn, and often hilariously sassy, but they are also living beings who just want to get from point A to point B with their families intact.

Why This Goose Rescue Story Matters

Thanks again to the young man who showed what true kindness looks like today. You reminded me why I do what I do.
Stories like this injured goose rescue story remind us that compassion still thrives�and sometimes, it�s just a phone call away.
Now go out there, be safe, and don�t forget to give a honk for compassion. ?

Here are some of our other goose-related stories:�

Goose Injuries and Wildlife Tales: A Day to Remember…
The Lonely Goose: A Story of Hope and Rescue…
Another Goose With Injuries Hobbles It’s Way To Help
A Goose Family Tragedy Turned Triumph On The Interstate Stroy Part 1…
A Goose Family Tragedy Turned Triumph On The Interstate Story Part 2…