Goodbye George, We Love You
Today we drove to the Fauntleroy ferry terminal to take George to his forever sanctuary on Vashon Island.
I’ve been telling George about his forever home for a few weeks now, and today he walked right into his carrier like he knew we were going. He was also very good in the car and didn’t mind the ride at all.
When we arrived at the sanctuary on Vashon Island, we were greeted by the security guards.
But once we were inside the gate, they ran to tattle on us and make sure their people knew we were coming.
George immediately walked towards where he saw the guard geese, but Glenda, the sanctuary founder, didn’t think that crew was right for George. They are a little bit like a gang, and they might be too rough with him.
So then George was coaxed back over to take a swim in the pond. He really seemed to enjoy that, and he met a few of the resident ducks.
Then he disappeared. I was really concerned that George might cling to me or be afraid when we arrived, but he stepped out of his carrier with confidence and curiosity, and introduced himself to everyone.
When I found him again, he was trying to find a way to get into the pasture where these geese live. But this group is a very tight-knit group, and they weren’t interested in a new outsider joining their family.
So we coaxed George back past the predator-proof night pens and over towards the pond. These pens have muscovies and some handicapped ducks and some bunnies and all sorts of fun critters. Right now there are some tree limbs down from a few powerful storms that blew through Washington last week, but it is a beautiful set up.
Back on the other side, George got to meet his hopeful wingman, Big Boy. What is hilarious is that Big Boy is actually smaller than George. The fresh air and pond and running around will be great for George, because when I see him next to other geese, he looks like a TANK. He is a chubby, tubby boy who could use some good exercise. I need to stop feeding my kids MiracleGro.
George was very interested in this set of geese, including Big Boy, and they also seemed to be interested in him.
He also briefly considered joining this flock of ducks, but then the geese came over to chat.
George tried to get them to follow him to the pond, but they had already done their swimming for the day.
So he paused for a minute to look at me.
And then he wandered off to hang out with his new-found friends.
Here’s a little video of George saying goodbye.
I think he was asking me if I was going to be okay without him.
As I stood back to watch him for a bit, he looked up from the far clearing to give me one last “hep” and then he was off again to learn all about his new friends.
It’s a beautiful sanctuary, and I know George will be safe and happy there. There are lots of other animals too, including a few sheep and some donkeys.
On my way out, the guards made sure to let me know that I should NOT cross into their territory again, especially without treats.
I asked them to keep an eye on the new kid for me, and they reluctantly said they would think about it.
The name of the sanctuary that took George in is called “Baahaus Animal Rescue Group.” In this photo, you can see Glenda, one of the founders, refilling water bowls and doing chores. Running a sanctuary is a lot of hard work, and an expensive endeavor. If you would like to support George’s forever home, you can learn more about them and find out how to donate on their website here:
I was so impressed with George today. I am going to miss him a lot, but he made the day so easy for me by just being a good goose. He was confident and curious and happy to roam around and discover his new playground. I was very worried that today would be hard on him, but he took the adjustment in stride. It may take him a few days to feel at home, but I have no doubt that he will, and that he is happy to be back with geese again.
Special thanks to Glenda of Baahaus and to Shanti & Christine for helping to rescue George. He left a big impression on my heart and I will never forget him. Thankfully, I will get to see him again in about a month when the scovy goobers Benson & Reggie are ready to join him at Baahaus, and I may also see him in July for a summer sanctuary party.
I love you, George. Be good, and play nice.
XOXOX
23 Comments
He is quite the guy. I’m going to miss him too.
*snif* His new place looks awesome!
I have tears in my eyes, I’ll miss George. I’m so happy he’s back with his own kind, even though he’s had the very very best care and more love he could handle I know geese feel happiest among their own kind (that’s not your fault). So this new home is perfect, it’s big and has all kinds of things for a curious goose to explore. He’ll thrive (after the other geese have accepted him and learn what a good guy he is).
I know you’ll miss him, ducks are wonderful critters but they are not as bright as geese are, you can really have long conversations with geese and they are very loyal. You’ll miss that interaction but I’m happy you got a chance to experience what great birds they are (can be).
Thanks for your love and devotion to get him back on his feet again, it looked so bleak for him at the beginning and I feared he would get depressed without geese around him, but he had you and you had him.
Have a great new life George, I know you’ll be very happy there!
I’m a bit misty eyed too. George is a good kid, and he sure is lucky to know you.
What a beautiful place for George! I know he will thrive there. Thank you for all you did for him.
Goodbye, Georgie-boy. I’ll try to type through my tears… your love for all animals (great and small) always touches my soul and you write such great stories and photos for us like we are there. I will miss you, George. Your peoples are the best.
What a wonderful end to George’s “story!” His new home looks absolutley beautiful! As others have said, your love and devotion to the rescues that you take in, makes my heart happy, so thank you for sharing their stories. Thank goodness for good people such as yourself, in this world in this crazy, and sometimes very cruel, world.
that was very sweet. I do hope George will be happy .
Goodbye, Friend George! Best of luck to you in what appears to be the happiest place on Earth! xo
I am teary eyed – George is such a proud and good boy. We will miss him lots.
He has a very successful, corporate businessman demeanor, and I am sure he will hold his own and become a leader in the new sanctuary.
Thank you so much, Tiffany! You have made this a wonderful ending–couldn’t be any better in any way! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It was so touching the way he paused and said goodbye. I think this story will have a happy ending. All because of you.
I’m pretty sure anyone with a beating heart is reading this with tears in their eyes… very, very happy tears. I’m so happy for George. Very nicely done, Tiff.
I couldn’t hold back the tears while reading. His goodbye to you was very touching! I’m so glad to see him be well and going to this sanctuary.
So good to see George end up in such an ideal setting with his own kind. What a dream it would be to be able to run a sanctuary like this.
What a great place! George is a lucky guy!
George looks so proud and happy in his new digs. Three honks for a gorgeous sanctuary and a happy ending!
You and George share a special bond, and I’m sure he’ll always love you for the care you gave him. Of course he’d give you a sweet farewell. I’m glad that you’ll see him again soon.
“Chubby, tubby”?? Hmmph. What happened to “high wing load”?
Like so many other readers, I also have tears in my eyes. I’m so happy that he got into a great sanctuary but sad that we won’t get regular updates on him. He seems to have so much personality. I’m glad to hear that he was able to settle in to his new place pretty easily. We’ll miss ya George, but it seems like you are in a great place!
Congratulations, George, on your forever home!
It looks lovely, I am sure he will be one happy goose there with all those new friends!
I was waiting for some photos and these were awesome. This place on Vashon is great and huge. George will have a blast there. He’ll even thin down some probably. I think the guard geezies wanted french fries. Thanks so much to this sanctuary and to you Tif for taking care of our beloved George.
I loved the video of the guard geezies on the road. Who needs dogs when you have big geese. Luckily they weren’t nesting or you would have needed human protection for sure. LOL
What a great job of R&R you’ve done, Tiff! Best wishes to George on his new adventure in that wonderful sanctuary!
sniff. We <3 George
Aw, this is great, Tiffany! Good for you for giving him such a great home, and such a great forever home too! xo