During an overcast summer morning, near a rural pond, some of the locals enjoyed an unusual encounter with a friendly goose, or was it a gander?  Like any stray, this little guy survived on his wits and sought the occasional hand-out only from those considered trustworthy.  Making his way around was a sight, as he rocked along with a serious limp.  This bird’s curious way of walking was patterned after the famous old Western character played by the film star Walter Brennan.  That walk, together with his lost-dog manners, earned him the title: Walter Thug-Goose!

 

This story started and ended with Walter wanting a meal.  It seems he followed a nice old lady around a small lake, drawn to her perhaps because Walter had spotted her carrying a sack of corn.  Regardless, he somehow knew that a safe, cheap meal would easily soon be his.  However, the woman simply led this staggering gander back home, where her family could help.  Some bread, water, and gentle doctoring later, and Walter was good to go.  When the meal ended, he headed back toward the pond just as fast as he appeared -- that is, not very fast at all.