Little Stories: The Broken Wing Chance

Once upon a time, I was driving by a little river and I saw a solitary Canada goose with a broken wing and no mate left to tell the tale. This was before I learned how to rescue big injured birds by transporting them in a pillowcase. I picked up the goose and ensconced it on the passenger seat of my Volkswagen bug. My new friend grew curious and made its way into my lap, whereupon it began attempting to remove the buttons on my shirt. I exhorted myself to keep my hands on the wheel and studiously ignore the incredulous and amused people gawking at us at red lights. We made it mostly intact to the wild animal rehabilitation center — me, the goose and the Volkswagen bug.

The moral of this story, if you need one, is that helping someone of whatever species may cost you, but it’s almost always worth the price. And always travel with paper towels to clean up any messes.