Gone But Never Forgotten
This page honors the beloved waterfowl we grew to know and love but are no longer physically with us. They will be in our hearts forever.
Our beloved Wilbur and his missing companions have never been returned. Though Wilbur is no longer physically at the lake, his spirit will always remain there. We vow to keep rescuing and caring for waterfowl in honor of our beloved Wilbur.
Four geese were abducted from White Rock Lake on April 15, 2012, sometime before 11:00 a.m. Someone took our beloved Wilbur and 3 young female geese---2 white Chinese geese and 1 African geese. The African goose was returned on April 22 with a slight wing injury.
Several media outlets are assisting in the area-wide search for Wilbur and his friends.
We ask anyone who lives near a lake or pond to look carefully at Wilbur's picture and see if he is there. If you spot him, please contact us immediately. His family, both human and goose, need him back.
Our sweet little Spotty is missing! He has been gone for some time, along with his girlfriend, Betsy. At first, we thought they might be nesting, but Betsy has been seen with the other geese on occasion without Spotty. Spotty is almost too friendly to people. He climbs on their feet and loves to beg food from people who are at the picnic tables. About a year ago, Spotty, Princess, and another goose were gone for 6 to 8 weeks. They were eventually found at another part of the lake. They were visited by us and told they needed to come HOME ASAP! Within a week, they were back with the gaggle. We have been travelling around the lake looking but no Spotty sightings! We pray he will come home safe and sound and soon. He is deeply missed.
BETSY HAS BEEN RETURNED TO US!!!!
BETSY HAS BEEN RETURNED TO US!!!!
Wilbur's Beloved Mate Goes to Goose Heaven
Sadly, in January, Priscilla passed away. She is shown on the right here with her longtime mate, Wilbur. She had grown old and began spending lots of time alone at the shoreline...something many geese do just before passing away. She is sorely missed by us all and Wilbur looks lonely without his beloved Jill. Jill was one very special goose. She mothered the younger geese and protected the women who were Wilbur's friends. She once chased a little boy away because she was trying to protect Annette. Jill loved eating crackers as much as Wilbur does but she always let Wilbur eat first. She is missed!
THE ULTIMATE TRAGEDY
On the night of 7/7/09, tragedy struck Sunset Bay. Eleven of our beloved geese were injured and/or killed by humans and their animals. We searched for days and only found one wounded goose. Deceased geese were found far away from Sunset Bay. This senseless slaughter affected the whole family of White Rock Lake. The eleven geese were part of a beloved family and our hearts will always remain heavy in our sorrow over this tragic loss. We have listed below the geese that we had photos of. They will remain with us in spirit.
Stumpy was the most famous goose in Dallas. Everyone who visited the lake or saw him riding around in Charles' van knew him. He greeted everyone and was friends to all. Stumpy was rather independent and liked to hang around with people, only staying with the other geese at night. Stumpy loved to "groom" people and make sure they were at their best. Stumpy was found injured on 7/8/09 and was euthanized on 7/9/09. We miss him sorely---he was one of a kind!!
THE TWO SISTERS
Two sister geese were part of the tragedy. Sister I is pictured here. They were inseparable in life and in death. Two sweet little geese!
MiniGoose grew to be a big goose! He and a companion were dropped at Sunset Bay by a family who no longer wanted their Easter pets. His companion disappeared quickly but MiniGoose grew and thrived. He was brave and very strong. Unfortunately, due to the cruelty of man, he was taken from us along with 10 of his companions on 7/7/09. We loved him dearly while he was with us.
Rebekah was Wilbur and Priscilla's long-time companion. She faithfully followed them for years. She was a sweet, loyal Toulose. Unfortunately, her life was taken in a senseless slaughter on 7/7/09. We miss sweet little Rebekah.
Jill, the best mother a gosling could have was killed in the horrendous goose disaster in July. She was a true devoted mother and most likely gave her life guarding her goslings. There will never be another Jill.
Our beloved Princess has left our presence. She was last seen guarding what we believe was a wounded fellow goose on July 8, the day after the big goose massacre. We believe she gave her life guarding her friend. Such was the nature of Princess, a true little nurse! She is sorely missed!
Baby Huey left this world the night of 7/7/2009. He had grown so much we had trouble telling him from the big geese. Sadly, due to the cruelty of man, he is no longer with us.
Vida was at White Rock Lake a short time but, during that time was a great help in raising the young African goslings. Tragically, Vida disappeared the night of the the big goose raid at Sunset Bay that killed and injured 11 of our beloved geese.
King Lear disappeared one night. His two female companions sorely miss him.
Pretty Miss Mattie has disappeared! She was a beautiful goose and we miss her!
Prince, one of the sweetest geese we have ever known is missing. He befriended Princess when she was a scared young goose and was her constant companion. He loved to come up and look you in the eye...almost looked like he was smiling! His little webbed feet looked like they had been pierced with holes and turtles nibbled them when he was young. He survived a serious infection last year and bounced back to robust health. Our hearts are heavy with grief because our little Prince is gone!
Oscar was one of 4 spunky young African goslings who came to White Rock in the spring of 2008. Raised by ever-diligent mother, Jill, he soon grew bigger than Jill. Sadly, Charles discovered him early on Sunday afternoon, injured by an animal attack. The attack was so severe, the veterinarian couldn't save him.
Donnie helped Jill raised 4 young goslings last spring and stuck faithfully by her side until he disappeared. He had a habit of cocking his head and looking cute when we wanted to be fed.
Marilyn, one beautiful goose.
Sweet little Bobbi....she fought her illness to the end.
Miss Rebecca
Marilyn's friends--Dixie and Sir Galahad.
Sweet Juliette....Romeo did his best to protect her.
Rudy...He always came when Annette called him.
Louise, sweetheart of Huey and Dewey.
Jack was Jill's mate. During his last days, he stood alone at the shoreline looking over the lake.
Indian Runner---he was the last of five.
Little Puffball always looked like someone stuck a cotton ball on her head.
Rebel was fairly new but he always acted as "forward guard" for Pat, Missy and Maddie--always trying to protect them.
Charles feeding sweet little Bonnie while Sally waits--sadly, both are missing.
