The Goose That Would Not Swim

I grew up in Northern Michigan, on a lake in a small resort town. In the summers, it was very populated, and you really became close with the summer residents. I first saw Alexander Aloysius Austin III at our nextâ€"door neighbors' cottage. He was the most beautiful goose I had ever seen, and I fell in love with him instantly. Our neighbors were unable to keep him, so I immediately volunteered to adopt him.

He followed me everywhere and chased me if I had his food. At times, he would even nip at me if I didn't give him his food.

It was an adventurous summer, and I loved every minute with him.

-- Nancy Rollo