“The warmth from their towel … seemed to give her a little stronger will to live.”
The Huron River in Flat Rock, Michigan, is a popular place to relax during the summer. Visitors often float along the gentle current in kayaks and inner tubes, enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Recently, five friends — Morgan, MaKenna, Jessica, Karmen and Kristina — were floating down the river when Morgan noticed something unusual near the shore.
The group paddled over to investigate and found a domestic Toulouse goose lying motionless in the dirt. It appeared the bird may have been abandoned at the park.
At first, the friends feared she was already gone. But then they noticed a small movement in her chest.
She was still alive.
Knowing the goose needed help immediately, the friends wrapped her in a beach towel and carefully placed her in one of their inner tubes. As they continued down the river, they began calling bird rescues, hoping to find someone who could save her.
By the time they reached shore and got back to their cars, they had connected with rescuers who were already waiting for them.
The goose was handed over to members of Serenity’s Place Wildlife Rehab, who then transported her to Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary for urgent care.
When she arrived at the sanctuary, staff had an oxygen tent and heat lamp ready. Thanks to the quick actions of the five friends, the goose had already begun to show signs of improvement.
The warmth of the towel and the care she received during the ride seemed to help give her strength.
Now, the goose is recovering at the sanctuary and doing well. Her rescuers believe she has a bright future ahead of her.