Andy (1987 – October 19, 1991) was a

goose A goose ( : geese) is a bird of any of several waterfowl species in the family Anatidae. This group comprises the genera ''Anser'' (the grey geese and white geese) and '' Branta'' (the black geese). Some other birds, mostly related to the ...

born without feet. He was well known for wearing sneakers to help him stand and walk. Andy was killed in 1991 by an unknown perpetrator.

Background

The

grey goose The waterfowl genus ''Anser'' includes the grey geese and the white geese. It belongs to the true geese and swan subfamily (Anserinae). The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with at least one species breeding in any open, wet habitats in th ...

was born in 1987 without feet and lived on a farm in

Harvard, Nebraska Harvard is a city in Clay County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,013. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. History Harvard was founded in 1871 when the railroad was exten ...

. When Andy was two years old, Gene Fleming from nearby

Hastings Hastings () is a large seaside town and borough in East Sussex on the south coast of England, east to the county town of Lewes and south east of London. The town gives its name to the Battle of Hastings, which took place to the north-west ...

became aware of the plight of the bird. Fleming was an inventor and member of a local charity for disabled children, and he thought he would be able to help. Fleming took care of Andy and his mate, Polly, and moved them to his farm in Hastings. Fleming's granddaughter, Jessica, named her after a girl she got into a fight with at

junior high A middle school (also known as intermediate school, junior high school, junior secondary school, or lower secondary school) is an educational stage which exists in some countries, providing education between primary school and secondary school ...

. Initial failed attempts at providing Andy with more mobility included a skateboard-like prosthesis. Fleming then fitted Andy with specially adapted baby-sized shoes and he successfully taught the bird to walk with them. Subsequently, Andy caught the attention of the media and

Nike Nike often refers to: * Nike (mythology), a Greek goddess who personifies victory * Nike, Inc., a major American producer of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment Nike may also refer to: People * Nike (name), a surname and feminine give ...

, which offered a lifetime deal to supply shoes for Andy – the bird wore out a pair of shoes in about one month. At one point, Andy and Gene appeared on ''

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson ''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' was an American late-night talk show hosted by Johnny Carson on NBC, the third iteration of the ''Tonight Show'' franchise. The show debuted on October 1, 1962, and aired its final episode on May 22, 1 ...

.'' Andy became a role model, especially for disabled children. With his shoes, Andy was able to walk, swim, and fly; his owners hoped Andy's mobility would give hope to people with disabilities. On October 19, 1991, Andy disappeared, and a day later he was found dead in a local park with his head and wings removed. The local community collected as a reward to apprehend the killer; however, the perpetrator could not be identified. According to former Chamber of Commerce president Don Reynolds, police were able to identify the killer, but did not give out his identity to the public. Andy was buried without ceremony at Gene Fleming's farm.

References

External links

Gravestone of Andy
{{Goose-stub 1987 animal births 1991 animal deaths Geese Animal cruelty incidents Unsolved crimes in the United States Individual waterfowl Individual animals in the United States October 1991 crimes October 1991 events in the United States

Background

See also

References

External links