Andy (goose)

Andy (1987 – October 19, 1991) was a goose 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 was born in 1987 without webbed feet and lived on a farm in Harvard, Nebraska. When Andy was two years old, Gene Fleming from nearby Hastings became aware of the plight of the bird. Fleming was a member of a local charity for disabled children and inventor 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.^[1]

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.^[2][3] Subsequently, Andy caught the attention of the media and a sportswear manufacturer, which offered a lifetime deal to supply shoes for Andy – the bird wore out a pair of shoes in about one month.

Andy became a role model, especially for disabled children.^[4][5] With his shoes, Andy was able to walk, swim, and fly; his owners hoped Andy's mobility would give hope to people with disabilities.^[1]

On October 19, 1991, Andy disappeared, and a day later he was found dead in a local park with his head and wings removed.^[6][7] The local community collected US$10,000 as a reward to apprehend the murderer; however, the killer could not be identified.^[8][9]

References[]

External links[]

• Gravestone of Andy

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