The Irish often say that “A wild goose never reared a tame gosling.” But what about a tame goose? That’s a question being debated at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. For over 20 years, a goose named Lucy has made the harbor her home. For over 20 years Ursula Grunwald has watched over her, feeding her apples, grain, and other food. That’s because Lucy is all alone in this world. Her partner was mauled by a dog 11 years ago.
The Irish often say that “A wild goose never reared a tame gosling.” But what about a tame goose? That’s a question being debated at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. For over 20 years, a goose named Lucy has made the harbor her home. For over 20 years Ursula Grunwald has watched over her, feeding her apples, grain, and other food. That’s because Lucy is all alone in this world. Her partner was mauled by a dog 11 years ago.
Now, however, there seems to be a problem. Harbormaster Chuck Izenstark says that some people are less than delighted by the “leftovers” Lucy leaves on the dock after finishing her meals. He says that one of these people has asked for Lucy to be found a new home, where she can leave her mark without upsetting the harbor’s patrons. In response, Izenstark put up a sign asking people not to feed her.
Then again, not everyone who frequents the dock is so vocally “goosist.” Tom Dexel, a board member at the local Rowing Club, says that the goose is an official “mascot” for many of the people who use the dock. “She has more friends than people know,” he adds.
Lucy’s fate could be decided tonight at a meeting of the Santa Cruz Harbor Commission. Izenstark can’t be sure that the people opposed to Lucy will be there, but he is pretty confident that many of her friends will show up. Read more at Santa Cruz Sentinel.
