Walking home one day, nine-year-old Manuel saw some adults dumping a bag of goslings into a yard for a dog to eat. The dog was quickly devouring the tiny birds, but one was close enough to the fence for Manuel to reach. He pulled the gosling to safety, carried the bird home, and spent the next several days diligently caring for his new friend while an adult acquaintance looked for a permanent refuge. When she contacted us, we gladly agreed to welcome Thatcher to our Acton, California sanctuary, where the friendly goose has made a splash, bonding with caregivers and discovering the joy of swimming.

Thatcher now resides at our New York sanctuary, where he loves swimming in the big pond with his buddies by his side. The kindness of one child gave Thatcher the sort of safe, rich life that most farm animals never experience. Now, Thatcher has the power to change lives too, inspiring visitors and readers to let the strength of their own kindness shine through.