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DON'T MESS WITH ALBERT


In the wee hours of the morning, I hear him sound off. Like a well trained sentry, he alerts me. From the house, I can see a car approaching, headlights on high beam. The newspaper is being delivered. As I make my way down our long driveway in the dim morning light, I can see him floating leisurely in his pool, tiny slivers of ice surrounding him. As I scoop up the paper, I see him beckoning me to join him. “Hey, Chic, come on in – the water's fine,” he announces. “Thanks, but, no thanks, Albert. I'll pass!” I waved as I retreated back to the house and the warmth of the woodstove. “Sissy!” I heard him mutter sarcastically. “I heard that,” I retorted!

Albert is always the first “person” that you'll meet when you arrive at Bella Vista Farms. He's the greeter, so to speak. His sweet smile and very vocal personality are immediately evident. But don't let

that pretty face fool you. Behind those marble like eyes and cute little grin lurk a force to be reckoned with.

You see, Albert is our trusty “watch goose.” I'll warn you now, don't mess with Albert! Albert takes his job seriously, alerting us to any guest, passerby, airplane, or coyote. If you should enter the gates uninvited, Albert will call for back-up – the Gentle Giant dogs that call Bella Vista Farms their home. Yes, they would protect me, but my money is on Albert!

In the six years that Albert has been protecting the farm, many flocks of geese have invited him to fly away and join their flock. He always laughs, then goes back to his comfy straw filled barn, fresh water, tasty meals, and, of course, that sparkling clean pool. “I live the life of Riley here. Why would I ever consider leaving?”

Albert protects all of the animals here on the farm from chickens to horses and everything in between. We all feel secure knowing that he is on duty. He struts around, checking every nook and cranny, working 24 hours a day.

Albert is a guard goose extraodinaire, a mighty might with wings like a steel trap and a strong beak that most bears would envy. He is always on high alert to dangerous situations.

This brings to mind just one act of his bravery. Last summer, I was doing morning chores at my usual fast pace when Albert stepped in front of me, blocking my path. He stood his ground, honking and flapping his wings wildly, not letting me pass. I stopped dead in my tracks. Had I not heeded Albert's frantic warning, I would have stepped directly on a 45 inch rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike! Yikes! Good job, Albert.

Our entire farm wants to give Albert a huge thank you for his dedication and relentless protection.

But please remember, if you visit the farm.....Don't mess with Albert.

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