Everyone in the Village of Virginia Gardens knows that our community is something special. From friendly waves on morning walks to the quiet charm of our neighborhoods, the connection here is undeniable. But as the Village recently shared on social media, this past week provided a touching reminder of exactly what makes VG a “small gem.”
The Ludlam Canal Story
If you’ve enjoyed a walk along the Ludlam Canal path recently, you’ve likely grown fond of the resident geese. This unique village fixture actually has a sweet backstory. As the Village shared, what many view as an established attraction “began as a first birthday gift for little Everly Bozas.”
The geese, insightfully named Dorothy and Blanche (yes, after The Golden Girls!), had a mind of their own. “The geese kept escaping their yard and eventually found a new home along the canal bank,” the post explained. They quickly became a “sweet attraction for residents enjoying their daily walks.”
Heartbreak on the Canal
Tragedy struck this past Thursday when one of the geese was taken from the path. This left the goose Dorothy completely alone.
The loss wasn’t just felt by the residents; it was deeply felt by Dorothy. The Village posted that “residents shared she could be heard crying through the night, clearly missing her friend.”
The Virginia Gardens Way: Acts of Synchronized Kindness
This is where the unique character of Virginia Gardens truly shines. When Mayor Spencer Deno IV heard the devastating news, he didn’t wait to act. The post recounted that he immediately “headed down south to purchase a new companion for Dorothy.”
But he wasn’t the only one thinking of our lonely friend. In what the Village post fittingly described as “true Virginia Gardens fashion,” Mayor Deno actually ran into fellow resident, Tino, who was there for the very same reason! It’s this kind of spontaneous, shared care for our community that defines the Village.
A New Chapter for Dorothy (and We Need Your Help!)
Because of this overwhelming response from both leadership and residents, Dorothy is no longer alone. In fact, she has a whole new social circle!
“She now has THREE new friends!” the Village happily announced.
The community has already named the male goose Ron. But now, we need your help. The Village is currently looking for name suggestions for the two new female geese. (Perhaps Rose and Sophia are in the running?)
A Small Gem with Big Heart
The Village also extended a special thank you to the VG Public Works Department for their dedication in helping care for our beloved geese.
This heartwarming sequence of events is a powerful illustration of the core strength of Virginia Gardens. The post concluded with a message that resonates deeply: “This is what makes our Village such a small gem — neighbors looking out for one another… and even our feathered friends.”
Source: Village of Virginia Gardens Social Media Post
