My name is chastitie frye. On November 14th 2023, conservation officers along with nappanee police, came to my house and took my goose. We have had her as part of our family for 5 years. Everyone that knows me... knows Goosey.  I never knew I wasn't allowed to have her. People that don't know us but feel as though hurting us will get what they want... turned us in. I was served court papers December 13th. They are charging me with hunting of a migratory bird. I did nothing wrong. I love goosey and just want her home.

In 2018, my family and I found ourselves at McNaughton Park in Elkhart Indiana, where we witnessed a heartbreaking scene. A gosling, much smaller than the others, was being tortured by a flock of much older geese. It was out of place and they were going to kill it. I am an animal lover.  Long story short.. she came home with us and has been with us every day since. 

We named her Goosey and she quickly became my emotional support animal. As someone who is unable to have children, Goosey filled a void in my life that I didn't even know existed until she came along. Whenever I'm upset or feeling down, she's right there trying to take away my tears.

I do not look at Goosey as a pet. Honestly, she is the closest thing I will ever have to a child of my own. When she is sick.. she sleeps like a  human child does when they are sick.. she sleeps on my chest. Head nuzzled in my neck.. heart to heart. I dont believe she knows she is a goose. She acts just like us. She has the attitude of a teenager. Not even joking. I miss that attitude that kept me on my toes. Her best friend is a cat named baby kitty.

When she is scared.. she jumps in my lap. My heart is breaking because this means more to me than I could ever put into words.. if i could just find a way to get her home with me. I promise she is just as sad as I am and knowing this.. I can't breathe. It takes all I can do to hold in my sadness. I might sound crazy.. at this point I feel like im going crazy. There are millions of geese in this world... I don't understand why I can't keep one. If people can kill them when the time is right... why can't I keep one.. they are federally protected.  But sometimes it is legal to kill them. I can protect her better than anyone.. It isn't her fault I kept her. But its all she knows now. We have been protecting her for the last 5 years and now I can't even find out where she is. I just need help to bring her home. Nothing more. Let me have the life I was living before November 14th 2023. I wasn't hurting anyone. I wouldn't wish this feeling on anyone. I pray that she comes home with me. I dont know what to do without her. 

We urge the local government to reconsider this law and allow exceptions for emotional support animals like Goosey who play such an important role in their owner’s lives.

Please sign this petition if you believe that everyone should have access to their chosen form of emotional support – regardless if it quacks instead of barks or purrs! Help bring Goosey back home where she belongs!