The Unsolved Slaying of Andy the Footloose Goose

A beloved sneaker-wearing goose, born without feet, meets a tragic end in lingering mystery.

Many a time, when we think of cold cases, we think of the disappearance or death of a human,(well-known or not), or theft of money or artwork. However, what about when the cold case in question, involves a celebrity animal?

Andy, a grey goose, was born in 1987, notably without webbed feet and lived on a farm in Harvard, Nebraska. When he was two years old, Gene Fleming, from nearby Hastings met him and became aware of his plight. Fleming, a member of a local charity for disabled children and an inventor, thought he could help the handicapped fowl. Subsequently, Fleming took in both Andy and his mate, Polly, and moved the pair to his farm in Hastings.

Initially, attempts at providing Andy with improved mobility included a prothesis resembling a skateboard, though it did not work. After that failed, Fleming then fitted Andy with a pair of specially adapted baby-sized sneakers. After successfully teaching Andy how to walk in the shoes, the sneaker-wearing bird caught the attention of the media, as well as a manufacturer. The latter offered a lifetime deal to supply shoes — Andy wore a pair of shoes in about a month. Andy subsequently became a role model, especially for disabled children. Seeing Andy be able to walk, swim and fly with his shoes, gave inspiration and hope to people with handicaps. In 1981, he was featured in an…