In keeping with the opinion that what we need more of in this world are heartwarming stories, I found one about a cancer patient and the grouchy goose who has become his walking buddy. Bill Lytle will tell you the goose has kept him alive longer than the doctors predicted he would live.

Retirement life started off well enough. After a lifetime of earning a paycheck, Bill Lytle and his wife of 52 years, Myrna, moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Bill became one of the founding members of a walking club called the Lake City Striders in the idyllic northern town. Lytle enjoyed walking.

Then one morning Lytle woke up and discovered his skin had turned bright yellow. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the doctors told Lytle he only had a few months left to enjoy his retirement before life was done. But Lytle, who said he wasn't ready to die, kept walking. This is how he met the goose he named Mr. Waddles. The goose comes when Lytle calls for him and off they walk by the lake. It's not like the goose is a friendly goose. It snaps at everyone else but Lytle. Lytle attributes his walks and relationship with the goose for helping him to move forward each day. Lytle's wife believes the goose knows her husband is sick and has chosen to look after him on his walks. I would have to agree with both of them. Read the complete story of Father Goose here.