Around the Massachusetts-based New England Wildlife Centers, Arnold the Canada goose is well-known. He has been with his mate for years and resides on a pond close to their facility.

Arnold was examined after staff members saw him stumbling and limping and discovered he had two open foot fractures. They don’t know exactly how this occurred, but they think a predator—possibly a snapping turtle—attacked him as he was swimming.

They were aware that surgery and a partial amputation would be necessary if they wished to preserve his foot. Arnold was given painkillers and antibiotics, and they prepared him for surgery, but they weren’t prepared for what occurred next.

Staff members heard a tapping at the clinic door before his procedure. They were pleasantly delighted to discover Arnold’s partner attempting to enter the clinic when they went to investigate what it was. They were unaware that the mate had found Arnold and was demanding to see him. She remained in Arnold’s line of sight at the doorway during the entire procedure!

Arnold’s operation was thankfully successful, and his foot will recover in due course. Arnold was taken to the door after he was awake from anesthesia so he could view his partner, whom the nurses had called Amelia. When they pushed open the door, Amelia started grooming him. Once they were again together, a soothing aura flowed over them both.

Arnold had to stay with them so they could continue changing his bandages and keeping a close eye on him while his foot healed. Staff members brought Arnold close to Amelia so they could see each other as she continued to visit the door on a daily basis. So the two lovers could eat together, they even constructed a temporary pen!

Arnold was released back into the wild after he was in good enough health. He arrived to find Amelia waiting for him, and the two of them headed out to the pond for a swim.

The center said on Facebook, “We are not sure what they will do next, but we are so thrilled that they have the opportunity to do it together.” Today we got to observe Arnold fly and swim, and his foot has recovered wonderfully. We’re sure he won’t have any problem keeping up with his companion, Amelia.