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Big Box Store with a Heart

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Realty Services

 

The other day I headed over to the Costco next to my office.  I like going there about as much as I would like to have every tooth in my head drilled with no Novocaine.  I don't really like it.  Too many people in there for me.  Anyway, when I have to go, I strategically pull into the lot and park way over on the far side of the lot so I can get in and out with relative ease. 

When I drove up to the parking lot I noticed a bunch of the shopping carts grouped in a semicircle with that yellow caution tape threaded through the carts.  I parked up from the carts, got out of me car and noticed two Canadian Geese waddling back to towards the carts. 

It seems they built their nest there and the employees built a barricade around the nest.  As I stood there and watched them, I watched the mama go, uncover the nest ( they cover it up when they leave) and sit back on it for awhile.  Papa stood guard, posed for my pictures and kept guard of his little woman and their imminent brood.

I really like Canadian Geese.  I know they poop all over the golf course, but that is life - watch where you are stepping.  You know they are monogamous and will usually come back to where they were born and nest in that area every year.  My neighbors have a pair that come back to the pond in their yard every year. 

I was told by Duck hunters years ago that if they were hunting geese they could shoot 2 a day.  The reason was that they were a pair.  If one was shot, the mate would come back to look for it and then they would shoot it to put it out of it's misery.  I'd like to put some of the hunters out of their misery as well.  I know that is kind of morbid, but it shows the intense relationship that even animals can have!

So, my hat is off to the Costco employees for protecting the little couple and making the world a little bit nicer place :)

 

Comments (16)

Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Audrey, what a cute story. Personally I love Costco but that's because I no longer have one close so only get to go once in a blue moon.  Sams Club is much closer but I don't like it nearly as much as I like Costco.  When we lived in Colorado we had one very close and I got in the habit.  I guess old habits are hard to break.

Apr 24, 2008 02:44 PM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD
Marchel, The store itself I like.  Ours is so busy it is almost painful to shop in.  There is another one about 20 minutes up the road and I make the trek to it because it is not as crowded!  When we go to our house in North Carolina I go all the time to that Costco- I love that one.
Apr 24, 2008 02:49 PM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

I live next to a golf course and have lots of Canadian Geese around.  Every morning when they wake up they start fussing as the ground crew start making their rounds.  They don't move for anyone and it is funny to watch the golfers figuring out how to play around them.

Apr 24, 2008 02:52 PM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD
Cindy, I think it is interesting that they are so fearless.  The golf course here uses the company that has the border collie that chases them away.  Humane for the geese and the border collie is having a big time.
Apr 24, 2008 03:11 PM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!
Wow, this was a touching story.  Thank you for sharing it with your Friends at Fraiche Aire.
Apr 24, 2008 03:15 PM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate
Audrey- What a good blogger you are...even while going to the store you have your camera ready to go.  Loved the pictures, and kudos to the employees for their humanity , or is it gooseary :) :)
Apr 24, 2008 03:20 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
What a great group of employees.  I can't wait to see the newbies when they arrive.  You will have to keep you camera ready!
Apr 24, 2008 03:23 PM
Universal Funding Partners
Universal Funding Partners - Scranton, PA

I grew up in a city but now moved out to a rural area.  I never thought I would change, until I stepped in a busy Walmart store.  I can't handle crowds anymore at all, so I understand your problem.  I'd make the long drive just to avoid the foot traffic as well.

Very cute blog.  I love the sound of geese.  I guess that's weird. 

Apr 24, 2008 07:10 PM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Lola, Thank you!  When I figured out this group was yours, I knew I had to sign up :)

Kathy, it is kinda gross isn't it?  I have turned into this person my husband doesn't recognize anymore!

Joan, I now live for my photos and my "stories".

Thanks, Kevin.  That store is a disaster.  It is just sooo crowded.  I think it is one of the busiest they have.  I don't mind the store, it is the crowd.  I will go on strategically planned times and days to avoid crowds, NEVER on a Saturday.

Apr 24, 2008 11:25 PM
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor
Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ
AzLadyInRed

Ahhhhhhh, Audrey, that is so cute. See? Costco isn't all that bad. I shop there all of the time. Great deals! And now I know they're compassionate as well. ;-)


Pepper

Apr 25, 2008 11:32 AM
Jennifer Monroe
Indigo Home Team powered by Compass - Charlotte, NC
Real Estate REALTOR®/Broker/Designer
This is the second post I've read today with geese in big store parking lots! Is it really that time again??
Apr 25, 2008 11:33 AM
Diane Aurit
LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Lake Norman Real Estate
What a cute story.  I'm so glad that the employees cared enough...it certainly makes a visit to Costco less painful!
Apr 26, 2008 01:17 AM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Teri, I like Costco too. Just that the one next to my office is sooooo crowded!!

Jennifer, I LOVE the babies!!

Diane, I have to say, it made me smile when I saw the geese.

Apr 26, 2008 07:21 AM
Patty Carroll
Vancouver, WA
Great story, we have always had a great experiance and it always seems like the employees enjoy working there.
Apr 26, 2008 02:43 PM
Bob Cumiskey
A1 Connection Realty, Inc. - Sun City Center, FL
US Army Retired, Your Sun City Center, Florida ~ Realtor
Audrey, what a great post.  I loved the picture of Poppa guarding his family.  Cool.
Apr 26, 2008 03:08 PM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Patty & Scott, the folks at our store seem to like it too!

Bob, Oh yeah, glad you stopped by.  I like Papa on guard too  :)

Apr 26, 2008 03:16 PM