Beloved goose Homer has passed away. His longtime girlfriend Edna, at right, has not left his side and is seen here sleeping next to him Christmas night. Los Alamos residents visiting the pond over the years looked forward to seeing and sometimes feeding Homer, who had lived there for many years. He had been a bachelor much of the time and was featured in many pictures taken by hundreds of visitors to the pond. Homer would honk loudly and swim over to visitors; it seemed that he’d expect a treat, but he often would stay to visit with anyone who would talk with him. These people felt an unusual connection. He was special. The affection grew as stories of his personality and antics were passed among the community. In the last few years someone donated a female goose that became his mate, and a public debate began almost immediately to establish a name for her. A vote was held through the Los Alamos Daily Post and she became known as Edna. Picture-taking doubled. The couple were inseparable. Even after Homer’s death, Edna has not left his side. Sometime between the evening hours of Christmas eve and the early hours of Christmas morning, Homer died. His body was seen floating in the water by a passerby who reported the sighting to the police department. Los Alamos Animal Control was notified but unable to retrieve Homer’s body due location and icy conditions of the pond. So, Edna’s devotion continues. Concerns for Edna’s well-being have been expressed on social media and discussions on how to care for her are ongoing. Photo by Dixon Wolf