NAGINEY — It’s not unusual to be talking about a goose on the loose with Goose Day on the horizon

But Earl and Judy Hummel, of Naginey, are the lucky recipients of Lucky. Well, they mean, of the pet variety not the good fortune kind.

“We’re not sure if somebody dropped it off or it wandered in,” said Judy of their visitor, which the Hummels named Lucky.

Regardless of how Lucky, the goose, arrived, the Hummels have welcomed her with open wings, er, arms.

Over the years, the Hummels have raised children and other pets, including cats and dogs. They also have seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

“They love her and she loves them,” Judy said of her growing family. “My grandson comes over and takes care of her. He makes sure she has food and water.”

Lucky moved in last year and quickly became part of the Hummel household. They certainly made the goose felt welcome, creating shelter and providing food and water. They even set up a small swimming pool for Lucky.

Last year, the Hummels tarped the roof of Lucky’s house. This year, they’ve put a more durable tin roof on it.

Judy said Lucky got her name because of the popularity of hunting in the Juniata Valley. Say what?

“She was ‘lucky’ she didn’t get on somebody’s table,” Judy said.

Doubtful considering Lucky’s popularity in the community.

“It’s sort of an unusual pet,” neighbor Frank Bonson said. Apparently, Lucky landed at the Bonson’s farm before making her way to the Hummel’s home.

“The next thing I know Earl and Judy were attached to it,” Frank joked. “People come down the road and talk to the goose, and it talks back.”

He added other geese and waterfowl have visited the area, but none have hung around and had this sort of connection with the locals.

Jenny Barron Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, said Lucky is garnering celebrity status.

“She’s now considered the mascot of Naginey,” Landis said. “She’s the talk of the town and welcome to stay as long as she wants to.”

Apparently. Judy said it’s not uncommon for Lucky to have frequent visitors gawking or talking with her.

“People go by and stop and talk to her,” Judy laughed. “She looks forward to the company.”

And husband, Earl, has grown fond of Lucky, too. “He was sitting out back on the golf cart, and she came out and sat with him,” Judy added.

The Hummels certainly aren’t running a hotel for all pets.

“The day someone drops reptiles off, that’s when I quit,” she quipped.