Book
Experience the heartfelt story of Saving Black Beak, where courage, resilience, and family unite to rescue a cherished goose. Learn how love and determination bring hope to farm country. Get your copy of this true story today.
Saving Black Beak: A True Story
As a beautiful and heartfelt tale of resilience and determination in farm country, it centers on a young girl who forms an extraordinary bond with a goose she names Black Beak. The girl’s father, a farmer, supports her in the bond that she and Black Beak share, despite the isolation of ranch life.
The story takes a dramatic turn when, after a heavy rainstorm, the girl discovers that Black Beak has gotten stuck in the mud, threatening the goose’s life. What follows is a true test of love, patience, and teamwork as father and daughter work tirelessly to save their beloved animal friend.
This moving story not only speaks to the deep, unspoken connection between children and animals but also emphasizes the values of hard work, determination, and family. Through this real-life account, Rickye Heffner captures the spirit of rural life and demonstrates how, with love and perseverance, anything is possible—whether rescuing an animal or facing the challenges of everyday life.
Cast of Characters
The people who feature on this website span four generations. The oldest, who would be 107 now in 2025, is Ruth, the Great Grandmother. She is the one to whom the book, Saving Black Beak is dedicated even though she hated geese. Next is me, the Grandmother, who is distracted by shiny objects and who tolerates geese, but prefers ducks. My son is a Rancher with a sense of humor. He has given me an appreciation of the complexity of rural/ranching life. Miss H is the granddaughter whose story is told in Saving Black Beak. She loves everybody, especially Black Beak, and also flits after every shiny object. But she is a child and that’s expected. We hope she will outgrow it, but it does run in the family.