Watch out geese! Two new team members have joined the Island’s working dog team. Atlas, a blue merle border collie (2yr. old), and Reed, border collie puppy (5mo. old), will be responsible for keeping the geese population under control and ensuring no “befouling” of Governors Island public grounds alongside veteran team members, Chip and Aspen.
“Our beautiful lawns and public spaces would not be in the amazing condition they are today without the efforts of our working dogs,” said Clare Newman, President & CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “Atlas and Reed are welcome additions to the team, and we look forward to watching all four members of our working dog team bound around our campus, keeping us free of geese and allowing our visitors to enjoy our pristine green spaces.”
Atlas is already fitting right into his new role, whereas Reed is continuing to learn the ropes by training along the other team members and riding the ferry before starting his full-time position come his first birthday.
The first pack of working dogs joined the Island in 2015. They were hired by the late Jim Reed, a member of the Governors Island family and who Reed the new pup is named after, to humanely keep away geese. Each dog is a rescue, with majority coming from Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue.
So how does the geese control squad actually work? It’s important to first note that the dogs never harm the geese. Instead, their herding instincts help deter the geese by chasing them away. Shifts are taken with a human caretaker to patrol the areas at dusk and dawn each day. The adorable doggos even have an Instagram page to let you know what they’re up to.
If you’re looking to visit Governors Island with your pup, they’re welcome to accompany you every weekday beginning at 10am through April 30, 2024 for the Island’s Winter Dog Days. They’ll be sure to have a tail wagging time at the off-leash dog park. Find out more about visiting Governors Island here.