The “Goose Susan” Story, Why My Porch Finally Feels Like Home

I grew up in the Midwest. Porch geese were everywhere. I wanted that same feeling. Home. Silliness. My own porch finally deserved one.

This one actually stays put. The heavy-duty plug lets you fill the base with sand, so she stands rock-steady in the wind. The textured finish holds up through rain without fading. And the classic 23-inch size fits standard outfits perfectly — no modifications, no duct tape, no hassle.

There’s a size for every space too: a full-size goose for the porch, a 17-inch baby for smaller balconies, and a tiny 7-inch desktop version for your workspace.

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My first Susan goose statue

If you grew up in the Midwest, you probably remember the porch goose. You will know the one—the heavy cement porch goose statue in your grandmother's garden that wore a yellow raincoat in April and a tiny Santa hat in December.

After years of being cramped in a one-bedroom apartment during college, I finally got a place with a porch. I want to do a nice decoration for my new porch, so the first thing I did was start the hunt for my very own Goose "Susan". I wanted that same feeling of "home" and silliness that I remembered as a kid.


But here's the reality: a pure plastic porch goose can be a bit of a nightmare. My first attempt was a "flying goose" disaster. I bought a plastic one that looked cute in the photos, but it was so light that the first autumn breeze sent "Susan" tumbling into my neighbor's yard. I tried the "DIY hack" of filling it with water, but the plug was so flimsy it leaked all over my porch—it was a literal mess. I was frustrated.

I just wanted a "happiness booster," not a second job as a statue repairman. Finding a solution that actually works, I eventually found a Gaggleville porch goose that actually solved these "vertical pain points." This one has a heavy-duty rubber plug at the bottom that actually stays sealed. I filled mine with play sand, and now she is steady as a rock, and also solve common "flying goose" frustrations with upgraded thickened plastic and a high-sealing filling hole for rock-solid stability; you can find it on Amazon, but heads up: stock comes and goes. If you see it available, grab it.

My Maintainess with Patio "Susan"

I've had my goose out through a few spring rain showers now, and it has held up surprisingly well. One thing I was worried about was the texture; it dries relatively quickly, and that brown "fur" finish hasn't matted or faded significantly yet.

However, I'll be honest—I'm a bit of a protective "Mother Goose". While it's durable, I much prefer keeping her inside the porch area where there is some overhead cover. I don't like leaving her completely out in the open without any protection from the heavy downpours. It just keeps her outfits looking fresher for longer!

Finding the Right "Susan" for Your Space

The 23 Inch Classic Porch Goose: If you finally have that porch you've been dreaming of since your college apartment days, this is the one to get. I've learned that this 23" standard size is the "sweet spot" for outfits; unlike smaller versions where clothes can be a struggle to find, most festive outfits are designed to fit this size perfectly. It's the classic look that reminds me of my grandmother's garden.

The 17" Baby Goose (The Small-Space Specialist): For those of us still in that "cramped apartment" phase or with a smaller balcony, this 17-inch version is a great way to join the club without taking over the whole floor. It's also a favorite for classrooms or offices because it's just big enough to wear a cute seasonal bow without being distracting.

The 7" Desktop mini porch goose (The WFH Buddy): This little 7-inch version is strictly for your indoor life. I keep mine right next to my monitor while I'm playing Nintendo games or working. As a 95s kid, it's just a tiny "Happiness Booster" to have at your desk to keep the "honk honk" silliness alive during a long workday.

The Patio Goose costumes Struggle

The biggest pain point I found in the community was accessories falling off. I used to see people using duct tape to keep a bowtie on! The outfits I recommend now have elastic straps and internal wire supports. It sounds small, but when you see a set of bunny ears standing perfectly straight in the wind without you needing to manually stitch or glue them, it's a total win.

No More "DIY" Headaches. I've seen some "boutique" outfits that require you to manually cut or stitch the collars just to get them over the goose's head. As a 95s kid who values my free time, I don't want a craft project; I want a cute goose. The 23-inch standard outfits are designed for easy-on, easy-off utility, you can change the theme or another look in under thirty seconds.

They're available on Amazon. For example, the porch goose in a classic raincoat style is really popular — complete with an umbrella that stays perfectly upright and attaches just right. The raincoat gives the goose extra support, helping it stay with us a bit longer, in its own way.

Why I'm Sharing This?

It might seem silly to care this much about a porch statue, but as a 95s kid navigating a loud and stressful world, coming home to see Susan in a ridiculous outfit is a genuine "happiness booster." It’s about sharing in the "honk honk" silliness with a community that gets it.

I did the digging on Amazon and sat through the leaky plugs and flying statues so you don't have to. If you’re looking to start your own porch goose family, this is the one I personally use and trust.

Picture of Joy Shen
Joy Shen

“Life is too short for ugly objects.”
With an eye for aesthetics and atmosphere, Joy ensures that our finds aren’t just useful—they look good, too. A lover of interior design, she hunts for items that elevate your space and mood.