Dog is man's best friend -- or at least that has been assumed for many years.  However, one Los Angeles man and his feathered companion may change that belief.

Last summer, retired investor Dominic Ehrler was taking one of his daily walks through Echo Park Lake when he suddenly found himself accompanied by a goose.

"When she first started following me around like a dog I got goose bumps," the 65-year-old told the Los Angeles Times. "David Foster, one of the parks people here, finally introduced me to her. He said, 'You know you're being stalked! Her name is Maria.'"

Maria is one of about a half dozen geese that live at the park. Ehrler says he feeds all the geese that come up to him, but none have stuck around like Maria.

Every day the web-footed waterfowl will fly beside Ehrler as he leaves the park on his red scooter.

"It's a very sweet friendship," California resident Cynthia Camfoy said. "She follows Dom around every morning loyally. Very protective!"

"I never thought I'd be 65 years old and in love with a goose," Ehrler said.  "But I have to admit, Maria's got me right here," he said, pointing to his heart.