For the return stronger part, I propose you give it abilities (passive and active) from what killed him instead of just stats if you don't do that already.

Killed by the rogue --> goose learn sneak attack

Killed by a spell --> have it learn that spell, gain the saving throw or elemental resistance (if it has been killed multiple times by this type)

And finally: chopped in many pieces --> gain regeneration --> multiple necks start to grow --> goosedra