If there’s one thing people should know about me it is that I have a very soft heart when it comes to animals.
I was devastated when my little Bichon Frise ‘Nicky’ died several years ago at the ripe old age of 17. We adopted a cat from the Humane Society and later found out she was pregnant (after being told she had been spayed). When she had her kittens, we didn’t have the heart to give them away, so I am now known as the cat lady down the street.
Baby animals have an especially strong tug at my heart. So this morning when I looked out our back window and saw a little fawn looking at me from beneath a tree, my heart leaped with joy. I didn’t see momma around but I figured she must be nearby. I thought this would be a wonderful photo op so I grabbed my camera and went out to take photos. That’s when the little guy got up and started walking and immediately I could tell one of its legs was broken. It broke my heart.
I called the local Fish and Wildlife to see what I should do. Apparently deer do not do well at animal rehab and are able to compensate for not being able to use one leg. So they said to just let it be and see what happens.
I understand the “circle of life”, but when it happens in my own back yard, its hard to witness.
When I got home from work today it is still here, sitting in the shade under a tree.
Maralee
Through My Lens 
Oh my. Can you put water and/or deer food out for it? I feel for you. I’ve been worried about a lame doe with two fawns here. I hope the little guy does okay.
Thanks, Christine. I put some water out. Momma came back yesterday afternoon and was nursing the baby. Momma’s been coming and going since then. Baby got up on its feet and was walking a bit. It’s putting a little pressure on the injured foot. They can stay in my yard as long as they like. So what if I won’t be able to mow my lawn.
I hope that the fawn will survive this misfortune. I know what you mean about animals. One of my outside (neighborhood) cats, who happens to have resided in our yard since birth over 6 years ago, has gone missing since about Tues. morning. Scooter is faithful to the yard, so we feel awful that he is apparently gone. None of the other outside cats have the playful personality that he does, so we have been feeling just sick about it. It is hard once you open your heart to a pet to have the loss.
Thanks, Judy. I’m hoping it will survive too. I put some water out. Momma came back yesterday afternoon and was nursing the baby. We have several stray cats, too, that I put food out for. We live about .5 miles from the Humane Society and I think some people just leave their cats in boxes outside of it and they get out. We’ve trapped a few and given them to a no-kill cat shelter.
This is, as you say the cycle of life, and one is always advised not to interfere. Not an easy thing to do and I have on so many occasions interfered… much to my own horror my interference has not always worked out for the best.. and a fawn that has a broken leg and in the yard is going to be difficult to ignore and allow nature to take its course… however I would be out there placing feed and water in the hope that the mother will return to partake and maybe collect her young..
Having been involved in animal capture in the past, I’m very aware of the adrenaline spikes that wild animals have when frightened, so any approach should be slow and calmly done… good luck just glad its not me…
Thanks, John. Like I told Christine, I put some water out. Momma came back yesterday afternoon and was nursing the baby. Momma’s been coming and going since then. Baby got up on its feet and was walking a bit. It’s putting a little pressure on the injured foot. They can stay in my yard as long as they like. We have a pretty big yard with quite a few trees for shade. I just won’t be able to mow my lawn for a while. That’s okay with me.
Oh no…I know exactly how helpless one can feel in a situation like this. The poor mite. That cliché of ‘survival of the fittest’ unfortunately really does apply to this situation. I wonder if he’s old enough to be weaned? Maybe he still needs his mom? My heart also breaks for him, and for you to have to suffer through this.
So heartbreaking – can’t understand why they don’t want to help him .. if it been over here .. they had been around straight away, mostly because of his damaged leg (I think). Maybe they are right – because nature has strange ways to heal itself. Water does he need and that you can provide – otherwise he will okay on you backyard.
Thanks, Viveka. Like I said to Christine and John, I put some water out. Momma came back yesterday afternoon and was nursing the baby. Momma’s been coming and going since then. Baby got up on its feet and was walking a bit. It’s putting a little pressure on the injured foot. They can stay in my yard as long as they like. So what if I won’t be able to mow my lawn.
If the mother knows where the baby is .. they both will be fine. Nice with a deer in the garden .. maybe they will cut the lawn for you .. *smile
Oh, this is sad. But it sounds like the little guy is giving it the old college try and Momma is still taking care of him. That she disappears for awhile is normal, she knows he is some place safe. I hope it all goes well. And yes, the lawn can wait!
Poor thing. I hope it will recover.
Thanks, Inga. We’re hoping he will too.
I saw this post on Saturday night.. Has he left yet? Wish there was something that could be done..
He’s still in our yard. Momma has been coming and going so I’m hoping he’ll get stronger and able to get around on 3 legs. Or his other leg will heal. He can put some pressure on the injured leg, but not much.
As you indicated earlier.. Sometimes the circle of life sucks! It would be hard for me to see the little guy on a daily basis and not be able to do too much if anything to help him..
I’ve shed my share of tears over it. But I’ve talked to several other people who’ve had similar situations and the little ones survive and even thrive. So here’s to hoping . . .