I was driving along a very busy four lane street with a turnout lane in the middle. In the oncoming lane was a fawn, probably not more that a couple days old, in front of a stopped pickup. The fawn was limping a bit and acting dazed.
I pulled into the turnout lane, got out, picked up the fawn and got back in my car. It was raining and chilly. I had a sweatshirt in the back seat and I wrapped the baby in it and headed to the local animal shelter/pound. The fawn seemed to be quite comfortable in my lap and put her head on my arm and took a break.
When I arrived at the shelter, it was almost noon, and the officer was just closing the gates. I told him what had happended and he said I had done the right thing and wouldn't arrest me. Huh? Arrest me for saving a baby?
Well, it turns out that it's against the law in Georgia to have a wild animal in your possesion, no matter what the circumstances. I said, "Well dam."
He was very nice though and we tried to contact the DNR as to what to do, but being saturday no one ever answered the phones.
The officer told me that momma would not be far away and that I should take the fawn back where I picked it up and put it in the woods far enough from the road to be safe.
Ok, I drove back to the spot where I had found the fawn, took it into the woods a good distance from the road and let it go.
Now this is where the story gets funny.
I drove up the road a few blocks and turned around to go home. When I got to the spot where I had just released the fawn, not five minutes before, sure enough, there was a lady, stopped in the middle of the road, getting back in her SUV....with the fawn.
It had started all over again.
I hope this kind lady had better luck than I did. I hope she took the fawn home and is today bottle feeding the pretty baby. And I just hope the deer police don't come and arrest her for a humane act.
Walt,
This is a very touching, human-like story. Seems you have a kind heart and will help--as I do--animals (of all kinds) when they are facing a dilemma. Thx for sharing.
What a write, what an experience, I can envision this happening over and over again...but a great inspiration came with this write...There are still good people in the world, who are willing to sacrifice just a few minutes of their time to help a small innocent creature. You know the world we live in today, is usually so push, and hurry, and it's all about self and so little time about others, most do not take the time to care, especially about a tiny baby deer. Heartwarming, and uplifting write, with a bit of humor. Almost makes you wonder if a camera was hidden to see just how many people would stop and bring the fawn back....enjoyed!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
I had a similar experience with a young fawn who liked to travel the paved roads when I was returning from a weekend a way one time. I ended up running interference with my car for almost five miles before the little thing finally gave up and ran off into a farmer's field. lol
Fee
Reviewed by LadyJtalks LadyJzTalkZone
6/8/2007
I could just picture the rangers having a field day with that one. I guess momma must be on the other side of the street. I wish her luck too. You did try your best. Go figure on the laws. Lady J
I truly applaud your compassionate efforts, my friend, and I truly hope that baby fawn makes it. Let the Deer Police Be Damned!
(They are after me, as well, so I best end this right here. The Raccoon Riot Squad ain't too happy with me either, not to mention The Possum Posse and some very nasty neighbors.)
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
I was driving along a very busy four lane street with a turnout lane in the middle. In the oncoming lane was a fawn, probably not more that a couple days old, in front of a stopped pickup. The fawn was limping a bit and acting dazed.
