In a heartwarming story from Devon, England, a newborn fawn found a new family after being rescued by a hiker. The baby deer, believed to be only a day old, was discovered alone in a field. Concerned that the fawn had been abandoned, the hiker took her to a vet. However, the fawn may not have been abandoned at all; often, mother deer leave their young hidden while they forage. But after human contact, the vet feared that the mother might not take the fawn back. Unsure of the next steps, the vet reached out to Steve Hopper, a seasoned animal rescuer.
Milly Finds a Home
Steve Hopper, known for his experience in rescuing animals, welcomed the fawn into his home and named her Milly. For the first ten weeks, Steve fed Milly with goat’s milk, ensuring she received the nourishment she needed to thrive. During this time, Milly formed a unique bond with Steve’s two German Shepherds. The dogs, known for their loyalty and protective nature, immediately took to Milly, treating her like a part of their pack. Milly, in turn, started to mimic the dogs, following them around and playing with them as if they were her siblings.
A Sibling Bond
Steve described how Milly adapted to her new environment, learning from her canine companions. “The shepherds took to her from the moment she came to the door, and Milly actively plays with them,” Steve explained. Without a mother to guide her, Milly followed the dogs’ lead, learning simple commands and responding to treats. “When she knows you have treats, like a chocolate bourbon or dog treats, she will come. Occasionally, she comes for company, a nudge, and she’s very affectionate on a good day,” Steve said.
A Forever Home
Given Milly’s strong bond with her new family and the challenges of reintroducing her to the wild, Steve has decided that Milly will remain with him and his dogs. The fawn’s unique upbringing has made it clear that she feels right at home with her canine siblings and human caregiver. “It was a miracle she survived, but she’s now right at home with her bonded family,” Steve shared. He also offered a thoughtful reminder to those who encounter wildlife: “My general advice for any animal or bird if you find it is to leave it alone, but also think about it – are you going to leave your two-year-old baby running around the play park on their own? It’s about balance and knowing what you’ve actually got in front of you.”
A Message of Hope
Milly’s story is a touching reminder of the unexpected bonds that can form between animals and the power of compassion. As Milly continues to grow alongside her German Shepherd siblings, her story brings joy and warmth, showing that family can come in all shapes and sizes. For more uplifting and inspiring stories, consider subscribing to newsletters that highlight heartwarming moments like Milly’s, reminding us all of the good in the world.
