In a heartwarming incident showcasing an instant bond between two different species, a remarkable friendship unfolded in Virginia, USA. A newborn fawn found itself in a perilous situation, accidentally falling into a lake and facing the threat of drowning. Fortunately, a dog, Harley, swiftly came to the rescue, setting the stage for an extraordinary connection. The following day, the grateful fawn sought out Harley, expressing appreciation in a surprising turn of events.
On the morning of June 2, Ralph Dorn, a 62-year-old resident of Virginia, discovered his 6-year-old golden dog, Harley, swimming in the lake behind his house alongside a fawn. Harley, acting on instinct, was in the process of saving the fawn and guiding it to the shore. Dorn, deeply moved by this unexpected friendship, shared Harley’s heroic tale on Facebook, accompanied by numerous photos capturing the heartwarming encounter.
In his Facebook post, Dorn remarked, “Not sure how this deer got there, but Harley didn’t seem to be asking why. He just took action quickly.”
According to Dorn, Harley not only assisted the fawn in reaching the shore but also engaged in nurturing behaviors, including licking, interacting, and grooming the newborn, believed to be only a few days old.
Shortly after their encounter, the mother deer appeared, prompting Dorn to take Harley home. Once they left, the mother deer led the fawn into the forest.
The story took an unexpected twist the next morning. While Dorn and his wife were enjoying their morning coffee at home, Harley exhibited unusual behavior, running from window to window. Upon investigation, Dorn was surprised to hear the cries of a fawn.
Harley, seemingly attuned to the fawn’s distress, rushed to the edge of the woods, where they were joyfully reunited. The cries ceased as soon as the fawn saw Harley approaching, and the two animals exchanged wagging tails and friendly sniffs. After a heartwarming reunion, Dorn brought Harley back home.
Dorn shared on Facebook that, following the brief reunion, the fawn remained with the doe in the same location until nightfall. Unfortunately, Dorn never saw them again.
As a retired Marine Corps pilot, Dorn expressed that Harley’s compassionate actions did not come as a surprise. Harley has always exhibited a love for being with children and animals. The heartening story shared on Facebook garnered an enthusiastic response, spreading joy and touching the hearts of many. Dorn expressed his happiness, stating, “We are so happy that this story touched so many people and brought joy to everyone.”
