A fawn mistakenly rescued from the wild has formed an unlikely friendship with two German Shepherd dogs in Devon. The deer, named Milly, was brought to Moorgate Vets in Moretonhampstead by someone who believed she had been abandoned.
Vets concluded that Milly's mother was unlikely to accept her back after human contact, so the fawn was placed in the care of animal rescuer Steve Hopper. Mr Hopper, who usually rehabilitates injured birds of prey, has been bottle-feeding Milly four times daily with goat's milk supplied by Pennywell Farm.
Mr Hopper described the bond between his dogs, Bear and Fox, and the fawn: 'They'll groom her all over, have playtime, and race around the field. Full German Shepherd speed with the deer in front or behind—it has to be seen to be believed.' He noted that such a relationship is unusual and advised dog walkers to keep pets on leads near wild animals.
Despite the heartwarming friendship, Mr Hopper said Milly will not be able to return to the wild due to her early handling. Ashley Rubens of Moorgate Vets said the fawn was 'mistakenly believed to be abandoned' and urged people not to interfere with young wildlife unless certain the mother has not returned.
