In the world around us, animals of different species can sometimes form incredible bonds. A heartwarming example of this took place at Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri, where a stray dog befriended an orphaned deer.
The young doe became orphaned when her mother was tragically killed in traffic. She was often seen near the cemetery during funerals and other events. A few weeks ago, a female Shar Pei mix appeared, and the two animals quickly became friends.
Concerned about the dog’s well-being, cemetery officials decided it was best to find her a home. They worried that other stray dogs might appear and put the deer in danger. Furthermore, the dog needed clean water and regular feeding. They reached out to Wayside Waifs, a no-kill animal shelter, for help.
When the rescue team trapped the dog, the deer was right there beside her. Jennie Rinas from Wayside Waifs explained that while deer can survive in the wild during winter, leaving the dog without food and water would be inhumane.
Cemetery trustee Bruce Matthews shared how Ella, the deer, was by the van when the dog was taken away. He was heartbroken but knew it was necessary.
The dog, nicknamed ET (short for EpiTaph), needed to be socialized. Despite being less than a year old, she had already become timid. Bruce hoped that after being adopted, ET could return to visit Ella.
“The family who does adopt her is more than welcome to bring the pooch back out to visit with Ella anytime they want to,” he said.
Sadly, the story doesn’t have a happy ending. About six months later, the deer was found shot in the cemetery. This deeply upset Bruce Matthews, who expressed his disbelief and sorrow: “Everybody who looked after her, everybody who would come to visit the cemetery, the officers from the East Patrol station – all I can say is it was somebody with a hard heart and confused mind.”
While their friendship was brief, one can only hope that the dog will cherish the memories of her time with the deer for the rest of her life.