Deer and dog best friends?

[robinseggs]

Wasn't quite sure where to post this, but it does involve a pet (just not mine) but figured pet lovers would find this interesting....

Anybody out there familiar with deer? My parents had some new neighbors move in next door and they have a labrador retriever who seems to have made friends with a wild deer! Every morning my when my parents are having their coffee on the back porch, they witness this bizarre little ritual between a dog and a deer...

Around 6 a.m. a female deer shows up at the back of the neighbors property and just waits at the fence and watching the house. Eventually the back door opens and out flies the lab. He makes a "bee-line" for the deer! They then sniff noses and jump around a little bit getting excited to see each other and then they begin "the dance"..........each running up and down the length of the fence nose to nose through a black wrought iron fence that spans the property.... this goes on for a little while and then each eventually go on to do their own thing....(the deer grazing/the dog pooping!..... It all just seems so bizarre....but has actually become a thing my parents look forward to watching each morning! Anybody have any input on this? We're stumped!!

[BabyRider]

I have seen stories like this before. Very rarely, but I have heard of it. There was a clip on, believe it or not, "Planet's Funniest Animals" about a crow that had adopted a stray kitten. An elderly couple saw this kitten in their yard, tried to catch it and couldn't and watched while a crow came to it, every morning, and brought it worms, and other "bird-type" food. I guess it went on for several weeks, and the kitten finally trusted the couple enough to allow itself be caught. Even after the couple had made a place for the cat in their home, the crow continued to visit every day, even when the kitten was full grown. They played together, wrestling, playing tug-of-war, and napping together.
If I hadn't seen it myself, I would never have believed it. They had several hours of footage, from what I understand. It is very strange, and I have absolutely no explanation for it! It sure is cool to see though, isn't it?

[robinseggs]

Yes! I did see that story about the crow and kitten too! It was great! Stories like these can be so fascinating especially when they are completley unexplainable. My parents do not know the neighbors real well yet but I am sure will eventually. Can't wait to hear their thoughts on it too!

[Accountable]

I'd love to witness something like this. Those that do are truly blessed. Kinda puts things in better perspective.

[robinseggs]

Yes you are right! I grew up in a family of animal lovers and so my dad especially enjoys this every morning. I think I will have to go spend the night to check it out myself!

[KritterLover]

Yes, I've seen this behavior between my dog and the deer that frequent our yard! Only, every morning at 6:30AM when I take him out to do his business, we are greeted by a two year old black bear. I swear, that bear just waits every morning for me and my dog to do our rounds, feeding the wild birds and to say hello. This bear is a twin. His brother is not far off. During the night, it's not surprising to see eight bears come and go. Best part is, when they swim in the creek behind my house! Awesome sight to see!

[robinseggs]

Sounds like a wonderful place to live! Post your bear stories anytime--would love to read your adventures!!

[KritterLover]

Yes, I am blessed to live where I am. Love all the creatures that frequent my property. Sunday morning, I go outside to start painting my house and low and behold, there is my four year old bear just sitting in the yard watching me work! I ask him what he was doing here so early! Told him he needed to go up the hill so I could work. Slowly, he gets up and crosses the creek to sit behind an oak tree, peering left and right, to see if I'm looking at him. I go get my camera, sit on my side of the creek and start snapping pictures of him. Awesome bear! He hung around until 1PM, then walked off into the woods.
Later that evening when I went to feed the deer, I am crossing the foot bridge that staddles our creek and low and behold, this bear is laying belly side down in the creek to cool off!!! Black bears are like people. Have such great personalities and each one has such unique features that one can tell them apart.
I feed many kinds of animals. Deer, bear, raccoons, skunks, red and gray fox, an occasional elk shows up, had a coyote last night, bobcats, etc. Living here is like a zoo without bars! Respect the wild animals and they do no harm!

[KritterLover]

Originally Posted by KritterLover

Yes, I am blessed to live where I am. Love all the creatures that frequent my property. Sunday morning, I go outside to start painting my house and low and behold, there is my four year old bear just sitting in the yard watching me work! I ask him what he was doing here so early! Told him he needed to go up the hill so I could work. Slowly, he gets up and crosses the creek to sit behind an oak tree, peering left and right, to see if I'm looking at him. I go get my camera, sit on my side of the creek and start snapping pictures of him. Awesome bear! He hung around until 1PM, then walked off into the woods.
Later that evening when I went to feed the deer, I am crossing the foot bridge that staddles our creek and low and behold, this bear is laying belly side down in the creek to cool off!!! Black bears are like people. Have such great personalities and each one has such unique features that one can tell them apart.
I feed many kinds of animals. Deer, bear, raccoons, skunks, red and gray fox, an occasional elk shows up, had a coyote last night, bobcats, etc. Living here is like a zoo without bars! Respect the wild animals and they do no harm!

The eyes are the windows to the soul.

[valerie]

I really hate to say it, but a fed bear is a dead bear in a lot of cases.

You are teaching those animals you feed not to fear humans, and then
they start breaking in to people's garbage and cabins and all kinds of
things.

I don't think it's right to do it.