This story is true. It was written in 3 parts as it happened over a one year period. |
The Return of the Doe I. From the far side of the fence she looked at me still as stone, silent as air, not a flinch, her nut-brown coat in contrast with the lush spring grass where in summer she would blend. Deep as the forest her lashed eyes were alert and wide in wonder. Belly swollen she had come home to birth. She looked at me. Her gaze locked with mine. “I know! I’m a Mom too.” my heart cried, “But I still can’t let you in.” Ears lifted and seemed to hear my silent words, she looked at me then slowly began to graze. II. At the edge of the meadow she appeared and approached the fence knowing I stood near. Almost disguised by the brown grass of summer twin spotted fawns stood like stone waiting for a signal from their mother. As if she had brought her babes for me to see she looked at me, I smiled then she twitched her ear and they disappeared. III. Once her haven from a harsh world, now denied her, this early Spring the doe returned with her young and trespassed. She slipped inside through an open gate. Unnoticed, they chose a place to graze. Unaware of the uninvited guests I turned my dogs loose for a run, my wolf-dog and his kennel mate. Within seconds the young deer fled and hurdled the downhill fence while the doe was spotted, stalked, and cornered. The dogs approached from opposite directions without hesitation they attacked. She was brought to her knees, then to the ground as fangs tore at her throat and her hide was savagely ripped from the back of her neck to the base of her spine. Hoe in hand, screaming ignored commands I pulled the snarling, blood-spattered dogs from the downed deer and kenneled them. The pain crazed doe looked at me then rose and charged the kennel. Razor-sharp hooves slashed forward while her hide flapped behind her like a cape. But her injuries soon defeated her and she disappeared into the woods. I looked for her. - - - Judi Van Gorder Notes: ▼ |