Driving down Lowcountry roadways, seeing the disposed of remains of deer struck by cars and trucks is not an unusual event.
But when Robin Boeke, a Bluffton local who runs a rescue farm in Islandton, got a call to check out one about 10 miles from her farm, she saw something a little odd about the scene.
“I pull up and a puppy’s head pops up and he looked over at the corpse of the deer,” Boeke said. “He was protecting that deer.”
Boeke approximates the puppy, a 10-month-old golden laboratory mix now called Sunny, had actually been out there putting down with the deer for about 2 to 3 days prior to she discovered him.
“I’ve never seen that, the only time I’ve ever seen something like it is when it’s two dogs and one is hit by a car,” Boeke said. “I mean, this dog was bonded to this deer.”
Sunny was “clearly a feral puppy” who was wary of humans but remained curious. For two weeks, Boeke and other friends drove out to make sure the pup was fed and waited to gain his trust. Despite their best efforts to offer treats and water, Sunny was reluctant to leave behind his “friend” and remained curled up against the animal’s body.
“It’s scary out here in the big wide world… and they were friends, I think,” Boeke said. “It’s heartbreaking, but it also shows the beautiful bond between animals.”
Eventually, the vultures came down and other animals might notice the deer. Sunny did his finest to eliminate off the scavengers by chasing them away. He had the scratch marks to show it. There was no blood on his muzzle that suggested he was consuming the deer and the dog had no other significant injuries, though it appeared like he likewise might have been struck by a car, Boeke said.
The scene was heartbreaking enough, however Boeke understood she needed to get Sunny out of there. So, she utilized the very best tool in her toolbox — Callie.
The Rescue
Callie is Boeke’s dog, an 8-year-old Carolina Dog who was rescued from the side of the roadway. Her function at the farm as its very first rescue is easy: She keeps everybody in line and has actually been assisting Boeke as her “proxy dog,” significance she assists to get the trust of lost and roaming dogs the farm is attempting to rescue, according to Boeke.
For a number of days, Callie assisted Sunny feel comfy with Boeke and had fun with him. By Wednesday, he lastly felt comfy adequate to consume water from a dog provider put near the deer. Boeke shut the door behind him. Though he “was not happy” about it in the beginning, the “sweet” puppy understood he was going someplace safe.
“He is immediately a part of our pack,” Boeke said. “He doesn’t want to be touched or pet. I am not going to force him to love me.”
After a little trust-building and training, Boeke said, Sunny will be up for adoption at the Palmetto Animal League in Ridgeland. Her greatest recommendations to individuals who see a dog in possible distress is to leap in and after that call their regional animal rescue.
“I want these people who pass these dogs on the side of the road to stop and help,” Boeke said. “It can make a difference.”
To schedule an adoption appointment with Palmetto Animal League, call 843-645-1725.
Originally released
