The Three-legged Deer

 This deer, a buck, does have four legs, but one of his rear legs has been injured somehow below the knee and he only uses three legs to get around.  He showed up earlier this year.   He probably is a deer that was raised around here and knows our place is safe to hang out around during these hot summer days.   We do keep water out for the deer and it has sharply decreased the slaughter we used to see along highway 138 below us, where the only water source this time of year is Dodge Creek across the highway.   This deer only has one two point antler and the other antler is deformed or stunted, so he is called One Horn.   There are four other younger bucks that hang out with him.   In the heat of the afternoon these deer find shade near the woodshed below the house.    This is where I usually park the truck and whenever I go down there I move slowly so as not to disturb them.    One Horn is usually laying down in the woodshed while the others are on the north side of the shed where the shade is.    At times I find myself talking to One Horn about his injured leg and my own problems.  He seems to listen and acts like he wants to understand.   Maybe I’m starting to lose it during these times of isolation and uncertainty.   Thank God the neighbors can’t hear me.    Later in the day when things cool down and I’m out watering plants or doing whatever while these deer are out grazing nearby.  Sometimes they are startled by my movements and the younger bucks run off, but One Horn hesitates looking back at me like he wants to converse or pick up where we left off on the last conversation.   There have been times when I try to imitate his walking by limping myself.    He watches me and I believe he knows I understand his problem.    Here again the neighbors can’t see any of this strange activity as they drive by out of sight on the road above the house.    

This hot afternoon I was out looking for One Horn.  The usual young bucks were around the woodshed, but no One Horn.   Like an old friend I hope he is doing OK.  I should be cleaning house during these hot afternoons and not worrying about a deer.  Maybe I do need help.