Sarge refuses to leave their side.
Some dogs truly shine when given a purpose, and that’s exactly what happened when Sarge discovered his calling—caring for those in need.
As a puppy, the now 9-year-old German Shepherd had a mischievous streak, often biting toes and chasing his siblings around the house. However, everything changed when his owner, Cheryl Stephen, brought home an orphaned fawn named Buckwheat, who had been found lying helpless in the middle of the road.
“Something clicked in Sarge, and he instantly bonded with Buckwheat,” Cheryl told The Dodo. “He wanted to be involved in every aspect of the fawn’s care.”
From that moment, Sarge became Buckwheat’s self-appointed guardian. No other dogs were allowed near the baby, as Sarge took his protective role very seriously.
With unwavering dedication, Sarge became Buckwheat’s babysitter, offering comfort and security. As the fawn struggled to find his balance on his wobbly legs, Sarge patiently stayed by his side, moving at his pace and ensuring his safety.
“When we took Buckwheat outside, Sarge walked beside him, keeping him from wandering too far,” Cheryl explained. “As Buckwheat grew and started exploring more, we would send Sarge to find him and bring him back home.”
Eventually, Buckwheat was released back into the wild. However, word quickly spread about Cheryl and Sarge’s incredible ability to care for orphaned and injured fawns. Soon, Cheryl’s phone was ringing constantly, with people seeking help for rescued deer.
For Sarge, every new arrival is like Christmas morning.
“The moment I walk in carrying a fawn, Sarge springs into action,” Cheryl said. “He immediately checks them over, sniffing frantically to assess their condition. The fawns are drawn to Sarge and feel safe around him. He refuses to leave their side.”
Unfortunately, not every fawn survives, and each loss weighs heavily on Sarge.
“He grieves for days, hanging his head low and refusing to eat,” Cheryl shared. “He has even laid on the graves of his beloved fawns, refusing to come inside.”
Despite the heartbreak, Sarge never loses his enthusiasm when a new fawn arrives.
“I hope these pictures help people see just how loving and affectionate deer can be. They have souls, just like us humans,” Cheryl said. “If a dog can love and care for deer, then people can too.”
No matter what each spring brings, Sarge is always ready to do his job—his love and devotion never waver.
