Kobe part 2 - Page 2

Do Right, I understand the predicament you were put in when you became aware of Kobe's situation at your sons work, I am one too that can not refuse help to an animal in need. Be it domesticated or wild. I raised a young racoon, well with the help of one of my females whom took "puppy" (the raccoon) from me as soon as puppy squeeked for the first time, when we got her we were not sure she would even survive, She was in bad shape !!! I too had called several rescue centers and wildlife rehabbers, all of them saying if it's in rough shape it's probably sick and we won't take it, I understood this managing the shelter I won't take in a sick critter unless it's understood that it will be euthanized to prevent further contamination. Well I did not think this thing was sick so I figured if I get her going then maybe they would be able to take her safely. And as soon as she was running my household, with her demands of her bottle as my female shep had come into some milk but just a small amount and not really enough to keep puppy happy so I supplemented her with a bottle. Anyway she went to a rehab fascility where she could "learn" to be a racoon instead of a German Shepherd, as she ran loose with all my dogs just as soon as she could get around good. There we were with 6 German Shepherds and a tiny little puppy trailing and sometimes clinging to the female's back for a "free ride" She was a character, But point is I guess, Much as it Killed me to let her go to a rehab center I had to for her best interest. Had I waited until she was older, She would not have been able to "learn" to fear dogs, people, and other predatory critters. She would not have been able to learn how to eat and what to eat and so on. But I can sympathize with you in that it absolutely broke my heart, I litterally bauled for weeks missing puppy !!! I hope you'll be able to come to terms with this soon and if the need ever comes again I hope you'll be able to assist as you did with Kobe, Maybe on the next one there will be a place for the critter to go to to learn to be "wild" before it gets terribly older, Fish and Wildlife typically have rehab centers, however I know with CWD being such a problem many of the fawn programs were shut down. Anyway I wish you the best, and Say Thank You for putting your efforts and your heart out there !!

That is so sad.... at least you gave Kobe a chance. Something he may not have ever had if you did not rescue him. We have deer frequent our property alot in spring, then again in the fall just before hunting season. After that they scatter. I see fresh tracks in the snow in the morning though so I know they are still around. One spring there was a little doe that was hanging pretty close. I went out and threw her an apple and she went for it. I called her cookie. Each night she came and got her apple, the closest she would come was about 15' to me. Then she was gone as summer approached. The following spring I went out with apple in hand and called her name to a small herd in my horses field eating the new green grass coming up. They all ran :( I turned to come into the house and here was a doe coming up the driveway at a trot!! It was Cookie, she was there again most evenings for about a month. I never saw her again after that. Not quite the same attachment you have Do RIght, but there is something special when you make a connection with a wild animal. I am so sorry... maybe Kobe will come home.

Please be careful with adopting coons. The wife of a co-worker rescued several abandoned baby coons. They got sick and died within a week or 2. Fortunately, she was advised to have them tested for rabies and they were positive. She had to undergo the post exposure shots. Racoons and foxes are common carriers of rabies. If you want to get involved with wildlife rescue, it's probably a good idea to get the post exposure vaccinations yourself to be sure. I had a series when I worked as a tech, they don't hurt and are not all that expensive. I know it's hard not to want to help these creatures, but better safe than sorry. I don't think deer are prone to rabies.

Do Right, I hope that your pet deer is okay, and has found his way among his own in the wild. I know that you may never know what happened to him. Even though I am an avid gunslinger, I never was a hunter-I just could not get into it. As for those who are, that's okay with me. A swift, clean and humane kill is the mission of many hunters, and I see nothing wrong with that. I don't eat meat, but that's my personal choice and to each his own. There will be no lecture from me on that subject. There are unfortunately many who fall into the inbred redneck class who care not about their "hunting methods." For them a kill by any means is sufficient and the suffering of the animal is but part of the "sport" for them. One would think that these people have little regard for the quality of life of any animal, or human for that matter. I don't want them around my dogs, and certainly don't want them around me or my family. I understand why you did what you did, and I probably would have done the same thing-knowing full well what the consequences could be. I love nearly all of the animals that I see on a daily basis and would find it difficult to shoot one unless it was threatening me or mine. Who knows; maybe the two of you will see each other again? Soon I hope. Best Regards, Bob-O

I hope he found his own herd...think of him as running free and know he is thinking of you and your family every morning and afternoon at 2. I tried to find the picture, but I couldnt. I would love to see it. I am sorry you are hurting. You saved that baby deer and he will never forget it.

Oh! do good, thats very touching...Ur luv for kobe would certainly bring him back to u. Good luck to both of u.

DoRight, I went through a similiar thing with an antelope, and I know how blessed you have been with a very special opportunity to have Kobe in your life. You may be very surprized at his survival skills, so don't give up hope. Family deer here often disappear for awhile and then return. I've heard the same stories out here. Watched hunters. Makes me sick.

Hey Blitz, I agree with you 100%. Nothing like a baby coon to brighten up ones life....lol. You can watch them for hrs on end,however they do grow up,and in almost ALL cases challange it's cartaker, trust me on this,a 10lb raccoon can fool you into thinking it is a 25olb black bear. Deer are not prone to contracting the rabies virus but can infact do so as any warmblooded animal Just thought I'd add my 2cents. Hope you and the family are well, Happy Holidays! Charlie

I can't hear about coons without thinking about "A Coon Huntin' Story" by Jerry Clower (old Grand Ole Opry star) HILARIOUS If you have never heard it it is usually on Limewire. Merry Christmas Y'All

Thanks to all for understanding the bond I have with Kibe. And thanks for the "hopes" you have expressed that he may still be alive. The picture of Kobe was deleted by the overseers of this site, however, if you go to "your ads" on the left side of this screen, and click on the "Kobe, the white tail deer link", you should be able to see Kobe and my other children. Thanks again.