“He Sees Her Every Day”
Carrie Long, a certified wildlife rehabilitator, received a call about a newborn raccoon in need last year. The little one had been abandoned by his mother at just three weeks old when he was found clinging to life during a heavy downpour. Long made the decision to take in the raccoon because her nonprofit organization, Texas Fawn and Friends, specialized in rescuing orphaned deer. She named him Jasper.
Long shared with The Dodo, “We weren’t sure he was going to make it.”
Jasper’s survival was made possible by Long’s kindness and dedication, and now he is returning the favor.
Jasper has chosen to make Long’s deer sanctuary his home, despite reaching adulthood and being capable of living on his own. He peacefully coexists with the 75 orphaned deer cared for by Texas Fawn and Friends throughout the expansive area, but there is one in particular who has undeniably captured his heart.
Her name is Hope. She too lost her mother when she was just a little child. Jasper, however, ensures she never feels alone.
Image credit: Texas Fawn and Friends
Long mentioned, “Jasper simply adores her. As soon as he spots her, he rushes to lick and cuddle her. It’s the sweetest thing ever.”
Hope and Jasper are doing well, and everything is done on their terms.
Long explained, “He sees her every day. She arrives in the evening and lies close to him. They interact in a nice way.”
Long anticipates caring for around 100 orphaned fawns this year, and without the commitment and hard work of Texas Fawn and Friends, it’s likely that none of them would survive. But they are given the opportunity to thrive there, not just have their lives saved.
This is exactly what Long would have wanted.
“It’s a very satisfying job,” she remarked.
