Unexpected and unbelievable.

Those are the best words I can think of to describe what happened Monday while Cubbie and I were out walking at Hickory Hills Park.

I’ll start from the beginning. Cubbie and I were making our usual walk around the pond. He was sniffing everything, running back and forth and wearing himself out. Cubbie decided to rest in the shade for a minute. I then continued for the next lap around the pond because I knew Cubbie would start to follow me (he doesn’t like to be alone).

I start walking, and I expect to see Cubbie bolt past me like usual. When he doesn’t, I turn around and he’s no longer sitting in his spot in the shade. Oh no. Then I hear a bark. I start running back in the other direction (I hadn’t gotten very far), and I stop in my tracks.

There in the path is Cubbie barking at a deer. Holy cow. I would say Cubbie tracked the fawn, but I think the reality is the deer tracked Cubbie.

Cubbie is in his “what is this/maybe I want to play with you mode.” He’ll gradually get closer, and then back off as the deer gets closer. The deer seems completely unphased by Cubbie’s barking, and actually inches closer and closer to Cubs. This is so crazy, I probably wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it myself.

They stare at each other, and each seems to be trying to figure out what kind of “creature” the other one is. Of course I couldn’t resist snapping pictures on my cell phone while all this was happening. How many chances would I have to see my dog and a deer this close to each other?

I’m not sure how much time passed, but at one point the deer put his head down, almost as if to play with Cubbie or get a really good sniff and the fawn toppled over. At first I was worried, but the deer got back on its feet and then wandered back into the woods. Cubbie just stood at the edge of the woods watching and sniffing the air.

What an interesting turn to our walk! And to think, I almost left my cell phone in the car. Just as we were getting out, I grabbed it thinking maybe I’d snap a few pictures. The story wouldn’t be nearly as good (or believable) if I didn’t have my phone. This is one of those unexpected moments where we just happened to be in the right spot at the right time.

 I also shot a short video. It’s pretty entertaining, especially when I say “be nice” to Cubbie.

Cubbie and Deer

Posted under Cubbie stories