Almost Human

Almost Human…

Normally, fawns are silent creatures. Great fear will cause them to give out a sharp, piercing cry of terror. This unusual cry, not often heard, is extremely disturbing and unnerving to hear. But, as unsettling as this cry can be, the sound of a young fawn, calling for the doe that cannot come is the saddest sound of all.

I love the outdoors and the animals I meet along the pathways as I wander through the woods. One cold spring morning I was out exploring and heard the most unusual sound I have ever heard in my life, it was a very sad cry. I followed the sound and came across a young deer that somehow had broken through the ice in the middle of the pond and as it was thrashing about trying to get to shore it was crying the most unnerving cry of anguish. The doe was on the shore with a look of panic on her face.

I knew the pond was just under four feet deep so I felt fairly safe about being able to work my way to the youngster to carry it to safety. I broke through the ice about halfway there, but was able to make it to the baby and carry it to shore. As I put the baby down the mother came over and checked it out head to toe, looked at me directly in the eye and gave me what I thought was a big smile. Then they both walked into the woods.

I never gave it a thought that animals anguish over their offspring as humans do over their children, but that experience taught me they are as human as us when it comes to children. I’ve seen birds protect their nests from predators, bears protecting their cubs from harm, but this is the first time I have ever seen or heard a animal crying over the possible loss of a parent or child.

This experience has given me a whole new outlook on the wild animals in our world as to how close we are in our actions and thoughts. We have mistakenly placed animals on a level as not being able to think or feel the pain of loss. They share many of the same human characteristics as we do.

What do you think? Courteous comments are welcome.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed