On a warm June evening, Ralph Dorn found himself in a state of concern as his cherished dog, Harley, mysteriously went missing from their home. Fueled by worry, Ralph decided to peer out at the picturesque lake that graced their backyard. What he witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary, Harley was out in the middle of the tranquil water, accompanied by a fawn, and it became evident that Harley was guiding the young creature back to the shore.
Ralph took to Facebook to share this remarkable story, explaining: “I couldn’t find Harley this evening until I looked out on the lake. He was near the middle of the lake herding a little fawn back to the shore line”. The mystery of how the fawn ended up in the middle of the lake remained unsolved, but Harley’s immediate and unwavering commitment to its rescue spoke volumes about his character.
Ralph and his wife, Patricia, captured this heartwarming act of heroism on camera and shared it on Facebook, where it swiftly gained viral status, resonating with people from all corners of the internet.
The fawn had found itself stranded far from the shore, with its mother nowhere to be seen. Yet, under Harley’s careful guidance, the fawn embarked on a journey back to safety. As they drew closer to the shore, Harley remained a constant presence by the fawn’s side, ensuring its wellbeing. He inspected the fawn thoroughly, making certain that it was unharmed.
Both the fawn and Harley eventually reached dry land, with Harley offering his continued support. He ensured the fawn could stand on its own and attentively inspected it, his concern evident.
Ralph recounted that the fawn’s mother returned once she spotted her offspring on solid ground.
The story didn’t end there; it continued into the next morning. Harley’s restlessness prompted Ralph to investigate further, leading to a heartwarming reunion. Ralph shared: “This morning Harley got restless running from window to window. I opened the front door, and we could hear the fawn bleating. Harley ran into the tree line and found the fawn. The little one stopped bleating, tail wagging, they touched noses, sniffed each other, and Harley came calmly back to the house with me”.
Ralph Dorn disclosed to people that the fawn and its mother had not been seen since that touching encounter.
Harley’s actions left a profound impression on those who heard this tale of heroism. Ralph explained that Harley had always possessed a kind and caring nature, a trait that had been recognized when he was a puppy. Harley’s certification as a therapy dog underscored his innate ability to connect with and bring comfort to both humans and animals. Ralph remarked with pride: “We could tell right away, even as a puppy, he had such a good heart. He has always been like that with children and animals. He loves them all”.
In the end, Harley’s selfless act serves as a poignant reminder of the boundless compassion and empathy that our four-legged companions can bestow upon us, enriching our lives in immeasurable ways.