When Ralph Dorn realized his dog Harley was missing one evening in June, he peered out into the lake behind his home. To his surprise, he saw Harley in the middle of the water, herding a fawn back to the shore.
“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,” Dorn shared on Facebook. “Not sure how the fawn got out there but Harley obviously didn’t ask why, he just jumped into action.”
Ralph and his wife Patricia captured photos and videos of Harley’s heroic rescue and shared them on Facebook, where the post quickly went viral. The fawn had found itself stranded far from the shore, its mother nowhere in sight.
Harley skillfully guided the fawn back to the shore, staying faithfully by its side throughout the journey. As they approached the land, Harley carefully inspected the fawn to ensure its well-being.
Once they both reached safety, Harley continued his attentive care. He watched closely as the fawn stood up, his concern evident. Harley gently sniffed the fawn all over, ensuring that the little creature was truly safe and sound. His protective instincts didn’t waver even after the fawn was on its feet, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the young animal’s welfare.
Dorn mentioned that the mama deer did return once she saw her fawn on land, reuniting the family after the brave rescue.
The following morning, Harley had another encounter with the fawn.
Dorn reported on Facebook that the story continued the next morning. He mentioned that Harley seemed restless, running from window to window. When Dorn opened the front door, they heard the fawn bleating. Harley immediately ran into the tree line, where he found the fawn. The little one stopped bleating, wagged its tail, and they touched noses, sniffing each other. Harley then calmly returned to the house with Dorn.
Dorn informed PEOPLE that the mother deer returned shortly afterward, and they have not seen the fawn and its mother since then.
Of Harley’s actions, Dorn explained that Harley has always had a kind nature and that he is a certified therapy dog. “We could tell right away, even as a puppy, he had such a good heart,” says Dorn. “He has always been like that with children and animals. He loves them all.”