Chardonnay, the Deer

my pet deer

This is my deer. We named her Chardonnay because she was found, only a day old, in the Chardonnay Vineyards of Fetzer Wines which was a couple of miles from our home. Her mother was unfortunately killed by some dogs.

My husband at the time brought her home and we raised her up. My dog Esther became her mother and did everything for her that a good mother should.

We bottle fed her goat's milk for four months then moved her onto some grain and hay. She thrived!!

She was our constant sidekick. She went on walks with us and the dogs, kicking and squealing the whole way. We lived in the woods so no need for leashes.

When we ate outside in the summer she would lie down beside the table with us. When we had company and campfires outside she was with us. And, yes, she did come in the house to say hi all the time. She was potty trained and never ever went in the house. She was just the bestest friend you could ever ask for. So sweet and loving.

She did survive the 2012 forest fire, which was a blessing. I was so thankful!! But it was horrible because I couldn't stay with her after that. There was nothing left on our property. She did have two babies at the time and one survived with her. I would go up and leave hay and grain for them.

Then finally the last day came for me to go up there. In our divorce, my husband kept the property, so I could not go to see her anymore.

I have to tell you, the day I drove away for the last time was one of the most devastating experiences I have ever had. She followed me crying as I left all the way down the quarter-mile driveway. I still to this day can't get that memory from my mind. It haunts me. That was the last time I saw her.

I know she lived at least a couple years after that but no news since then. I am sure by now she is no longer with us but she still lives in my mind. To this day I still think of her every day. She was such a blessing in my life.

~Dana

copyright 2025, Dana Meier, My Olde Country Home

Dana Meier is a caterer, cookbook author, online content creator and purveyor of historic crafts in Washington state. Her first cookbook was published in 2023.

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