Bucky the Unicorn Deer

The inspiration for this children's story came from a real deer with one antler I named Bucky. He appeared at my home on a cold, blustery winter day in rural Connecticut. Emaciated, with all of his ribs showing and a broken rear ankle, it was obvious he was struggling to survive. Without human intervention, this small, young deer was not going to live through the winter.

I bought bags of deer food to feed him but quickly realized he was being chased off by the other deer who came to eat as well. Now, whenever Bucky came to eat I stood outside in the cold as he ate. The other deer stepped back or ran away but Bucky knew I was protecting him as he ate his fill.

In a short amount of time, he grew to trust me, learning his name and my face. Finally, through nutritious food, he was gaining some weight, as you can see in the photo, and his rear ankle began to heal. Our friendship bonded us but he still remains wild and free.

-- Linda Borruso