Yes, it kicked his chest and he came home with his lung hanging out. Despite emergency hospitalization, and surgery, he died two hours after the operation. No, not a buck in rut. Neighbors witnessed the deer still chasing our Joey down the block.
Here he is with Suga (no "r"), who is lying down. He was her protector from the moment they met. We got them both from a rescue shelter.
We shed our tears but Suga was inconsolable, wouldn't eat, howled for him constantly. It was a very sad time.
