PRINEVILLE, OREGON – Over Christmas break, my family had an unexpected visitor. While I was home for the holidays, a baby deer wandered into my parents’ front yard and quickly made himself at home. My dad, who serves as a professional Santa during the holidays, nicknamed him Rudy after the famous reindeer. The baby’s presence added a special touch to our holiday season and we looked forward to seeing him as we headed out each day. There was something magical about seeing him nestled near my dad’s Christmas lawn decorations, especially during such a festive time. But as the days went by, it became clear that Rudy wasn’t just a visitor—he was in trouble.

Rudy’s fur was patchy, and he looked malnourished. We kept an eye out for his mother or other deer, but none ever showed up. At first, he seemed to survive on the grass in the yard, but after a few days, Rudy grew too weak to move. We tried everything we could think of to help him. We kept a respectful and safe distance hoping not to alarm the baby, but he was too weak to worry about our concerned presence.  We scattered water, milk, apples, hay, and even a head of lettuce throughout the yard hoping he would gain the strength to find and partake of them. He never did. Nestled next to a display of Christmas penguins, Rudy found his final resting spot and would not move again. Early on New Year’s Eve morning, as the temperature dropped into the low 20s, Rudy passed away quietly in our yard.

Even though Rudy’s time with us was short, his presence and passing left an impact on me. I’ve thought a lot about what we could have done and how anyone should respond when wildlife is in need. Here’s what I’ve learned:

When you encounter a sick or injured wild animal, it’s natural to want to help. However, often the best option is to simply watch and wait from a distance. Sometimes animals, especially young ones, aren’t truly orphaned but are waiting for a parent to return. Wild animals can also carry diseases transmittable to humans such as Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, Rabies, and more. It is important not to touch them, even if the animal allows you to get close enough to do so. Though our hearts reached out to Rudy in compassion, my parents and I were careful to follow both of these critical guidelines.

The next important thing to do is call the experts. Your local Fish and Wildlife Division can give advice on what to do, and in Rudy’s case they can also safely remove an animal that has passed away. In Rudy’s case, my dad called the Oregon State Police to dispose of the remains. Since it is usually illegal to keep wild animals confined on one’s property, looping the authorities in right away is important. My parents live surrounded by open fields that deer pass through all the time. It is not unusual or unexpected to see them in the yard. The fact that Rudy was sticking around was an indicator of trouble that the professionals can definitely help with.

As a Christian, I often marvel at the Lord’s creatively as I get to observe wildlife. In cases like Rudy’s, I am reminded of mankind’s responsibility to be good stewards of the world God entrusted to us. This includes the animal kingdom. Proverbs 12:10 tells us, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” While this often applies to pets and farm animals, it also reflects our duty to show compassion to all creatures. Genesis 1:26-28 calls us to exercise dominion over creation, not with exploitation, but with care and responsibility. And finally Matthew 6:26 reminds us of God’s love for all living things, saying, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Through Rudy, I was reminded of the Lord’s love of all creation. The Bible also says in Matthew 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” I know the same is true of Rudy, and the Lord was with him in his final moments.

Rudy’s story ended sadly, but it taught me valuable lessons about compassion, stewardship, and faith. Rudy’s presence brought unexpected cheer during the holidays, even in the face of heartbreak. He reminded me of the beauty of creation and our role in caring for it. Though his time with us was brief, his impact will stay with me for years to come.

Gallery • 5 Photos