If we're going to introduce the deer, the first doe on the list has to be Pretty Girl. We first came upon her near the pond before we even officially took over the feeding chores. She was scrawny, somewhat ostracized from the rest of the herd, and always seemed to have one problem or another with her ear and face. Her features made her stand out from the rest - scars of life - and yet she was as sweet as could be, waiting for the corn to be poured, then following us from one feeding spot to another.

We constantly reminded her that she was beautiful - scars and all - and would always be a pretty girl. The phrase became her name.

Slowly, she inched close and closer until October 2020, when we tried a little experiment. She was already eating right next to us even while we poured food for other deer, and she practically pulled on our shirttails if we moved too far. Would she eat out of the can while we held it? Yes. Would she eat out of our hand? Yes! Would she let us pet her? YES!

And with that, Pretty Girl became a pet, following us around, getting her own food at every turn.

Baby is Pretty Girl's little buck, born in the Fall of 2019. As 2020 continued, it became apparent that he has serious separation anxiety and Mom won't be an empty nester anytime soon. Gurrlll, I feel ya!

2021 update: Baby's antlers are coming in - two curved spikes, about 5 inches long. Not much to brag about, but enough to get an upgraded name. He is now officially Mr. Baby!

As the summer drought begins (continues?), Honey progresses from a cute Socialite to an eager diner, waiting for the corn truck to arrive. Of course, she still has her manners and *mostly* abides by the current social distancing rules. The fence between us is her saving grace; otherwise I’m fairly certain she’d jump on in to eat while we drive, if only to catch a breeze!

Spike December 2020

Hans, along with Honey, were the first neighbors we met, and that welcomed the regular treats via the Corn Truck. His rack may not be as branched out as some of his herd family's, but it's a tall sturdy structure that makes one pause for a moment to admire him.

Buddy is our resident PITA Buddy. He’s cute and comes right up to you - but he runs every one off, especially Pretty Girl. Daily lectures don’t seem to phase him either. Other than "Mr. Baby" (his 2021 moniker, now that his antlers are coming in), Buddy is the only buck that comes in to eat out of a human-held bucket, your hand, your pocket... it doesn't matter, he wants the corn. And yes, he'll even allow a few gentle pets - provided the corn keeps flowing!

In 2020, Slolam made an impression with perfectly straight antlers in line with his nose. Shockingly, they’re growing in the same in 2021. I thought Slalom would be a one-season nickname, but it’s now his official moniker. Plus, he’s in the Big Boy gang with Fred and Steve this year.

Pictures don’t do Slalom justice. From the side, his antlers extend his profile at a strikingly unique angle. But from the front, he’s like a perfectly balanced Menorah. It’s also very rare that he allows pictures, so I’ll take what I can get.

In what turned out to be an unusual twist for us, we simply could not agree on a name for the neighbor, The Dude’s little sidekick. Tonight, we came to terms with Clifford. We’ll see if it sticks. The name, that is. This buck is like a dog that doesn’t leave home.