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Meet Dillie the Deer

When a three-day-old blind fawn was brought into veterinarian Melanie Butera’s emergency clinic in 2004, she feared the fragile creature wouldn’t survive. Since then, Dillie the deer has captured the world’s attention.

When a three-day-old blind fawn was brought into veterinarian Melanie Butera’s emergency clinic in 2004, she didn’t think the fragile creature would survive, let alone teach her a lesson in healing. Since then, the deer has become a part of Melanie’s family and has captured the world’s attention. Take a look inside Dillie’s home, and if you’d like to see more inspiring stories like this, check out All Creatures magazine.

Melanie often makes Dillie her favorite spaghetti dish.

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Melanie often makes Dillie her favorite spaghetti dish. The deer also enjoys searching the pantry for snacks like granola bars


Dillie, who quickly became comfortable in the house soon after Melanie brought her home, has a favorite spot on the couch and can often be found upstairs in her bedroom.

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Dillie, who quickly became comfortable in the house soon after Melanie brought her home, has a favorite spot on the couch and can often be found upstairs in her bedroom.

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Her room, which she claimed from the family cat, Spazz, is where Melanie and her husband, Steve, set up the DillieCam, where viewers from around the world could watch Dillie on the web.

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Her room, which she claimed from the family cat, Spazz, is where Melanie and her husband, Steve, set up the DillieCam, where viewers from around the world could watch Dillie on the web.


Dillie is loved and cared for just like any other pet, including grooming!

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Dillie is loved and cared for just like any other pet, including grooming!


Dillie is best buds with black standard poodle, Willie, pictured here. Before Willie came along, Dillie spent her days playing and exploring with the family’s late black standard poodle, Lady.

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Dillie is best buds with black standard poodle, Willie, pictured here. Before Willie came along, Dillie spent her days playing and exploring with the family’s late black standard poodle, Lady.


Melanie quickly discovered that Dillie had no trouble navigating the stairs. When the deer went upstairs for the first time, she made herself comfortable on Melanie and Steve's bed.

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Melanie quickly discovered that Dillie had no trouble navigating the stairs. When the deer went upstairs for the first time, she made herself comfortable on Melanie and Steve’s bed.


Dillie enjoys spending time outdoors on the family’s property in Canal Fulton, Ohio—right where she belongs.

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Dillie enjoys spending time outdoors on the family’s property in Canal Fulton, Ohio—right where she belongs.

Find out more about Dillie, including how to order Melanie’s book, Dillie the Deer: A True Story of Love, Healing and Family, at dilliedeer.com.

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