15 Years Ago, Woman Took in an Orphaned Deer. She Never Could Have Anticipated Impact on Her Family for Years to Come (Exclusive)

**Woman Shares Heartwarming Journey of Raising Deer and Building a Legacy on Social Media**

Lorrie Brown, a resident of southwestern Missouri, has captured the hearts of many on social media with her enchanting relationship with her pet deer. Documenting her experiences under the handle @brownhikingtrails, Brown showcases a life intertwined with wildlife, particularly that of her beloved deer, Buttons, and a more recent addition to her family, a fawn named Benny.

The story began around 15 years ago when Brown received a call about an orphaned fawn abandoned by its mother after a road incident. The callers were concerned for the safety of the fawn, who they found in their yard, and sought a suitable home where the deer could flourish away from busy roads. Brown welcomed the deer into her home, naming her Buttons, who would go on to live with Brown’s family for over 13 years.

Reflecting on the bond formed over the years, Brown stated, “Buttons was not merely a pet; she was part of our family.” The affectionate doe developed a remarkable friendship with Brown’s two children, as well as her golden retriever, GBro, and cat. Buttons was known to bring her own babies to play with the family in the yard, highlighting the deep connections formed during her years with them.

In 2020, while the world faced unprecedented chaos, Brown started to share her daily adventures with Buttons on social media. Initially using Facebook, she soon expanded to TikTok, encouraged by her son. The videos featured Buttons joining Brown on her hiking trails, a delightful distraction from the stress of the pandemic. “People commented on how much joy it brought them and how it helped them cope with everything,” Brown remarked.

Tragically, the joy was tinged with sorrow when Buttons and another rescued deer, Biscuit, were both killed in traffic accidents within months of each other. This heartbreak resonated with Brown’s online followers, who had formed attachments to the animals through her posts. “Our hearts were broken. Everybody on social media was feeling the loss,” she recalled, a testament to the community that had formed around her journey.

However, fate intervened, bringing Benny into Brown’s life just a year later. A follower, aware of her nurturing spirit, contacted Brown about a fawn whose mother had fallen victim to coyotes. Benny’s arrival marked a new chapter in Brown’s life and her family’s, serving as a balm for their grieving hearts. “He basically healed everybody’s hearts,” Brown highlighted, noting the close bond Benny developed with her ducks, particularly one named Pip.

Benny now roams freely on the family’s land, yet he maintains a strong connection to Brown, visiting her regularly. Each day, he joins the family on their hikes, integrating seamlessly into the loving environment Brown has created. “He’s here in the morning, and in the evening, he’s still hiking with us,” she explained, showcasing the strong ties that continue to thrive on her property.

Over the years of caregiving, Brown has gained insight into the social behaviour of deer, describing them as incredibly social creatures craving companionship. This understanding became particularly evident when Buttons exhibited a fondness for the family, rushing to join in on activities whenever she heard children playing. Brown recalls how Buttons would introduce her fawns to the family moments after their births, allowing the children to hold and show affection to the newborns.

Despite being a buck, Benny is now approaching the time when his instincts may lead him to seek a mate. Brown acknowledges the bittersweet nature of this transition, comparing it to the feelings she experienced when her children left for university. “As a mother, you worry,” she said, expressing her wish for Benny’s wellbeing as he explores the wild.

Today, Brown enjoys the presence of many deer in her yard, many of whom are believed to be descendants of Buttons, which she affectionately refers to as her legacy. “It’s incredible to think that we are surrounded by generations of Buttons’ family,” she noted. Benny stands as the first deer unrelated to Buttons, representing a confluence of their legacies.

Lorrie’s family embraces the joyful atmosphere she cultivates, sharing it with her new grandson who has taken to the deer just as warmly as his mother did. With daily interactions with Benny and the other animals, Brown’s grandson experiences a remarkable upbringing that mirrors her own children’s connection with nature and wildlife. “Seeing him with Benny is just adorable,” she said, capturing the essence of her family’s life intertwined with the untamed.

As she continues to nurture her deer and share her story online, Brown aims to preserve Buttons’ legacy while nurturing Benny’s new beginnings. “I feed them to encourage their return and honour Buttons’ memory,” she concluded, a testament to her commitment to valuing and celebrating the bonds formed between her family and the wildlife they have welcomed into their home.