In Kansas City’s Elmwood Cemetery, an unlikely pair came together for companionship; a dog and a deer. The dog, a stray who has been living at the cemetery for several weeks, seems to have grown close to the deer who is named Ella, and they were constantly together. Their story became known in the local community and people offered to help but staff were reluctant to put out food for fear of attracting more dogs that might not be as nice to Ella.
With winter closing in, many worried that the dog might not survive the cold weather. People tried to approach him, but he was skittish and backed away. A humane trap was brought in by Wayside Waifs, a not-for-profit humane society and animal welfare organization, and was baited with dog treats. On Saturday morning the dog was caught and brought to a veterinarian for care before being put up for adoption.
But Ella, who was born at the cemetery in May 2011, looked lost after her pal was taken away. She lost her mother to a car when she was very young and has been “adopted” by cemetery staff. She has become a familiar face at the cemetery and is very social, showing up at weddings and funerals and tagging along on tours.
