This weekend, a Dutchess County fawn—badly hurt, unconscious and attracting the attention of a nearby coyote—found help from the most unexpected group: five Bronxville siblings.
The Brusco kids—Savino, 14, Charlie, 13, Jamie, 11, Gigi, 10 and Mary, 7—were on a country road drive for Father's Day weekend when they stumbled across the injured youngster. With the help of dad, Savino and his four younger siblings gently tucked the fawn into the back of the family minivan and escorted him home.
Soon after, the fawn had made the Brusco garage his own, and earned a name: "Lance."
The Bruscos made Lance comfortable with essentials like milk, water and apple slices drizzled with sugar. Some less tangible aid was directed Lance's way, too.
"They let Lance sleep through the night, and prayed," said Jaqueline Brusco, the kids' mom. "Charlie left his crucifix outside the pen for strength. Jamie lost an eyelash and made a wish for him to be well."
By morning, Lance was standing on his own and had opened his blue eyes—by the afternoon, he was back home in Dutchess.
It was a sad goodbye for Mary, who hoped to keep the baby as a pet. "Lance belongs with his mother," Savino noted.
"It was an experience they will never forget," Ms. Brusco said.
