An adorable Staffordshire bull terrier has formed an unlikely friendship with an equally cute deer.
Since she was born 10-month old Heidi the doe was taken under the wing of Tonka the dog, who took a strong liking to the deer.
Now the pair are inseparable.
Their owner Joel Fulton, who has a business making light fittings out of deer antlers, thought a pet deer would be appropriate for his family’s 0.8 hectares in north-west Sydney.
The adorable Staffordshire bull terrier has formed an unlikely friendship with an equally cute deer (pictured)
When she arrived in December, the Staffordshire bull terrier immediately took a liking to the new pet, quickly learning he had to be gentle.
‘He saw the attention she was getting and realised she was part of the family, rather than something he would chase,’ he told the ABC.
Weighing just over one kilogram and at 30 centimetres tall when she was born, Heidi has now grown to around 80cm tall.
Mr Fulton says Tonka has adapted to his friend growing, saying at one time he could stand over her.
The two beloved animals can often be found eating, drinking and playing together around the family’s property.
Tonka has even taken up eating grass just like Heidi does. Mr Fulton says because she chews it up there hasn’t been any problems.
Since she was born 10-month old Heidi was taken under the wing of Tonka the dog, who took a strong liking to the deer
Their owner Joel Fulton thought a pet deer would be most appropriate for his families 0.8 hectares in north-west Sydney home.
Heidi will spend most of her day in the paddock but will sometimes be let out to wander throughout other areas of their land.
Their favourite game is chase which is initiated by Heidi giving Tonka a little nudge with her head down.
‘She can run along, jump in the air and turn 180 degrees and gallop the other way,’ Mr Fulton said.
Heidi likes to sleep under the trampoline or near the family’s kitchen window.
Weighing just over one kilogram and at 30 centimetres tall when she was born, she is now grown to around 80cm tall
The two beloved animals can often be found eating, drinking and playing together around the families property
Mr Fulton is an expert with utilising antlers, which Heidi will not grow because she is a female.
He gets the antlers from venison farmers when they fall off after mating season and makes items including light fittings, table lamps, candle holders, coat hooks and door handles.
‘The antlers I use are ethically sourced. They haven’t been cut off, and the animal hasn’t been shot,’ Mr Fulton said.
He adds that antlers are entirely different to horns.