You won't believe this unique friendship! Lars, the reindeer, believes he's one of the dogs!
Reindeer typically grow up in the wild with their herd, but Lars' story is far from ordinary. This adorable six-month-old was raised indoors, sharing a home with pet spaniels on a farm. Talk about an unusual upbringing!
Even after transitioning to live with other reindeer, Lars can't shake his love for the indoors and his canine companions. He frequently returns to visit his dog friends and cozies up with them as if he never left. Angie Nelson, Lars' owner, shares, "He's fully adapted to the house. He drinks from the dog's water bowl and feels right at home."
Angie, an experienced reindeer owner, has dedicated 18 years to caring for these majestic creatures on her farm. Lars, born on May 17th, holds a special place in her heart, with his birthday firmly etched in her memory.
Angie's maternal instincts kicked in when she noticed Lars' mother, Lumi, wasn't providing enough milk. She took on the role of a surrogate mother, spending two weeks sleeping beside Lars to feed him every two hours. "It was exhausting, but every moment was a blessing," Angie recalls.
The spaniels played a pivotal role in Lars' early life. One dog, Molly, with her motherly instincts, immediately bonded with Lars, making him feel like part of the dog family. But here's where it gets controversial—is it ethical to raise a reindeer indoors?
As Lars grew, Angie realized he needed to socialize with his own kind. The night Lars spent his first night with the herd was an emotional one for Angie, akin to sending a child off to university. "It's a necessary step for their growth," she reflects.
While having a full-grown reindeer in the house isn't practical, Angie cherishes Lars' visits. "He's happy with the herd, but he loves returning for a visit. It's heartwarming to see him reconnect with the dogs."
What do you think about this heartwarming tale? Are there benefits to raising animals in non-traditional ways? Share your thoughts below!
