Oh Deer

An uninvited visitor crashed through the window at 7 Trinity Ave. Jan. 8, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a quiet evening for Al and Jeanne Karle.

 The deer was believed to have been one of a group of three that were spooked by a beagle, according to information provided by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

 Two of the deer ran between houses in the residential development, while the third likely saw the reflection of snow and shrubs in the downstairs window and crashed through, according to Mass Wildlife.

 The deer raced through the window, over the TV and onto the floor, homeowner Al Karle said. “It just laid there on the floor for a while,’’ Karle said.

 Grafton Police Officer John Ropiak and Environmental Police Officer Rob MacGregor responded to the home. Officer MacGregor shot the deer with a tranquilizer gun.

 The deer was then tended to by Dianne Davis, a veterinary technician at the Ecotarium in Worcester, and Bill Davis, central district supervisor for the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

 In addition to their expertise in handling wildlife, the married couple also had the advantage of living nearby. 

Mrs. Davis dressed the deer’s wounds and monitored the aniumal until it was able to be released into nearby woods.

 “That was the end of Bambi,’’ Karle said. “I was left with the mess.’’

 The Karles frequently see turkey and foxes in their yard, but this was only the second time they had seen a deer.

 And it was way too close for comfort, he said.

 He hopes the deer does well _ and stays well away from his basement floor.

 “It took us a while to get over it. It was quite a shock,’’ he said. “I don’t mind looking at them from a distance, but I don’t want them any closer.’’