Penguin Young Readers Kate and Pippin, Level 2

When Pippin, a helpless baby fawn, was abandoned by her mother on the property of Isobel Springett, things looked uncertain for her. Three days went by, but when her mother didn’t’ return for her, Isobel stepped in and brought her inside.

Isobel’s Great Dane, Kate, adopted Pippin immediately. From the moment Pippin snuggled into Kate’s side, she didn’t leave it. She followed Kate everywhere, just like a real puppy, and Kate patiently shepherded her through her first strange and confusing days in a human household.

Pippin did return to the forest, but came every day to see Kate and play with her. And then one day, Pippin brought some visitors with her – two little fawns of her own! Pippin was now a mother. While Kate and Pippin’s special friendship was still strong, Kate knew not to go near the fawns or she might scare them away. Years later, Pippin still visits Kate almost every day. Pippin’s home is in the forest with her babies, but Kate and Pippin remain the best of friends.

Equestrian and photographer Isobel Springett has been documenting the unlikely love story of Kate and Pippin for over two years. Isobel is Martin’s sister and lives in the Comox Valley, British Columbia, with her husband and son.