Aaron Nightingale is the best thing that has ever happened to Auburn, California’s local deer population. With the blessing of the Wildlife and Game Commission, Aaron feeds and waters his neighborhood herd of around 30 deer—supplying a much-needed food boost in the area. 

Aaron says the deer are smarter than most people expect. They communicate. And they know that the sweet cob is stored in Aaron’s Premier Tall Barn—so if they want to ask for food, they’ll touch their noses to the handle and look at Aaron. 

But Aaron’s Tuff Shed does more than store that tasty, tasty sweet cob. 

Tuff Shed Mural and memorials 

Aaron hired local artist and friend Jonah Davison to spraypaint his shed. Two sides of his shed are painted, and he plans to add art to the others at some point. 

One memorial is to the dog Sluggo, formally known as Solomon. Aaron moved to Auburn to take care of his aging parents. When they passed, Sluggo was his last connection to his parents. Eventually, Sluggo passed as well…but Aaron wanted to honor his memory with a beautiful painting as a memorial. Sluggo’s side of the shed faces the road, where neighbors who saw him go on walks for years can also see and remember this good boy. 

Then there’s “Mama”, Aaron’s special deer friend. On the day of his father’s passing, Mama walked up to Aaron and laid her head on his chest. It was a beautiful moment that has stuck with him—and their special connection continues. Mama is the only deer that will ask Aaron for pets or touch of any kind. To honor this special gal, she is also painted on the shed.

Your shed can be anything

At Tuff Shed, we were touched that a simple storage shed could mean so much—to the local deer population, and the man who stewards them. Aaron looks forward to writing a book about everything he’s learned from watching the deer every day for years. What will you use your shed for? Check out our blog for more inspiration, or play around with the free online configurator.