You see her here sunning herself on a warm rock in the late autumn sunshine. She gazes lovingly at her owner as he artfully pulls a shining steelhead from the creek on an arching rod. Her contentment is obvious, and she'd be happy just to sit and watch her owner every day. Unfortunately, Tippy's happiness did not last.
The man was eager to own the fox because she was beautiful and brilliant, but he didn't really understand fox behavior. A fox will leave nose and paw-prints on all your picture windows. Foxes are strong diggers, and they will dig holes under your fence and dig right through your leather sofa. A fox will drag away your heirloom quilt and tear it into little bits to make a soft nest for you to sleep in. Naturally sly, a fox will nip your Thanksgiving turkey before the family dinner and gobble it up in a dark place. And then she'll be sick on the Persian rug in front of your disapproving family.
Tippy's owner started out enraptured with his fox's affectionate and playful ways, but after a year he became completely overwhelmed. Not knowing what to do, he drove Tippy far off into a forest and left her there, thinking she must be fine on her own in the wild. But being so attached to her owner, Tippy simply found her own way home across the long miles, thinking of the joyful reunion. She couldn't understand why instead she got a scowl, a harsh word, and a closed door.
The disoriented and grieving little fox was found by a kind man who had many years of experience with such creatures. He put her in a shelter until she could be adopted by a new owner, and she is still there eagerly waiting for a new opportunity to lavish her owner with all the love and charm and attention in her heart.
If you're thinking of adopting a fox, please think it through very carefully. Being a fox owner will change your life, and you must be quite sure that you can go without your leather sofa, your heirloom quilt, or your Thanksgiving dinner without any regrets.
Tippy is ready for a new owner now. She needs this one to be her last.
so long as you call them.
Cats don't care if you call them,
so long as you call them respectfully.
Foxes will laugh at you,
no matter what you do.