Some animals make better pets than others. For example, dogs and cats, fantastic pets. Alligators, not so much. Hampsters, sure. Elephants, well, that depends on who you ask. But, foxes?
Despite their dog-like appearance, foxes are wild animals that are very difficult to domesticate. In fact, Foxes are not even canines. They are actually related to weasels, believe it or not.
However, Mike Trowler is one of those people defying convention. Trowler takes in injured foxes, befriends them and helps them enjoy a more comfortable life. But there is more to this fox story that meets the eye.
The Fox Project is a charity that aids injured foxes in and around the area of Tunbridge Wells, England (a country with a long-standing tradition of fox hunts). On this occasion, they found an injured fox by the side of the road. Their vets soon discovered that he had toxoplasmosis and could no longer survive in the wild. So, they were faced with two choices. They could euthanize him and end his life, or find an adopted family with a loving forever home for him. Thankfully, the charity opted for the latter.
Trowler gladly accepted the fox and named him Cropper. The fox ate and drank from dog bowls while Mike nursed him back to health. And the fox was surprisingly friendly with Mike’s cats and on occasion would cuddle up with them. He also enjoyed a good belly rub. Cropper that is, not Mike (although that’s probably none of our business anyway).
Cropper and Mike soon became close friends until Cropper sadly passed away after six years. However, the fox enjoyed a wonderful life right up until the very end. This was a much better fate than he would have had in the wild or at the vet clinic. And Cropper had a profound impact on Mike. The man went on to take in fox cubs that needed care before being reintroduced to the wild, and he adopted another adult fox named Jack.
Apparently, Jack really loves watching TV and even endures bathing in the sink to keep Mike happy, and his home smell-free (fox funk is no joke folks). However, we should note that foxes, under normal circumstances, do not make good pets. Mikes work is only in conjunction with rehabilitation initiatives and with animals who otherwise could not survive on their own in the wild.
What do you make of Mike’s foxy friendship? Give us your thoughts in the comments below, and please be sure to share this touching story with your friends and family.
