Fixing a Fox

For those who love animals, there’s nothing more upsetting than finding one in distress.    

If it is a dog, cat or other domestic animal that’s in trouble, there are places to call and help can be readily found.  But if it is a wild animal that is suffering, it is frustrating and heartbreaking for those who encounter such a situation.

On October 30, 2011, a young lady named Jenny and her boyfriend Rene experienced this first-hand when they encountered a small fox at the foot of Liverpool Road in Pickering, Ontario, while out for a walk.  The fox was curled up, just a few feet from the busy doorway of a building. 

This was certainly an odd place to see a wild animal, particularly in daylight, and the fact that the fox was tightly curled in a ball and oblivious to humans was cause for concern.   They soon realized the animal was in obvious distress – her eyes were flaky and scabbed over, her fur was a mess, and her legs were covered in insects and sores.   

In an effort to find help, Jenny and Rene made calls to various animal service groups and were dismayed to find that there was no help to be found for this animal, until they came across the number for Toronto Wildlife Centre.

On this particular day I had just finished a volunteer shift at TWC and as I was passing by this area on my way home I got a call, saying that there was a fox in Pickering that was in bad shape.  When I arrived at the location I met Jenny and Rene, and Jenny’s parents had taken the time to drive in from another town to see if they could help.  When I saw the fox I knew we were in trouble – she was hunched over and looked like she’d given up.

Andrew Wight, the head of TWC’s Rescue Program, soon arrived and was easily able to net the fox.  I was happy we had her, but didn’t think there was any hope because I’d never seen a fox have no reaction when netted, not even a flinch.  She remained motionless and hunched over.  As Andrew transferred her to the kennel cab she hung in his hand like a red limp rag, eyes closed.  I thought we had lost her.

On admittance she was 3.1 kg, and was described as being crusty, cuts on legs, abscesses and a swollen ankle, severe mange and dehydration.   When an animal with mange is admitted in such serious condition, the next 12-24 hours are critical.  If they survive the night, chances of recovery are very promising.  But given the severity of this case, nobody held out much hope and I was dreading the news I might get about the fox. 

But instead, I received a message the next morning that said “she’s eating, and she’s getting feisty!!” I was both surprised and elated.  I couldn’t believe she survived the night, and from there her recovery was swift and a huge success.

So today, almost two months later, it’s the first day of the rest of Liverpool’s life thanks to the efforts of Toronto Wildlife Centre (and because of caring people like Jenny and Rene).  Liverpool left her kennel cab much feistier (and heavier!) than when she came in, and she is now back home where she belongs!

Were it not for Jenny Anne Liauba (pictured) and Rene Gauthier, this fox would not be alive today. 
Photo by Ann Brokelman. 

Freedom!

I want to thank Jenny and Rene, TWC and the small group of animal lovers who drove out to watch this release today!   It’s heartwarming to know that there are people like you out there!  And thanks to Debbie for taking this video clip.

A Final Note

I’ve been volunteering with TWC for 4+ years and I often wonder what would have happened to the roughly 5,000 animals they help each year if they weren’t around. 

Unfortunately TWC has recently learned that they are going to be losing their home to demolition at the end of 2012.  Given that the current location took five years to customize, this is a very serious situation and they need help. 

Please take a moment to visit the website and learn more about what they are facing. They have also set up an email address themove@torontowildlifecentre.com and would love to hear from you if you can help, or have any suggestions.  Thank you!