We know that dogs and cats are great for pets because these animals are considered to be domesticated. They are not new to the lifestyle of humans and are easily adaptable to this kind of environment.
However, one man did not meet a dog or a cat or the usual pets for him to bring home. He met a wild fox who eventually became his best friend.
In Turnbridge Wells in England, the Fox Project found a fox who needed help badly. The animal was severely injured and was lying helpless and weak by the side of the road.
The Fox Project is a Wildlife Information Bureau and Fox Deterrence Consultancy created in 1991 in the United Kingdom. The organization has built a Wildlife Hospital in 1993 wherein they admit and treat around 700 foxes and 250 cubs each year.
The organization only had two choices left for Cropper.
The red fox whom they named Cropper, was in bad shape. He was diagnosed with toxoplasmosis and returning him to the wild is not possible anymore.
The first option was to euthanize the fox while the second option was to find a home that would accept the animal. It is extremely difficult to find someone who would take a wild animal in, especially a fox known for its nature.
But, despite their low expectations, a man stepped forward and accepted Cropper into his home.
Mike Trowler, a retired engineer, agreed to take Cropper home and accept the fox as a part of his family.
Mike has always been fascinated with foxes and their behavior, and when he heard about Cropper, he was more than glad to receive him in his house. He spends a lot of time with foxes and being with Cropper is not an issue with the man at all.
Just like the people in The Fox Project, Mike is passionate about rescuing wild foxes in need of medical attention. He also helps fox cubs to gain enough strength before releasing them into the wild.
The kind man patiently took care of Cropper and nursed him back to health.
The red fox ate in a dog’s bowl and napped and relaxed with Mike’s cats. Cropper loved going out to walk together with Mike and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. What Cropper enjoyed the most were the belly rubs that Mike often gave him.
Mike took Cropper in back in 2001 and after six years of happy days together, Cropper passed away while still under Mike’s care. The man may have lost Cropper, but this did not stop him from accepting other foxes in need of a home.
Mike also adopted another fox, Jack, who was also rescued.