Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Last week, Princess Isla graced the incredible women of Kinder in the Keys with her royal presence, and let’s just say it was less of a visit and more of a full-blown takeover (in the best way possible).
For those unfamiliar with our long-standing partnership, Kinder in the Keys is a premier inpatient mental health facility in Key Largo. Since 2022, Pawsitive Beginnings has proudly collaborated with their team to support women in recovery from trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health-related conditions. Their approach is refreshingly holistic, treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. That means each client’s treatment plan is thoughtfully tailored to address the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of their healing journey. Their mission? To empower women with the tools and strategies needed to achieve long-lasting wellness and a more fulfilling life.
Now, about Isla. If you’ve never seen a fox work a room like a seasoned therapist in fur, you’re missing out. At the staff’s request, Isla was “turned loose” (don’t worry, it’s more graceful than it sounds), and immediately flipped her switch from wild child to working girl. With her fluffy tail held high and ears perked like she was born for the spotlight, she pranced her way straight into the hearts of every woman in the room.
While our human, Nicole Navarro, shared the mission of Pawsitive Beginnings and the story of Isla’s journey, Isla did her own kind of storytelling. She curled up beside chairs. She made soft eye contact. She let herself be seen and, in turn, gave the women permission to be seen too. That’s the magic of animal-assisted therapy, it bypasses the defenses and speaks straight to the soul.
The visit wasn’t just cute, it was impactful. Because here’s the truth: healing isn’t linear. It’s messy, layered and often requires unexpected catalysts. Sometimes that catalyst comes in the form of a trained professional. And sometimes, it comes on four paws with a twinkle in her eye and a nose for emotional radar.
At Pawsitive Beginnings, foxes are more than survivors, they’re symbols of resilience, transformation and second chances. Just like the women at Kinder in the Keys. Each time we step into their space, we’re reminded that healing is possible, that scars can be softened by connection, and that sometimes the best therapists don’t speak a word.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
