Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Last week, the fox sanctuary in Key Largo turned into a whirlwind of healing, hope and highly supervised chaos.
We hosted an incredible art therapy session with our friends from the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter and Christina’s Courage, and let me tell you, I was thriving.
First of all, I met my new bestie in Monroe County sheriff’s Capt. Lisette Quintero, who also happens to be the board chairwoman for Christina’s Courage. We had an instant connection, I bring the fluff, she brings the fierce. We’re a power duo now. Expect matching bracelets, co-hosted events and maybe an eventual joint podcast called “Screaming Justice.”
For those who dont’know, Christina’s Courage offers a wide range of victim-centered support services for survivors of sexual violence in Monroe County. These services are free and confidential.
The kids painted these beautiful rocks and left them outside our enclosures for us foxes to enjoy. I can’t read (blame biology), but even I can tell they’re full of love, color and good vibes. Some have words. Some have little animals. Sometimes when I’m tearing around the enclosure at mach speed, I catch a glimpse of one and pause for a second to just … look. Not long, obviously, I’ve got a tight screaming schedule, but still. They matter.
This wasn’t just a morning of rock painting. It was a moment of connection. A safe space for kids, and a reminder to all of us that healing doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes it looks like a quiet moment on a porch, marker in hand, surrounded by survivors of different species who understand exactly what pain feels like.
These community partnerships, like the ones we’ve built with FKCS, Christina’s Courage and our law enforcement allies, are the heart of what makes Pawsitive Beginnings so much more than a sanctuary. They’re a lifeline. They bring the human and animal worlds together in ways that actually change lives. They say: you’re not alone. You matter. You have something to offer this world, even if it’s just a tiny hand-painted rock outside a fox enclosure that makes someone smile.
To the amazing kiddos who shared their energy with us, to Christina’s Courage for your daily advocacy, and to FKCS for always showing up for these young souls, thank you. These rocks may be small, but what they represent? Absolutely unshakable.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
