REEF’S REPORT: ‘THANKS-LIVING’ BRINGS REFLECTION OF THE PAST, GRATITUDE TO SUPPORTERS

Pawsitive Beginnings in Key Largo provides safe sanctuary, and living, for foxes once held captive at northern fur farms. CONTRIBUTED

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” As many of you prepare for Thanksgiving, we foxes here at Pawsitive Beginnings celebrate something a little different: “Thanks-living” — the holiday where we take a moment to appreciate the simple miracle of still being alive after the absolute nonsense we endured early on.

While humans argue over stuffing versus dressing (it’s stuffing), my fox family and I are reflecting on how far we’ve come. Once upon a time, our future was so uncertain you could’ve written a Netflix drama about it. Cages, torture devices, chaos. … and now? Sunshine, soft beds, fresh chicken and an entire human who exists solely to cater to our every need. (Mother insists she has “other responsibilities,” but I’ve seen the schedule. It’s 90% fox and 10% pretending she has free time.)

What am I most thankful for? Ah yes, the part you’ve all been waiting for. What could a fox of my fame and status possibly be thankful for? Let’s review. First, my fans, of course. You keep my ego appropriately fed. I’m also grateful for winning Best Local Celebrity for the fourth year in a row, truly iconic behavior. I’m thankful that mom, Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro, did not put me in a turkey costume for photos this year. I heard her mention it, and I promptly hid under the bed. 

I’m grateful that I don’t have to hunt for my food. I simply give mom the look and food magically appears. It’s incredible, really.

But most of all? I am thankful I got a second chance at life. Thankful that someone saw value in a little fox who was once deemed “just a pelt.” Thankful that my story, and the stories of my six fox friends, show the world that life after trauma is not only possible. It can be downright fabulous.

May your holiday be full of joy, compassion and lots of leftovers. 

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Reef the Fox
Reef was born on a fur farm on or around March 28, 2021. He was able to be rescued when his mother and siblings started to reject him. Reef is missing toes on his front, right paw and the tip of his tail is missing due to injuries sustained in his short time on the fur farm. Reef arrived at Key Largo on May 6, 2021 by Nicole Navarro, of Pawsitive Beginnings Inc.