More from Debra Pierce

From September 2012 through June 2014, I helped care for an adorable red fox named Socks. He was several years old when I began volunteering at the Nature/Science Museum. As a wildlife volunteer I assisted a wildlife staff person with morning feedings and habitat cleanups. Every Saturday morning, the staff person and I would prepare the morning meals for the resident wildlife. As an omnivore, Socks’ meals consisted of a kibble/meat and veggies mixture. While Socks ate, we poured fresh water in his large water bowl. Then we walked around the enclosure cleaning up his scat. 

Socks lived outdoors in a large fenced-in enclosure with protective netting over the top which served to keep other animals from gaining access into Socks’ habitat. There was a wooden structure built for Socks as a shelter that was filled with hay for warmth. And then were the dens—holes dug by Socks himself. On warm summer days, he would lay in the dirt’s coolness. Socks’ habitat was grassy and filled with shrubs and small trees to resemble living in the wild. And scattered throughout the enclosure were dog toys Socks played with. 

Occasionally families would be standing by Socks’ habitat while we were in there. At times Socks would jump up on the cement ledge of the enclosure and run alongside the chain link fence to the delight of anyone standing there. There was a double fence, so no one was able to poke their fingers through to touch him. It was like Socks was showing off his cuteness. Children would ooh and aah when they saw Socks wagging his tail and behaving like a friendly family dog. We would explain to the people that what they were observing was not typical fox behavior and why Socks behaved like he did. 

As wildlife ambassadors, we educated people about foxes: they are of the canine family called Vulpes vulpes, the average size of a red fox ranges from six to twenty-five pounds, and in the wild their average life span is six to seven years. And unlike other wild canine species like wolves and coyotes, red foxes do not form packs. They tend to be solitary animals. We stressed that Socks was a wild animal and that no one should ever consider trying to make a wild fox a pet. 

Socks’ fur was an orange color with white fur around his muzzle and down his chest. His legs were black, so it looked like he was wearing boots. Being a wild animal, though not aggressive by any means, Socks was rewarded with tactile reinforcement as a reward for certain behaviors. I couldn’t pat him just because I wanted to. And believe when I say, that took restraint because Socks was just so darn cute and friendly. 

Due to a change in my availability, I discontinued volunteering in June of 2014. However, I still frequented the museum. I often stood by Socks’ enclosure. Sometimes he’d be sleeping. Other times he’d be roaming around or playing with a dog toy. In November of 2022 Socks died. His failing health had compromised his quality of living, and the difficult decision was made to euthanize him. When I learned Socks was gone, I was swept up in nostalgia and sadness and inspired to write today’s meditation. Recently I visited the Nature Museum. An owl is now living in the large, fenced enclosure where years ago, I took care of an adorable fox named Socks.