In Kent, England, a fox is found seriously injured and terminally ill on the road.
The animal rescue organisation sees only two options: Either it is euthanised, or it is adopted by a human and cared for at home.
The animal rescuers do not yet know that someone with a heart for foxes lives nearby, let alone what friendship will develop from this emergency situation.
Bitten and infected
The fox was bitten by a dog and seriously wounded.
He is therefore taken to the Fox Project’s wildlife clinic, but an even more serious problem is discovered there:
The poor animal has toxoplasmosis, a dangerous infectious disease that not infrequently leads to death.
Due to its condition, the fox has little chance of survival and cannot return to the wild under any circumstances.
The animal rescuers are faced with a difficult decision: should they euthanise the patient or can they find a home for him?
It seems unlikely that anyone will take on the challenging task, because foxes, unlike dogs, are wild animals, and that is to be taken quite literally.
Mike and Cropper
Nevertheless, the organisation asks the public if anyone can take in the fox. To their surprise, someone quickly comes forward: Mike Trowler.
The retired engineer has always had a special love and fascination for foxes. Now he sees an opportunity to help one of his beloved animals.
So Cropper, as the fox is now called, moves into Mike’s house. And against all the organisation’s fears, the two live together in perfect harmony.
Cropper shows his best side and soon gets fit again thanks to Mike’s loving care. It seems as if Cropper is grateful and realises that Mike has saved his life.
His behaviour is completely atypical for a fox: he prefers to be very close to Mike, cuddling with him, lying on Mike’s shoulders and having his tummy rubbed.
He also loves going for walks with Mike, just like a dog would.
Mike and Cropper have become the very best of friends in a short space of time. They share everything and are inseparable.
Cropper’s legacy
After six happy years together, Cropper sadly dies, leaving a huge gap in Mike’s life. But the love, the intimacy and the wonderful time together will be remembered forever.
Mike will never forget Cropper, and their wonderful friendship, which transcended all boundaries, is an impressive example of what love and helpfulness can achieve.
Cropper also showed Mike what his job is: to give foxes a good life if they cannot be released back into the wild after injury or illness.
In the meantime, Mike has taken in a new fox called Jack, who is also unable to return to the wild. And indeed, he now experiences another incredible friendship with him, just as he did with Cropper.
Would you like to experience Mike and Cropper’s special friendship? Then watch the video here:
Source: Animal Channel
