A nonprofit organization that provides a safe and permanent home for foxes rescued from the fur trade, celebrated its fifth anniversary in March with a call for donations.
Proceeds would go to updating and improving the housing where the group keeps the foxes it has in its care, as well as expanding a unique human-animal therapy program.
During its first five years, Pawsitive Beginnings has provided permanent sanctuary to eight foxes rescued from the fur trade. At present, they are home to seven foxes, as one of their foxes, Libby, died last year due to genetic health complications.
“We collaborate with organizations in regions where fur farming is prevalent and offer placement assistance for foxes in need,” said Nicole Navarro, founder of Pawsitive Beginnings. “If we are unable to provide direct sanctuary, we actively network with reputable rescues to ensure each fox is placed in the hands of a qualified caregiver.”
Pawsitive Beginnings goes beyond just rescuing the foxes—it provides a transformative animal-assisted therapy program. Through this unique, inter-species initiative, therapists and counselors share the inspiring stories of these rescued foxes with trauma survivors in the Florida Keys.
Navarro said foxes who have lived in captivity and who have been bred for their fur cannot be released back into the wild because they are several generations removed from their wild counterparts and lack the necessary survival skills to fend for themselves. Many have also been bred for distinctive coloring, making them more visible to predators.
She added that it is against the law to introduce non-native species into the wild, and because these foxes come from farms, they are classified as non-native and cannot legally be released into the environment.
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“That’s where we come in,” she said. “At Pawsitive Beginnings, we are committed to providing these foxes with a safe, loving, and permanent home. We work with a team of veterinarians to address their medical needs and see to it that they are well cared for.”
Navarro said she hopes to raise money to upgrade the fox enclosures to the black, rubber-coated wire because it lasts longer, is more comfortable for the animals, and does not rust in the salty Florida atmosphere. She is also working to expand the animal-assisted therapy program in the region.
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Pawsitive Beginnings has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.org and is rated a top nonprofit by Great Non-Profits.
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