Pawsitive Beginnings Inc

10/15/2026

Hi friends!

Reef the Fox here with your weekly Reef Report.

Apparently, my very talented, Grammy Award-winning human uncle, Zachary James, who also happens to be president of our board of directors, has done it again. And this time? He’s gone COUNTRY.

His new song, “Dreaming of You,” comes out at midnight tonight, and obviously, it’s about me.

Who else would he be dreaming of? I have luxurious fur, irresistible charm, and enough emotional baggage to fill an entire country album. All I’m missing is a pickup truck and a terrible relationship with someone named Jolene.

Now, Uncle Zachary may claim the song has some other inspiration. Artists can be so private about their muses. I’ll respect his creative process while taking full credit.

In all seriousness, I’m one proud fox. Having a human uncle who makes incredible music AND helps lead the organization that gave me a second chance? That’s a pretty good deal for a guy who pays absolutely no bills.

“Dreaming of You” by Zachary James. Midnight tonight. Give it a listen.

I’ll be waiting for my royalties. Preferably in eggs.

10/14/2026

Yesterday, Reef headed up to Veterinary Specialists Inc. for some TLC for those handsome eyes. His allergies are still raging, but there was some good news: the inflammation in his eyelid glands is about 80% improved!

Dr. Tucci checked both eyes for scratches or ulcers, tested his visual responses, and collected samples for testing. No scratches or ulcers were found, and his eye responses looked good. I’m waiting on the lab results to help guide his continued care. He also received a small dose of steroids and an injection of Benadryl under the skin to help calm the inflammation.

For those who haven’t been following Reef since day one, allergy testing in 2022 revealed that he is allergic to roughly 70 different environmental triggers, many of which are beyond my control. Reef was bred on a fur farm for his looks, with no regard for his health, and rescue couldn’t undo the garbage genetics he was handed.

As these animals age, underlying health issues can become more difficult to manage, and that is what I’m seeing with Reef. Allergy flare-ups that once lasted about a month are now stretching on for extended periods. I’m doing everything I can alongside his veterinarians to manage the inflammation and keep him comfortable.
Reef’s sponsors: Heather Huddleston & SeaSide Eatery Key Largo
Co sponsors: 4NML, Elaine Kay & Pixedi Digital Agency

10/13/2026

Will have a full update on Reef’s allergy eyes tomorrow.

But for now enjoy our recap of what it has been like for the past five months trying to get a handle on them 😂
Reef’s sponsors: &
Co sponsors: , Elaine Kay &
Pawsitive Beginnings is a licensed, insured 501(c)(3) fox sanctuary providing lifelong care for foxes rescued from the fur and exotic pet trades. We never breed, buy, sell, or adopt out our foxes.

Unable to survive in the wild, our rescued foxes live in spacious habitats designed for their comfort, enrichment, and safety.

Through education and advocacy, we’re working toward a future where fur farming is history.

Learn more through the links in our bio.

10/13/2026

Yesterday, Douglas Mader and Dr. Geraldine Mader (the A-Team) came to Key Largo to perform a full exam and inspect the mass in Penny’s mouth. Once she was sedated, they discovered that the necrotic tissue was no longer present! There were just some raw, irritated areas where the mass had been. Some tartar was removed from her teeth and a foreign object was extracted from her molars.

A tissue biopsy was taken and sent off for testing, along with bloodwork. X-rays of her skull showed no evidence of infection in the bone around her mouth. Her chest X-rays showed some calcified areas and arthritis in parts of her spine, which is typical for a senior lady.

Results should be back in about a week, so fingers crossed that nothing sneaky pops up. For now, I’m grateful for this encouraging news.

I also want to give the BIGGEST shout-out to Florida Keys Wild Bird Center for allowing us to use their surgical suite and X-ray machine. Although most exams can be done here at the sanctuary, Penny needed equipment and a clinical setting for this one. I am deeply grateful for the generosity extended to us. Community collaboration at its finest!

Only in the Keys can a fox “walk” into a bird center and no one thinks twice about it.
Penny’s sponsors: Heather Jahns 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆 𝕶𝖆𝖎𝖒𝖎𝖒𝖔𝖐𝖚-𝖂𝖔𝖓𝖌
Co sponsor: Jody Hamilton Lively

10/12/2026

10/10/2026

Reef is being a bridge troll and the tiny potato is doesn’t feel like dealing with it.
Kai’s sponsors: & Sean Mehollin
Co sponsor: Jettiejetjet & Pamela Stokosa
Pawsitive Beginnings is a licensed, insured 501(c)(3) fox sanctuary providing lifelong care for foxes rescued from the fur and exotic pet trades. We never breed, buy, sell, or adopt out our foxes.

Unable to survive in the wild, our rescued foxes live in spacious habitats designed for their comfort, enrichment, and safety.

Through education and advocacy, we’re working toward a future where fur farming is history.

Learn more through the links in our bio.

10/09/2026

A blep and a disgruntled Reef to start the day.
Reef’s sponsors: &
Co sponsors: , Elaine Kay &
Ridley’s sponsor: Christine Lafferty
Co sponsors: and
Pawsitive Beginnings is a licensed, insured 501(c)(3) fox sanctuary providing lifelong care for foxes rescued from the fur and exotic pet trades. We never breed, buy, sell, or adopt out our foxes.

Unable to survive in the wild, our rescued foxes live in spacious habitats designed for their comfort, enrichment, and safety.

Through education and advocacy, we’re working toward a future where fur farming is history.

Learn more through the links in our bio.

10/08/2026

Apparently, I’m headed back to the ophthalmologist next week for another round of “let’s see what we can do about this,” because my allergies have decided to become permanent residents. They pay no rent. I have filed a complaint.

I know it’s frustrating seeing my handsome face looking less than magnificent. Trust me. I’m the one wearing it.

But for anyone who doesn’t know my story, my genetics are garbage. I was bred for looks on a hellhole fur farm in Iowa, where my health and future were hardly priorities. The goal was a nice coat. Preferably with nobody still living in it.

I was lucky to make it out in 2021. And while I’ve spent over five years living in the lap of luxury, being waited on by a woman whose debit card now flinches when I sneeze, rescue doesn’t erase the hand I was dealt.

Fur farms exist for one reason: to exploit animals for fashion. Those of us who survive can carry the consequences long after we leave.

Anywho. Between Penny’s unexpected medical issue and my ongoing commitment to keeping veterinary professionals employed, next week is going to be expensive.

Any contribution, comment, like, or share is appreciated. Mother handles the bills. I handle the attitude. We all have our gifts.
Reef’s sponsors: Heather Huddleston & SeaSide Eatery Key Largo
Co sponsors: 4NML, Elaine Kay & Pixedi Digital Agency

10/06/2026

My sweet Penny needs a little extra love right now.

Over the past few days, I noticed her lip was swollen. The vet came to examine her mouth, and what she found was not what I had hoped for: a large mass of necrotic tissue between Penny’s lip and gums. She will need surgery to remove it and send the tissue for testing.

I don’t have answers yet, and no one is making assumptions. It could be something as simple as a piece of food that became lodged and caused an infection, or it could be something more serious. Testing will help provide answers.

Thankfully, Penny is still eating, drinking, and acting like herself. She had no fever yesterday and received a long-lasting antibiotic injection to help fight any infection.

The vet visit was $235, and this unexpected, urgent surgery on Monday will likely cost upwards of $1,000. If you would like to contribute toward sweet, perfect Penny’s care, I would be so grateful.

For now, I’m taking it one step at a time and giving my girl all the love she deserves. I’ll share updates as I learn more.
Penny’s sponsors: Heather Jahns 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆 𝕶𝖆𝖎𝖒𝖎𝖒𝖔𝖐𝖚-𝖂𝖔𝖓𝖌
Co sponsor: Jody Hamilton Lively

10/06/2026

Isla is truly the most emotionally demanding fox I’ve ever met 😂
Ridley’s sponsor: M Kay McGra Christine Lafferty
Co sponsors: Chrys Rocha and Kaitlin Marie
Isla’s sponsors: Deborah Esslinger & Kathy Stokosa-Edwards
Co sponsors: Tracy Jo Tenner & Mucki Judge
Pawsitive Beginnings is a licensed, insured 501(c)(3) fox sanctuary providing lifelong care for foxes rescued from the fur and exotic pet trades. We never breed, buy, sell, or adopt out our foxes.

Unable to survive in the wild, our rescued foxes live in spacious habitats designed for their comfort, enrichment, and safety.

Through education and advocacy, we’re working toward a future where fur farming is history.

Learn more through the links in our bio.