Pawsitive Beginnings Inc

Pawsitive Beginnings Inc The only 501(c)3 fox sanctuary in the Florida Keys dedicated to impacting change through compassion. Our foxes are permanent residents.

We do not breed, adopt out or sell animals. All of our foxes were saved from fur farms in the Midwest. We take pride in giving them a life they never knew was possible!

06/02/2026

My sweety piddles…

If you didn’t know Ridley got the nickname piddles because he would lay on his back on my bed when he was a baby and just p*e straight upwards 😂
Ridley’s sponsor: Christine Lafferty
Co sponsors: and
Pawsitive Beginnings is a FWC- and USDA-licensed, insured 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary providing a safe, permanent home for foxes rescued from the U.S. fur and exotic pet trades. We do not breed, buy, sell, or adopt out foxes.

Because these animals were born and raised in captivity, releasing them into the wild would not only be unsafe for their survival, but also illegal. Instead, they spend their lives in spacious enclosures with indoor/outdoor access designed to keep them enriched, comfortable, and protected from the South Florida heat.

Through education and advocacy we are committed to giving these foxes the life they deserve while helping create a future where fur farming becomes history.

To learn more about our mission and programs, visit the links in our bio.

06/01/2026

Hello June!

It is the first day of the month so you know what that means…

Today is dedicated to all of the incredible sponsors that support the foxes on a monthly basis.

I could not do what I do without them…

If you’ve ever considered sponsoring one of the foxes here you can find all of that information at the link in our bio.

Our sponsors are:

Louie’s sponsor: Kathy Stokosa-Edwards and Susan White
Co-sponsor: Pamela Stokosa &
Kai’s sponsor: & Sean Mehollin
Co sponsor:
Reef’s sponsor: &
Co sponsors: & Elaine Kay
Penny’s sponsors:
Co sponsor: Jody Hamilton Lively
Coral’s sponsor: .football
Co sponsors: Julia Falk &
Ridley’s sponsor: Christine Lafferty
Co sponsors: and
Isla’s sponsor: Deborah Esslinger
Co sponsor: Tracy Jo Tenner & Mucki Judge
Monthly recurring supporters: 19
Kate Howell
Kyoko Sato

Lucy Gillard
Lisa Baker
Cheryl Muessig
Nancy Bautista
Tracey Mixon
JoAnn Lardie

05/31/2026

“Easy like Sunday morning”….

Nothing is easy about the dramatic relationship between Isla and Reef. 🫪
Reef’s sponsor: &
Co sponsors: & Elaine Kay
Isla’s sponsor: Deborah Esslinger
Co sponsor: Tracy Jo Tenner & Mucki Judge
Pawsitive Beginnings is a FWC- and USDA-licensed, insured 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary providing a safe, permanent home for foxes rescued from the U.S. fur and exotic pet trades. We do not breed, buy, sell, or adopt out foxes.

Because these animals were born and raised in captivity, releasing them into the wild would not only be unsafe for their survival, but also illegal. Instead, they spend their lives in spacious enclosures with indoor/outdoor access designed to keep them enriched, comfortable, and protected from the South Florida heat.

Through education and advocacy we are committed to giving these foxes the life they deserve while helping create a future where fur farming becomes history.

To learn more about our mission and programs, visit the links in our bio.

05/30/2026

Yesterday, I welcomed a group of women from Kinder in the Keys for what turned into one of the most meaningful afternoons I’ve experienced in a long time.

After spending time with the foxes, we gathered together to watch my segment from Unspoken Bond, where I share parts of my story that are often difficult to revisit. As the film played, the tears started flowing.

Watching these women connect with the painful chapters of my past was humbling. We sat together afterward… crying, laughing, and talking honestly about the things we usually try to carry alone. The dark parts. The hard parts. The moments that somehow become a little lighter when they’re spoken out loud and met with understanding.

For four years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with Kinder in the Keys and witnessing the strength and resilience of the women who walk through their doors. Yesterday felt different. It felt like a pivotal moment in that partnership.

It reminded me that healing doesn’t happen because someone’s story is unique. It happens because someone else recognizes pieces of their own story in it.

I’m grateful for every woman who spent the afternoon with me yesterday and for the courage they continue to show every single day.

The entire documentary will play at the Key West Theater on July 31. If you’re interested in joining please visit https://thekeywesttheater.com/e/?event=1461650

05/29/2026

The other day, we welcomed four kids from the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter who had never visited us before.

As always, the foxes took their ambassador duties very seriously. There were treats to hand out, stories to share, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends.

One of our favorite parts of these visits is watching connections form in real time. For all of these kids, it’s their first time meeting a fox. For the foxes, it’s another chance to show that difficult beginnings don’t have to define the rest of your story.

A big thank you to the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter for their continued partnership and to who helps make these visits possible.

Hi friends!Reef the Fox here with your weekly Reef Report!Well everyone, apparently I had what the medical community is ...
05/28/2026

Hi friends!

Reef the Fox here with your weekly Reef Report!

Well everyone, apparently I had what the medical community is calling an “allergy attack.” Personally, I think I was simply reacting to the overwhelming stress of being this handsome in South Florida during seasonal changes, but what do I know? I’m just the patient.

Mom rushed me in because my eyes looked horrific. Inflamed. Irritated. Watery. Honestly I looked like I had just watched the ending of The Sopranos for 14 straight hours.

The good news is I’m happy to report my eyes are already looking much better this morning thanks to the nice people who fixed my face.

The bad news? While I was sedated, they apparently committed several crimes against me. Needles IN MY EYES. A thermometer in a location I specifically did not consent to. Multiple people discussing me while I was unconscious. Horrific.

And once again, we can all thank fur farms for being the leading cause of literally everything that can go wrong with foxes. Generations of irresponsible breeding have left many of us with sensitivities, allergies, and health issues that our wild counterparts typically do not deal with. Love that for us.

But in the interest of preserving my good looks and maintaining my status as the most recognizable fox in the Florida Keys, I understand the importance of medical care.

You’re welcome for surviving this difficult ordeal.

Anywho, that’s quite enough for this week. Until next time… Reef, over and out!
Reef’s sponsor: &
Co sponsors: & Elaine Kay

Reef had his ophthalmology appointment today after developing significant inflammation and irritation in both eyes. The ...
05/27/2026

Reef had his ophthalmology appointment today after developing significant inflammation and irritation in both eyes. The exact cause is still unknown, but Dr. Tucci believes an environmental allergen may be playing a role. Seasonal changes can bring in new pollen, molds, or airborne irritants that may have never affected him before but can suddenly trigger a stronger immune response.

Because his eyes were so inflamed, Dr. Tucci performed a thorough ophthalmic workup. Reef’s tear production was lower than normal, which can contribute to dryness and discomfort, but his eye pressures were normal and there were no corneal ulcers or scratches found, which was reassuring. His visual and neurological eye responses also remained normal. Due to the severity of the inflammation, Reef was sedated to keep him comfortable while Dr. Tucci performed additional diagnostics and treatment. Samples from the conjunctiva (the tissue lining the eyes) were collected for cytology and bacterial cultures to identify inflammatory cells, bacteria, or any underlying contributors that may not be visible during an exam alone. He also received localized treatment directly in and around the eyes to help reduce inflammation, along with medications to address potential allergic reactions and possible secondary infection while results are pending.

Reef will return for another recheck on June 22 so Dr. Tucci can monitor his progress.

Most importantly, thank you to every person who donated and supported Reef. Your generosity completely covered today’s exam.

And a special thank you to Dr. Teresa Tucci and the entire team at for fitting Reef in last minute and for providing such incredible expertise, compassion, and care.

05/27/2026

Isla definitely needs to see a doctor but more the mental health kind.

Reef did run into the crate after I herded Isla out and we are on our way to the vet. Thank you to everyone who sent kind words and thank you to everyone who donated towards his visit today.

I will keep you all updated on his eyes.
Reef’s sponsor: &
Co sponsors: & Elaine Kay
Isla’s sponsor: Deborah Esslinger
Co sponsor: Tracy Jo Tenner & Mucki Judge

Reef will be making an emergency trip to a veterinary ophthalmologist tomorrow morning. He has been officially diagnosed...
05/26/2026

Reef will be making an emergency trip to a veterinary ophthalmologist tomorrow morning.

He has been officially diagnosed with severe allergies in the past through testing but he has never gotten this bad.

Emergency visits = emergency dollars and every dollar donated helps.

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Key Largo, FL

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10am - 12pm

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