Pawsitive Beginnings Inc

Five years ago today, I realized just how special Reef truly was.

At the time, he was still a wild little screaming alien determined to test every ounce of my patience. But when he met Jack and his family during their Make-A-Wish trip, I saw a side of him I hadn’t seen before.

The patient side.

The gentle side.

The side that seemed to understand when someone needed calm more than chaos.

As Jack sat with him, Reef softened in a way that surprised me. There was no wild child energy, no antics, no demands for attention. Just a quiet connection between a little boy and a fox.

It was the first time I truly saw Reef’s gift. His ability to meet people where they are. To offer comfort without being asked. To somehow know when a moment calls for gentleness.

Five years later, he’s still teaching me things every day. But that day was the one that showed me he was destined for something bigger than I ever imagined.

And honestly, I think Jack knew it before I did.

This photo takes me right back to 2022, when I brought Kai home and Jasper immediately decided that this tiny fox was his responsibility.

For years, Jasper lived on a fur farm where he was forced to breed over and over again. Like so many foxes trapped in that industry, he never got the chance to experience fatherhood the way it should have been. His babies were taken away, and he was denied the opportunity to raise them.

Then Kai arrived.

Almost overnight, Jasper stepped into the role of dad. He watched over Kai, played with him, taught him boundaries, and showed him the ropes of sanctuary life. It was one of the most beautiful relationships I have ever witnessed.

Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day, I find myself especially grateful for those memories.

Jasper is no longer with us, but his impact is. The love, patience, and gentleness he showed Kai remains one of the clearest examples of who he truly was. For a fox who spent years being treated as a commodity, getting the chance to nurture and protect another fox felt like a small piece of justice in a life that had seen far too little of it.

So today, I want to honor Jasper.

And I want to celebrate all fathers, biological dads, stepdads, foster dads, adoptive dads, mentors, and those who simply choose to show up and love a child who needs them.

Some of the most meaningful families are built not by blood, but by love.

Happy Father’s Day, Jasper. We miss you every day, and we will never forget the father you became when Kai needed one most.

Renovation update from the world’s most demanding homeowners…

Construction here is moving right along, and I want to give a huge thank you to Island Villa Construction for their thoughtful and compassionate approach to replacing all of the wire on the fox enclosures.

This is going to be about a month-long process, but that’s because the plan is, and always has been, to not inconvenience the foxes for more than a day. Everyone involved quickly learned that around here, the foxes come first.

And let’s be honest… everyone knows how spoiled these foxes are.

The foxes would like everyone to know they are enduring this renovation with tremendous courage and dignity.
Coral’s sponsor: Doug Smith
Co sponsors: Julia Falk & Healthy D'Lites

Hi friends!

Reef the Fox here with your weekly Reef Report.

Yesterday, I received a visit from Kara Franker, President and CEO of Visit Florida Keys.

For those unfamiliar, The Florida Keys is the official destination marketing organization for the Florida Keys. Their job is promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, protecting our environment, and ensuring the long-term success of the Keys’ visitor economy.

Naturally, I assumed she was here to discuss a Visit Florida Keys ambassador contract.

After all, Visit Florida Keys spends its time convincing people to visit the Florida Keys, and I spend my time being one of the most interesting things in the Florida Keys. It seems like a perfect partnership.

I explained that I already possess many of the qualifications they’re looking for. I’m a local attraction. I’m environmentally friendly. I don’t require parking. I’ve won Best Local Celebrity four years in a row, defeating every human in my category. I have a newspaper column, a children’s book, and a documentary film coming out this summer.

Honestly, I’m overqualified.

I was also pleased to learn that tourism dollars help support environmental conservation, coral restoration, community parks, and projects that improve life for both residents and visitors. As a fox who enjoys clean air, green spaces, and people spending money in my hometown, I can support that mission.

What I cannot support is the continued absence of my face from official tourism brochures.

I’ve already developed several campaign concepts.

“The Florida Keys: Come for the coral reefs. Stay because Reef is staring at you.”

“Visit the Florida Keys before Reef’s management team raises his appearance fees.”

“World-class fishing, breathtaking sunsets, and one fox with impeccable public relations skills.”

Kara remained professional throughout our meeting, though I noticed she did not immediately reject any of my ideas.

I consider that progress.

Until negotiations continue, I will remain here at Pawsitive Beginnings serving as an unofficial ambassador for the Florida Keys and graciously allowing tourists to admire me from afar.

You’re welcome.

Until next time… Reef, over and out!