Imagine a fox that giggles when it sees its favorite human. It’s not a scene from a children’s book, but the real-life story of Winky, a fennec fox who found her forever home at Animal Tracks, a sanctuary for animals in need.
Winky’s journey began when a man flew to Florida to purchase her from a breeder.
However, the breeder had not socialized Winky, making her unsuitable as a pet. Realizing his mistake, the man decided to give Winky to Animal Tracks, where she met Allison, the facility’s director.
Allison took it upon herself to socialize Winky, a process that required immense patience. For six months, she would sit with Winky, allowing the fox to come close to her at her own pace.
The effort paid off, and Winky eventually became comfortable around Allison. But Winky wasn’t the only fox at Animal Tracks.
Dobby, another fennec fox, had already formed a close bond with Allison, who even has a tattoo of him on her shoulder.
When Winky and Dobby were first introduced, it was love at first sight. They immediately began playing and chasing each other, as if they had been soulmates in a previous life.
Their interactions are filled with squeaks of excitement, a sound that Allison describes as akin to “28 squeak toys being squeaked simultaneously.”
When they wag their tails, they do so with a stiffness that adds a comical element to their playful antics.
Winky and Dobby’s relationship isn’t just about play; it’s also about dominance. Winky, despite her small size, likes to assert herself.
She’s the “boss lady,” often climbing on top of Dobby as if to say, “I’m in charge here.”
If Winky were a human, Allison imagines she would be the kind of person who enjoys a night out, complete with drinks and a penchant for bad boys.
The two foxes are a study in contrasts. While Dobby is more laid-back, Winky is sassy and spicy.
Yet, they complement each other perfectly, finding moments of quiet companionship after their energetic play sessions.
They cuddle together, taking naps as if recharging for their next adventure.
Fennec foxes like Winky and Dobby are the smallest canines in the world, native to the Sahara Desert in Africa.
They have large ears, which they use to hear their prey underground.
In the wild, they get all the water they need from their food, but at Animal Tracks, they are provided with water to ensure their well-being.
Winky continues to challenge Allison, keeping her on her toes.
She’s still tentative around other people, but Allison is working on socializing her further. The bond between them, however, is special.
When a wild animal chooses to connect with a human, the experience is “visceral and deep,” says Allison, a sentiment that anyone who has formed such a bond can understand.
The story of Winky and Dobby serves as a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of love and patience.
These two fennec foxes, each with their own quirks and personalities, have found a home where they are understood and cherished.
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So the next time you hear about a fox that giggles, remember Winky and the sanctuary that gave her a second chance at life.
Her story, and the laughter she brings, show the enduring power of love, a love that crosses the boundaries between species and fills the world with a little more joy.
Check out Winky and Dobby’s full story below!
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