When Sweep, a small fox with a big personality, was first brought to The Nuneaton Wildlife Sanctuary, she was in dire condition. Geoff, who runs the sanctuary, recalled the moment she arrived. The baby fox was fragile and critically ill. “Somebody found her on the side of the road and they brought her into us,” he said. “The vet said she’s got no chance.” Despite the bleak outlook, Geoff and his team refused to give up. Sweep was showered with endless care and affection, and after nearly nine months of intensive treatment, she made a miraculous recovery.
What emerged from that long journey was not just a healthy fox, but one who had developed a deep bond with Geoff. Unable to return to the wild due to imprinting, Sweep now sees Geoff as her dad and treats him like family. Sweep also finds comfort in her plushies. She especially loves her teddy bear and often drifts off to sleep with him by her side.
Sweep’s quirky, affectionate nature has made her a special part of the sanctuary. She adores rolling onto her back for belly rubs — something Geoff describes with a laugh: “Oh, she’s got a big jelly belly.” Her excitement whenever Geoff walks into the room mirrors that of a loyal dog. “You wake up in the morning and go into her, even late at night she’ll waggle her tail, whimpering and moaning at you. Just like a dog, exactly like a dog.”
Sweep also loves to be held, often nestling her head on Geoff’s shoulder to relax. “If you start moving or doing things, she’ll go to sleep,” Geoff shared. “I think the heartbeat of your body relaxes her.” Although she’s content at the sanctuary, Sweep still enjoys little adventures. Geoff takes her for walks, always keeping her safely on a lead. She knows her name, listens when she’s told to stop misbehaving, and has a playful, cheeky spirit.
Having Sweep around has been an incredible experience for Geoff, but he’s quick to emphasize that foxes are not pets. “To have a fox like this, it’s a privilege. You’ve got to treat her with the respect that she is a fox,” he explained. “We don’t recommend foxes as pets. They are very destructive animals. It’s just that Sweep is a one-off fox.”
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In the wild, foxes typically live only one to four years, but in captivity, they can live up to 16 years. Geoff knows how special Sweep is and cherishes every moment with her. “People say she’s just a fox. She’s not. She is one of the family.”
Sweep’s story is a testament to love, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. To Geoff and those at the sanctuary, she’s far more than just a fox — she’s family.
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