The Fox Whisperer

For those of you who don't know, Pookie is my father-in-law. He has traveled all over the world and he used to bring "Pookie" dolls to his children. "Pookie" dolls look like old people, almost elf-like. That is where the name comes from.

Mom and Dad moved to Colorado about two years ago. Mom was only here a short while and then passed away due to dementia. Pookie was left alone and he couldn't stand staying here without her. He went back to Florida, but found their 10 acres was too much and too far out in the woods, for him to handle. He came back here, but dreams of returning home. It has been a sad cycle for him.

Pookie loves wildlife and I swear he has a knack with animals. He saw a family of foxes with new babies out behind the assisted living facility, where he lives. I think he was a bit enchanted with them. He started feeding the babies, and now, he has them almost eating out of his hand. He can call them from his upstairs window and they will come looking for food.

Our first reaction was "Oh no, they are going to bite him". Then, we got the big picture. The foxes are providing him with a sense of purpose. They make him "unique" within the community where he lives. They provide him with a reason to get up in the morning. He has been known to ask for a double portion at breakfast. One for him and one for the foxes. The foxes have filled a void that knowbody else has been able to do. He doesn't complain about going back to Florida, much. He seems more content and enjoyable to be around. He has something special to "show " his grandchildren when they come to visit. The girls think it is so cool that their "Pookie" can communicate with the fox.

Part of Dad's heritage is American Indian. I think his Indian name should be "Fox Whisperer". I think if animal spirits live in people, then Dad is truly a fox. He is very timid at times, with little to say, but inside he is always thinking and is as sly as "you know".