SANCTUARY

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

Last Tuesday my friend, Christina “Wild Woman” Wilson, stopped by with Zak Cole, who runs a YouTube channel called Wild FL. You might know Wilson from around town and also from her appearances hosting on the Discover Florida Channel, Brave Wilderness and Travel and Leisure. Mom introduced all foxes here at Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. in Key Largo and talked extensively about the fur farming industry that is still active in the United States. Coral was a big show-off and wanted to be on camera the whole time. I will let you know when our episode comes out on YouTube.

Okay, here’s a “take-a-seat” announcement. Golden Globe and Honorary Academy Award winning actress, Liv Ullmann, came over to meet us foxes last Friday. Like holy cow, friends. Vanity Fair described her as “legendary” and she is regarded as one of the greatest European actresses of all time. And she was here, to see me. I was such a well-behaved gentleman. All of the foxes were on their best behavior. She was so kind, so gentle and came down to our level to give us snacks when most people just stand and tower over us (which can make us nervous). She even spoke to us in her native language, Norwegian. It was mesmerizing. She gave my mom a copy of her book, “Choices,” and my mom read the whole thing on Saturday. Mom was trying to sit outside with us to read but I kept trying to steal the book. Hey, I can read too. Well, mostly with my teeth, but whatever.

As for an update on Purdy, the dog my mom rescued a few weeks ago, she had her much needed dental cleaning and extraction with our primary veterinarian, Michael Claudio, at Mobile Pet Doctors. She made it through the surgery just fine and is doing well. She’s an old lady but she sure has a strong will to live. We are happy she’s here.

Finally, our friend and veterinarian, Doug Mader, gave an amazing and factual lecture, as part of the College of the Florida Keys VIP series, on the problems with the invasive pythons in the Everglades and how they may threaten the Florida Keys. If you didn’t know, Mader released his book, “The Vet at Noah’s Ark.” If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, you can check out his website at dougmader.com

I promised an action packed report, and I think I delivered. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Top: Christina Wilson, or “Wild Woman,” stops by Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. in Key Largo to meet Coral and the other foxes. CONTRIBUTED

Right: Liv Ullmann, Golden Globe- and Honorary Academy Award-winning actress, visits Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. and founder Nicole Navarro. CONTRIBUTED

Thursday, March 16

• Morada Way Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada. Visit moradaway.org to learn more.

Friday, March 17

• St. Patrick’s Party featuring bands, food trucks and drinks beginning at noon at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada.

• St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl at 5 p.m. at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, Islamorada.

Tween board game night at 4:30 p.m. at Key Largo Library. For ages 10-12.

Saturday, March 18

• Florida Keys Community Concert Band’s Pops in the Park at 4 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Sunday, March 19

• Bay Jam featuring bands, drinks, craft vendors and food from noon to 8 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada. Free admission.

Monday, March 20

• Matecumbe Historical Trust free presentation on Indian Key at 6:30 p.m. at Island Community Church, MM 83.2, bayside, Islamorada.

Tuesday, March 21

• Islamorada Nature Walks & Talks at 8:30 a.m. at Founders Park & Plantation Hammock Preserve. $8 per person. Call 305-853-1685 to sign up.

Wednesday, March 22

• Line dancing with instructor Carlene Jarbo at 11:30 a.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Visit justolderyouth.org to learn more.