LADY BUG

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

On May 24, my mom, Nicole Navarro, flew up to Minnesota to pick him up from our friends at Save A Fox Rescue. Little Ridley was given up by the fur farmer because his fox mom chewed off his tail, and the tails of his four other siblings. I know that sounds sad, but that literally saved their lives.

As I am sure you can imagine, life on a fur farm is not a good one, so when female foxes give birth, they are extremely stressed out and this infant mutilation happens pretty frequently.

There are an estimated 250 fur farms legally operating in the United States in roughly 21 states. The way they live is as awful as the way they die, as there are no federal humane slaughter laws in place. I would tell you how they kill foxes for their fur, but this is a family-friendly publication.

When people come to meet me and the other foxes, they can hardly believe that farming animals for the sole purpose of fashion is still a “thing.” Sadly, it is, and even sadder is that according to the 2017 economic census, Florida was No. 8 in the country for

Ridley is now safe and sound and will live like the rest of us here at Pawsitive Beginnings, being loved and respected for the amazing little animal he is, without having to ever worry about being harmed. Mom picked Ridley’s name to honor the critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, which was first discovered in the Florida Keys in 1906. Pretty cute, right? Ridley has already seen veterinarians Geraldine Diethelm and Michael Claudio and he is in pretty good health, which is a relief.

Ridley gets to go to work with mom, just like I did when I was a baby, and I hear he is quite the little superstar at the Glass Bottom Boat office. You might be thinking, “Aren’t you jealous, Reef?” And the answer is “absofreakinlutely.” I’ve seen the young lad through the fence, I’ve thrown a fit, and chances are I’ll never love him. However, every animal deserves a new beginning – that is our motto at Pawsitive Beginnings – and I learned a long time ago that Mom will continue to save and help animals whether I like it or not, so I just need to accept it. The acceptance isn’t graceful, but I do accept it.

Ridley is the current educational ambassador and he has big paws to fill. I was a rock star when I was little, so I hope he can live up to the very high standards I have put in place.

That’s all for this week. Check us out at pawsitivebeginnings.org to keep up with breaking fox news. Follow our social media pages for daily photos and videos.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Lady Bug is still looking for her “furever” home. This amazing girl is almost 3 years old. She’s an American bulldog/bull terrier mix. Lady Bug is the absolute sweetest girl and a big mush. She loves to play with toys and she loves cuddling with her humans. Lady Bug likes to be the alpha dog in the family, so she’s best in a home without other dogs. This sweet girl deserves a permanent home, stability and love. She has so much love to give. Won’t you open your heart and home to this gentle sweet Lady Bug? Apply today at MarrVelous Pet Rescues at www.mprescues.org.

June 8-11

• The Key Players’ “Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses” production at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo. Visit thekeyplayers.org for information and tickets.

Thursday, June 8

• World Ocean Day Shark Presentation at 10:30 a.m. on Bimini Row docks, near Raw Bar, at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, Islamorada.

• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center, Islamorada.

Friday, June 9

• Alzheimer’s Brain Bus offers free services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Key Largo library, 101485 Overseas Highway.

• Summer Reading Program: Rockin’ Kids Concert with Mr. Richard at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.

June 9-10

• Residential hazardous household materials collection for Islamorada residents from 9 a.m. to noon at the south park entrance of Founders Park, the Administrative Center parking lot.

Saturday, June 10

• I.CARE dive and transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Key Dives, Islamorada. Visit icareaboutcorals.org/schedule to learn more.

• Sea to Table, a gala to commemorate 200 years of fishing and dining from the sea, at 6 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada. Purchase a ticket by calling 305-664-4503.

Tuesday, June 13

• Florida Keys Toastmasters hybrid meeting at 6 p.m. at Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada.

• REEF Fish & Friends lecture welcomes Bobbie Renfro, of Florida State University, to discuss ecology of sponges on Florida Keys reefs at 6:15 p.m. at the REEF campus, 98300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

Wednesday, June 14

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• Adult craft program featuring the repurposing of seashells at 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Thursday, June 15

• Wesley House Family Services hosts a foster parent training from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Key Largo office, 99451 Overseas Highway. Register by calling 305-809-5020 or email Megan.Burgess@WesleyHouse.org.

• Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.