Juniper the fox is in love with an Australian Shepherd named Moose.
Juniper’s owner told Bored Panda:
“I brought Juniper home when she was only five weeks old. Moose was raised around all kinds of animals so when she ran up to him tail wagging and crying they were instantly friends.”
“Foxes put their butts on things they want to own or think is theirs. Moose gets sat on daily. I’ll often walk into the room and see Moose laying down with such a glum look on his face while Juniper is there just sitting in this head smiling.”
She also posted some advice on Instagram, in response to all the comments from people saying “I WANT ONE!”
“Foxes are not like owning a dog or cat. Foxes smell. Bad. Their urine and feces smell like skunk mixed with ammonia. There is no way to “de-scent” a fox. You cannot keep a fox indoors 24/7… Foxes are destructive, they will destroy things in your house… They also need taurine, or they can go blind, suffer from seizures, and even die.
If you get a fox, you need to find a vet willing to treat one. Most vets will not treat foxes.”
“If you are renting the property you live in/on, do NOT GET A FOX. Foxes cannot be boarded or sent to ‘doggy daycare.’ Kiss your vacations goodbye. ..
Foxes do not always ‘potty train.’ Some have success with a litter box, but others find that it is impossible. Even if you do train them, they will likely still mark or happy pee, which results in a skunky, musty odor. Foxes are easily stressed by new situations and people. They usually bond to one person and find exposure to new people and loud noises to be frightening…
Foxes do not always get along with dogs, and in fact, dogs are pretty likely to hate them. Some foxes get aggressive despite the best efforts of their owners.”
“Food aggression is a huge issue. I’ve seen excellent owners struggle and struggle with aggression that can lead to bites. Foxes bite. Especially as babies. Foxes go through a stage known as ‘the October crazies.’ During this period they become standoffish and occasionally very aggressive. Foxes can make excellent companions and it is nice to serve as an ambassador for such a misunderstood and beautiful creature. But they are not for everyone.”