A FATHER'S DAY SALUTE

Foxy Mama sits with her back to the den.
Watching.
Suddenly, a large furry animal blurs toward her.
Gulp.

Please:
Not the black bear wandering around our neighborhood.
Not the nasty black dogs I chase away.

I wait for a cry.
A bark.
Or pups scattering and screaming.

Wait.
Wait a minute.
I see 2 adults nuzzling each other.
That blur, a male fox.

Big Daddy returns.
The pups jump and jostle for his attention.
So these lucky little ones have two parents.

Who knew?
I always thought the female raised them alone.
Nothing on google told me otherwise.
I know, obviously went to the wrong sites.

Today, I found out, this dad's a star.
The National Wildlife Federation named the Red Fox Dad,
#1 on the list of Top Ten Animal Fathers.
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Mrs. Fox: You know, you really are... fantastic.
Mr. Fox: I try.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)