Gorta

Update from Pat The Foxman

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What is the best way to start all over again after a long absence? My bet is on foxes.

I have been to Thomastown a couple of times after the lockdown. Pat is busy in summer helping neighbors, looking after his chickens and ducks and his vegetable garden. We just share our pictures and news, talk about little Gorta and his latest adventures. Then a neighbor calls in and it is time to leave.

Henry, the 9 years old male fox, died this spring. He could live another couple of years, but the injuries he sustained as a cub took their toll. Henry had 176 stitches on his body and has been in pain all his life. Now all three foxes are united somewhere in the Universe where the rainbow bridges span over the land of milk and honey.

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Little Gorta is not that little any more. This playful one year old fox loves cuddles and snacks and lives a relaxed life of a spoiled daddy’s boy and a video star. He is house trained and has never spent a night in the shed. Here is a link to my first post about Gorta.

As you see, his color has changed. Baby foxes have black fur when they are born. It turns grey after a month and sand-colored for another 2-3 months. Now Gorta is as red as any other grown up red fox.

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One day we take Gorta to the field. He loves snail hunting.

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For his own safety, Gorta isn’t allowed to run free outdoors, but as he doesn’t know any better, the chain doesn’t seem to be bothering him. 

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He loves a belly rub and a game “I will catch your tail” 😉 He understands the words, and is all smiles and excitement.

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Life is going on. 

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Thank you for being so kind and understanding, my friends.

www.inesemjphotography Have a wonderful week! ❤

New brother

First the sad news. Sweet Minnie the fox followed her sister Grainne to the Rainbow Bridge at the age of eleven. Last time I saw her she was weaker than usual. She died in her sleep like Grainne. Both had a long and happy life.

Run free in heaven, you beautiful girls! 

These are links to some of my blog posts about the Fox Man Pat Gibbons from County Kilkenny and his foxes:

https://inesemjphotography.com/2015/08/04/all-creatures/

https://inesemjphotography.com/2014/07/26/thomastown-fox-news/

https://inesemjphotography.com/2017/01/27/pat-and-his-foxes/

 

And here is another little soul who needed love and care. Meet Gorta, a 14 weeks old cub named after the famous Kilkenny hurler Martin Comerford’s nickname. In Irish, Gorta means Famine.

Gorta is different colour than the other foxes. He is peach-and-silvery grey with red goggles.

We are sitting outside and Gorta is sniffing the air and perking his ears. His nose never stops moving.

He smelled the ducks grazing in the garden and licked his lips.

A passing car startled him…

…so he did exactly what any other scared baby would do – reached for safety and pressed his little body to Pat.

A universal picture of love and trust.

No matter who or what you are.

  Have a happy week!