The Beginning of Our Journey
I was five years old when I found Rusty, though he wasn’t yet the strong and steady companion I know today. It was behind my grandparents’ place, hidden in the shadows of the fence, where a small, fragile fox lay cold and barely moving. My heart clenched as I approached, unsure if he was still alive. In that moment, my world shifted. I couldn’t leave him there.
With shaking hands, I carefully lifted the little creature, feeling the coldness of his tiny body against mine. I didn’t understand the gravity of what I was doing at the time, but instinctively, I knew I had to save him. I walked straight home, my small feet carrying me as fast as they could.
When I arrived, I remember my mom’s words: “Liam, you can’t keep the fox. She won’t survive.” But she didn’t say no. There was a hesitance in her voice, a quiet acceptance, as I set the tiny fox down in a blanket.
The rescue center told us they couldn’t take him right away. They said to keep him warm and fed. And so, that’s exactly what I did. Every few hours, I fed him with a dropper, warmed him with towels fresh from the dryer, and slept on the floor next to him every night. He was so fragile, so vulnerable, yet I could feel his will to live—a little spark in his eyes that said he wasn’t ready to give up.
The Fox Who Stayed
As the days passed, Rusty grew stronger. He began to eat on his own, then take shaky steps, and eventually, his natural curiosity began to surface. He followed me everywhere, much like a puppy, albeit with a fox’s mischievous glint in his eyes. I was fascinated by how quickly he adapted, despite the uncertainty and the odds stacked against him.
Growing up with Rusty was a lesson in resilience. While I was going through the ups and downs of childhood, he was always there—steadfast and loyal. We learned together how to handle life’s challenges, whether it was taking care of his needs, maintaining his diet, or managing the complications of having an exotic pet that required special care.
The food and veterinary visits became routine. I learned about the permits needed to keep Rusty legally and safely. But it wasn’t just the technicalities I had to learn about—it was the bond between us. Every day spent together taught me more than I could have ever imagined. It wasn’t just about feeding and taking care of him. It was about understanding the delicate balance between caring for an animal that was not meant to be tamed and accepting the responsibility that came with it.
Facing Challenges Together
Having Rusty wasn’t always easy. There were challenges that came with being a kid and trying to care for a wild animal. There were questions about legality, about whether or not it was right to keep him in captivity. But it didn’t matter to me. What mattered was the connection we had. Rusty was a part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine it without him.
There were difficult moments, like when we faced medical scares, or when people questioned whether it was fair to keep a wild animal so domesticated. But through it all, Rusty remained steady. He showed me what true resilience looked like, even when life was difficult, even when things didn’t make sense. He was a constant source of comfort.
Rusty’s Influence on My Future
Over time, my love for Rusty grew into something more—a calling. I was fascinated by animals, especially those who needed help. I knew that I wanted to do more for animals like Rusty, and that’s when I realized my future was in veterinary medicine. Rusty didn’t just shape my childhood; he gave me a purpose. I wanted to learn how to heal, how to help, how to make a difference.
As I got older, I started working towards my dream of becoming a vet. I immersed myself in studying animals, learning everything I could about care, medicine, and the ethical responsibilities of working with wildlife. The more I learned, the more I realized that Rusty had been my first teacher. He had unknowingly guided me towards my career, showing me the importance of compassion and care for all living beings, no matter how wild or small.
Graduation Day
The day I graduated was one of the most meaningful days of my life. I had worked so hard, and it was all for Rusty—he had been my inspiration, my guide, my reminder of why I wanted to dedicate my life to helping animals.
When the moment arrived, I couldn’t leave Rusty behind. He had been with me through thick and thin, and now, as I walked across that stage, he was going to be there, too. I brought him with me, as I had always said I would. The crowd was surprised, but they couldn’t help but smile at the sight of my loyal fox by my side.
It was a full-circle moment—one that reminded me of the early days, of the little fox who was barely hanging on to life, and the young boy who refused to let go. Together, we had grown, faced adversity, and triumphed
A Lifetime of Lessons
Rusty wasn’t just a pet. He was family. And as I stand here today, on the verge of beginning my career as a veterinarian, I know that every step of the journey—from the day I found him in the cold, tangled fence to the day I walked across that graduation stage with him by my side—was meant to be.
Rusty taught me more than any textbook or classroom ever could. He showed me the importance of patience, resilience, and love. He reminded me that life is fragile, but with the right care and compassion, it can flourish in ways we never expect.
As I move forward, I carry those lessons with me, knowing that I have the privilege of helping animals like Rusty, who are in need of care, protection, and love. Rusty is the reason I chose this path, and I will carry him with me always, not just as my inspiration, but as a reminder of what truly matters in life.
