The Fox Who Changed Everything

I never expected a little fox called Poppy to, so dramatically, effect such positive changes in the direction of my life…

Yet, that’s exactly what happened!

When I visited the Screech Owl Sanctuary, I had originally gone hoping to meet another fox called Teddy.

Teddy is the sanctuary’s beautiful fully-grown fox with the classic bushy tail everyone imagines when they think of a fox. But on that particular day, Teddy had disappeared off somewhere and simply could not be found.

Instead, I was asked whether I would like to meet a younger fox called Poppy.

Of course I said yes!

Poppy is still very young, around a year old, according to her handler and she has had some ongoing health issues affecting her skin and especially her tail.

Nobody seems entirely sure what the underlying problem is, but despite everything, she is bright, curious, gentle and full of spirit.

At first, she was understandably wary of me; I was a complete stranger stepping into her world.

But I had treats, patience, and absolutely no resistance to her charm!

Slowly, she came closer. And then closer again.

Before long, she was taking treats from my hands, standing beside me without fear, looking up at me with beautiful amber eyes.

It is very difficult to explain what that moment felt like unless you have experienced something similar yourself.

There was something deeply emotional about it. Calm. Trusting. Real.

I genuinely felt as though I bonded with her.

Perhaps part of that connection came from the fact that, in our own ways, both of us are dealing with very real health challenges, but neither of us are letting those struggles stop us.

There was something quietly powerful about seeing this tiny fox carry on with such curiosity and spirit despite her condition.

I left that experience completely in love with her. And strangely enough, that was the beginning of For Fox’s Sake Designs!

Because after visiting Poppy I went searching online looking for a fox cap to remember the experience by, and I expected to find something stylish, artistic, fun or quirky.

Honestly, I was hugely disappointed.

Most of what I found felt generic, poorly designed, or just not something I would genuinely want to wear myself.

As a creative person, I remember thinking:

“I could make something better than this.”

That single thought snowballed very quickly.

One idea became another. Then another.

Soon I was creating original fox-inspired artwork and designs that felt more personal, more expressive, more beautiful and far more fun than what I had been seeing elsewhere.

And before I fully realised what was happening, For Fox’s Sake Designs had become a real business, complete with an online store and a growing collection of original products inspired by foxes, with personality, humour, resilience and creativity.

Recently, I also created a collection of beautiful graphic illustrations inspired directly by Poppy herself.

Using the photographs I took during our meeting, I worked to create highly accurate artistic representations of her unique appearance, expression and gentle personality.

From the shape of her face and ears to the texture of her fur and her delicate frame, these designs truly capture her.

I am incredibly proud to now use these beautiful images throughout my new product designs, knowing that the fox who inspired this entire business is now also inspiring the artwork itself makes the collection feel even more personal and meaningful to me.

None of this would exist without Poppy!

She reminded me that imperfections do not make something less beautiful… She reminded me why emotional connection matters.

And she reminded me that inspiration sometimes arrives in the most unexpected ways.

I am endlessly grateful that our paths crossed, and I already know I will be going back to see her again very soon.

She may never realise it, but that tiny fox changed so much!!!

ANDREA DE GABRIEL