After being around Rowena Wildlife Clinic, something I started to notice is the iron will that so many of the animals have to live, even after severe injuries.

One that always comes to mind first for me is a golden red fox with the clinic name of "Foxy."

I was new to the clinic life, and on one of my earliest visits I was allowed to go into a little glassed-in sun room where Foxy was living. Now imagine being up close to this exotic little creature with thick golden red fur and huge eyes that look at you so directly. I also noticed right away those eyes were not glad to see me. Fear and resentment were what I saw. This was a wild animal that had no intentions of "being grateful" for his rescue.

Foxy came to the clinic by way of a call that a fox had been hit by a car and had ran into a huge pile of blackberry vines to hide (and probably die). Doctor Jean, the fearless vet that is the driving force behind the clinic, went out armed with a towel and carrier, to retrieve this little animal.
I'm not sure what went on in the berry vines, but Doctor Jean came out with the fox and got him back to the clinic. His injuries required the removal of one back leg and the start of his year-long recuperation, which one of the assistants termed his "alien abduction." 

As I'm standing there, only about 3 feet from him, and seeing the look in his eyes and the warning that "he does bite" echoing in my ears, I looked away with only quick glances in his direction. Staring directly into the eyes of most animals is interpreted as a threat. It wasn't too long before he started to relax some and allowed me to take a few photos.

This scratchboard is the result of that encounter.
 
 
  "Foxy"        scratchboard        10x8"

You can see the alert and watchful eyes, but now without the fear and resentment. And he didn't offer any attempt to bite. Foxy was later turned outside during the daytime with the intention to bring him back inside the clinic at night. He had other ideas, and it wasn't long before he decided it was time to go back to the outdoor life where he belonged. He is doing fine and living his life with purpose.

With single minded focus, whether you want to call it just survival instinct or not, Foxy knew where he needed to be.

As an artist or from another walk of life, I hope you find that focus and life with purpose too.

All my best,
Sandra
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