Grandad, I’m just taking the fox for a walk! Rescued animal Roxy becomes family pet

AT FIRST glance, four-year-old Isla Rowe looks like any youngster taking her dog for a walk.

Isla Rowe walking pet fox Roxy PETER CORNS

Isla, aged four, taking pet Roxy for a walk yesterday

But on the end of the lead is Roxy, a fox rescued by Isla’s grandfather, Jeff Grewcock, in 2001.

“We think she may be the oldest fox in UK captivity,” said Jeff of Roxy, who turns 14 tomorrow.

“I found her when she was three months old.

"She was tied to metal railings with two leather belts and very distressed.

"I think someone tried to hand-rear her before dumping her.

The whole town knows her

Jeff Grewcock

"She was too tame to be released.”

The Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, where Jeff lives with his daughter Emma and granddaughter Isla, has seen thousands of animals pass through since opening in 2001.

But Roxy, who was Jeff’s first furry resident, remains a favourite.

“The whole town knows her,” Jeff said.

“She loves attention and being stroked.” 

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