Honoring Smiley Vixen: A Dignified Farewell to a Woods Companion

Join me on a heartfelt journey through the woods as I recount the touching story of my dedication to preserving the dignity of wildlife. In this emotionally stirring video, witness the poignant discovery of a beloved Red Fox, affectionately named Smiley Vixen, and the compassionate response that followed.

Through the lens of a trail camera, I was introduced to the charismatic Smiley Vixen, a young and fearless predator with a captivating smile. Her spirited presence in the wilderness left an indelible mark on those who observed her, embodying the beauty and resilience of nature.

Tragically, my encounter takes a somber turn as I stumble upon Smiley Vixen's lifeless body, nestled among the trees. Despite the absence of visible trauma, the mystery surrounding her untimely demise weighs heavy on our hearts. With a deep sense of sorrow, I reflect on the fragile balance between human encroachment and wildlife survival, pondering the repercussions of habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

Driven by a profound respect for Smiley Vixen's life, I embark on a mission to provide her with a dignified farewell. However, faced with the harsh reality of frozen ground, the task proves to be an uphill battle. Undeterred by adversity, I improvise a solution, tenderly laying Smiley Vixen to rest in a makeshift grave, adorned with a humble cross crafted from natural materials.

Through this act of compassion, we are reminded of the profound bond that exists between humans and the natural world, transcending boundaries of species and circumstance. As Smiley Vixen's spirit finds solace in the embrace of the earth, we are called to reflect on our role as stewards of the environment, tasked with safeguarding the delicate web of life that sustains us all.

Join me as I pay homage to the enduring legacy of Smiley Vixen, a testament to the enduring power of love, empathy, and reverence for all creatures great and small. Together, let us honor her memory and pledge to tread lightly upon the earth, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and respect for generations to come.

00:00 Disclaimer
00:12 I Struggle Finding Words to Express the Shock
00:56 No Rigor Mortis on the Fox
02:01 Missing Teeth
02:41 Return to the Spot with a Tripod and a Spade
03:15 Frozen Ground Makes Traditional Burial Impossible
03:58 Moving the Dead Fox to a Tractor Groove in the Ground
04:50 Burying Smiley Vixen
05:09 Making a Cross from the Boughs of a Fallen Comrade
06:19 Marking Smiley Vixen's Resting Place with the Cross