A adorable wild fox who was nursed back to health by a kind-hearted man last year, has returned the favour by snuggling up with him in bed as he recovers from eye surgery.
Woody, a one-year-old red fox, has been pictured nestling up with 70-year-old Geoff Grewcock, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, who underwent treatment for a detached retina on 25th March.
A sweet clip shows the incredible bond between the pair as Woody jumps up into the bed, allowing Geoff to stroke his fur as he sniffs at a scone.
Woody lives with Geoff at home, but Geoff also works at the Wildlife Sanctuary, in Warwickshire.
The sanctuary itself is located behind Geoff’s bungalow, where the little Fox is able to play with his furry companions who also live at the sanctuary – including dogs, foxes and deer.
Woody, a one-year-old red fox, can be seen cosily nestling up with Geoff Grewcock, 70, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, who underwent treatment for a detached retina on 25th March
Wildlife worker Geoff revealed his canine companion has been a real ‘morale booster’ for him during his recovery.
He saved the little fox’s life a year ago, after he found the week-old cub collapsed by the side of a road, needing 150 ticks removed from his fur, along with medication and fluids.
It seems Woody has never forgotten Geoff’s loyalty as he hasn’t left his side since his surgery six weeks ago.
Geoff said: ‘We knew we couldn’t release him, it was a choice of either putting him to sleep – which we wouldn’t do- or keeping him, and now he’s such an important family pet.
A heartwarming clip shows the incredible bond between the pair as Woody jumps up into the bed, allowing Geoff to stroke his fur as he sniffs at a scone
Wildlife worker Geoff revealed his canine companion has been a real ‘morale booster’ for him during his recovery
‘I had surgery on my retina a few weeks ago and Woody hasn’t left my side in bed.
‘Woody has snuggled up in bed before but normally likes to be by himself in bed, but I think he knew I was unwell and jumped up to be with me.
‘It helped me so much, it was a real morale booster when he came to see me and gave me an incentive to get back to it, so I could be outside with the animals.’
Geoff added: ‘It’s even more special that Woody has been at my side as he has chosen to spend time with me over his friends.
He saved the little fox’s life a year ago, after he found the week-old cub collapsed by the side of a road needing 150 ticks removed from his fur, along with medication and fluids
It seems Woody has never forgotten Geoff’s loyalty as he hasn’t left his side since his surgery six weeks ago
‘He normally only passes by for a goodnight pet before scampering off to sleep in the kitchen or heading out.’
Life for the fox is not without its challenges, Woody even had to have surgery recently himself – a metal plate was inserted into his leg after he attempted to climb a chair, awkwardly falling and breaking his leg.
Geoff also has two dogs – Greyhound, Ola, three, and Lakeland Terrier, Toby, 18 – and Woody never misses out on their treats, he gets cooked chicken for supper and a custard cream before bed.
He said: ‘He’s better than the dogs, such a good boy and no problem at all. He knows his name and he’ll look up at you when you call.
The wild fox who was nursed back to health by kind-hearted Geoff last year and has now returned the favour by snuggling up with him in bed as he recovers from eye surgery
Geoff (pictured) who also has two dogs – Greyhound, Ola, three, and Lakeland Terrier, Toby, 18 – works at the Wildlife Sanctuary, in Warwickshire which is located behind his bungalow
‘At night time, I let him out for a walk but when you call ‘Woody, in,’ he’ll get right back to you.’
The adorable bond between the pair is all the more incredible considering how close Woody came to not surviving.
Geoff said: ‘He was in a really bad way when I found him, he’d collapsed by the side of a road, was dehydrated, lethargic, a really ill boy. If we hadn’t treated him when he first came in he would have died within 24 hours.
‘Because he knows we helped him and saved his life I think he’s repaying us. I’ve had foxes, hundreds maybe, at the sanctuary. But Woody, always stands out.’