“I was very happy to see him so relaxed.”
For the past couple of years, Andrea Uppington has shared her garden in the UK with a quiet, wild neighbor — a local fox who makes occasional, charming visits.
Though he’s naturally a bit shy, Uppington finds joy in knowing he’s nearby.
“He still makes his presence known,” Uppington told The Dodo. “He digs up compost heaps, sleeps in the flower beds and in the sunshine, and buries eggs in the flower borders.”
Uppington has never tried to tame or befriend the fox — yet her home has clearly become a haven of quiet hospitality for him. One evening, after returning from a night out with friends, she discovered an unexpectedly heartwarming scene on her back patio.
The fox, apparently tired from a day of roaming, had curled up on her outdoor sofa — fast asleep on the cushions.
“I was surprised he didn’t move when the light was put on,” Uppington said. “He just looked very peaceful and in a deep sleep. I was very happy to see him so relaxed. I left him to sleep and turned the patio light off.”
Wanting to respect his moment of rest, Uppington let him be, watching silently as he dozed in comfort. By the next morning, he was gone, off to start his day, leaving only a warm memory — and a few paw prints — behind.
From time to time, Uppington still finds signs that her fox friend returns to the sofa when no one is watching. And she’s more than happy to keep the space available.
“I enjoy wildlife in the garden,” she said. “He is a joy to observe.”