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Humane Society and Good Samaritan FOOT PAIN? team up to rescue trapped fox pup By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 7 · Wednesday, May 5, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Recognize These Problems? FOOT CLINIC & ORTHOTIC CENTRE Roger D. Newell, D. Pod. M., & Associates · over 30 years in practice · former teacher, Toronto General Hospital · former consultant, Ontario Ministry of Health Sometimes, the things you are afraid of help you. If foxes could speak, that's what a local fox pup that lost his way would say. The baby fox is alive today -- and back home with its mom -- thanks to the heroics of Good Samaritan Trevor Daly, of Oakville, and Renata Helmich, an Oakville and Milton Humane Society Animal Protection Officer. The pair plucked the fox pup from certain death when it was stranded in a ravine canal that spills into Sixteen Mile Creek at Sixth Line and Leighland Avenue late last week. It's believed the fox pup may have been stuck for at least a day when Daly spotted it -- wet, shivering, scared and crying for its mom. Daly and Helmich, who risked their own safety, never hesitated in rescuing the pup. After the baby fox was turned over to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, that agency took the lead and reunited the pup with its family -- back home in Oakville, in a den located on the ravine near the Oakville Executive Golf Club, no less. It's a happy ending to a tale of woe that began last Thursday afternoon. That's when Daly, 23, was walking his dogs -- Labrador retrievers Chester, 10 and Buddy, 3 -- in the ravine area. The young man, who lives on Churchill Avenue, heard a noise and spotted the fox pup. "It wasn't a noise an animal makes when it's having a good time," said Daly. He followed the noise and found fox pup trapped at the base of the ravine near a canal that emptied into the creek. "I wasn't going to leave a little baby down there. I wouldn't like it if someone left me in a canal," said Daly. So he sprang into action and dialed 411 on his cell phone to contacted the Oakville humane society. When dispatch at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society received the call from Daly, Helmich, who was in Milton, wasn't sure what she would find upon arriving at the scene. She knew the canal is 10-12 feet deep and often fills with flowing water. When Helmich arrived, Daly was there to meet her. The two searched for a safe way down the ravine to where the tiny fox pup was huddled, wet and tired near the murky deep water. Rescued fox pup The only opening to descend, however, was approximately a mile away from the pup, so Daly slid carefully down the slope and walked back toward the pup. Daly had kept a constant watch on the animal while he waited for Helmich to arrive. At one point, according to Daly, the pup ventured down a wet ramp from which the canal flows into the creek, all the while yelping for help. The fox ventured into the water, but quickly scrambled out. However, he couldn't climb back up the ramp. Algae in the water made everything very slippery, according to both Daly and Helmich. So, Daly said the scared little fox pup, which appeared "shell shocked," paced up and down the ramp still wailing. When Daly finally got down to where the fox was, armed with a humane society catcher's pole to ensnare the scared animal, he inched carefully along the ramp. However, at one point Daly slipped and slid into the murky deep water. "I went right past the pup," he laughed. After Daly swam to a shallow spot on the ravine where he could climb out of the cold, algae-filled water, he made his way back toward Helmich. "The water was freezing," said Daly. "Actually it was kind of a nice day, but the water was kind of gross." "Trevor was great, he stayed with me the whole time," said Helmich, noting Daly was then in his bare feet. After about 90 minutes, the pair eventually caught the tired and wet fox pup and placed him safely in a cage. "I knew if we didn't get the fox pup out it would die," said Helmich, who was soaked from having gone into the water only knee deep. The fox pup was transported to the Toronto Wildlife Centre to be assessed and treated. Eventually, the centre decided it would be best to reunite the fox with his family. The folks at Toronto Wildlife Rehabilitation took the lead on this one," said Brenda Dushko, the humane society's fund development manager. According to Dushko, the Toronto Wildlife Centre contacted the golf course that bordered the viaduct where the fox pup was found. It then sent one of its officers to look for a den site. "I believe on day one he had no luck, but on day two he found one with another pup in it and evidence of squirrel carcasses outside, indicating food was being brought and consumed. The pup also appeared to know where he was and was agitated and excited in the box before release," said Dushko. Adult foxes have not yet been spotted, but it is assumed the adult foxes are fine and are caring for the young as both pups are in good condition and health. Helmich said the other fox pup was approximately the same age indicating the two are related. "This was the first little pup I'd seen, he was so cute," said Helmich, estimating the pup to be six to nine weeks old. "It definitely needs to be with its parents right now," said Helmich, noting foxes will stay with their parents until they are about seven months old. CHIROPODISTS - FOOT SPECIALISTS Shin `splints' bent hammer toes Corns & Warts Arthritic & Swollen Joints Sore Ankles acrhilles tendinitis Heel Bumps cracked scaley skin Arch Pain & Heel Pain Tightness Ball of Foot (Spurs & Fasciitis) Burning and Pain INSURANCE COVERAGE - coverage provided by most extended medical plans. 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As part of our ongoing commitment to community health, we offer an individual personal Diabetic Foot Assessment and Educational Session to patients suffering from diabetes. A nominal $5 charge is made which will be donated to the Canadian Diabetes Association. The clinic will donate an additional $5. 905.844.0680 · 627 LYONS LANE #205 OAKVILLE (OFF CROSS AVE.) HEEL PAIN No referral required. DIABETES SUFFERERS ­ IMPORTANT NOTICE REMEMBER ­ PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE! Call 905-844-0680 for your personal appointment. * not intended to solicit patients already receiving professional foot care. Re Saf - 20 hrs in-class - 10 hrs HomeLink - Evenings & Weekends - Small class sizes - Use of interactive tools to keep students engaged - 10 hrs private in-car lessons - Flexible scheduling & pick up If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 905-845-3824. - Driver training simulation labs - Adverse Weather effects - Risk free environment - Focused on highway, urban & city driving LIMITED SEATING FOR MAY 29TH COURSE · May 29, 30 June 5, 6 (9:30am-3:30pm) · June 26, 27, 28, 29 (9:30am-3:30pm) Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday For course information: www.drivewiseoakville.com info@drivewiseoakville.com 905.845.7200