#finn the fox

[leonawriter]

Foxes need water, too.

[smoldragons]

I think he heard a noise in the hedge. Finn, get back here! Your fur is gonna get dirty...

[breatheforeverypart]

Today Fin the Fox came to work with me. I’m a part time-in home ABA therapist. We are working on social skills related to mask-wearing and staying safe. Schools plans are still up on the air for the fall, which is terrifying in itself, but my morning session is contains a host of examples why schools are screwed.

-4 year old kid licks everything. Whether it’s mine or his. This is why I use almost a whole container of wipes every two weeks.

-he has removed my mask multiple times, and can’t wear one himself during session.

-my next case is a 19 years old. He is severely disabled. Episodes of aggression usually leave me bleeding. I use hand sanitizer to clean my scratches on the way home.

-he can’t wear a mask either.

-he is also NLB (no light perception blind). He needs sighted guide. Which has put me in very close proximity to him, and gotten my close enough to his mouth and nose on a regular basis.

My heart aches for my kiddos. They need school and structure as much as their parents do. I get it. But do any lawmakers truly understand what they are sending teachers into?

We can’t maintain safety and teaching. It’s going to be 6 hours of managing crisis, like when a kid rips off their mask or touches another student. These are innocuous actions, actions are how kids learn.

Politicians and adults should know better. I’m already tired of getting judged at Target for stockpiling sanitizer and wipes. It’ll never be enough. I’m already trying to plan for viritual learning again. There’s no way the schools will remain open past September. Am I the only teacher thinking this way? I’m oscillating between feeling eerily numb and completely panicked.

Be like Watson. Respect the mask. Yay Finn the Fox.

[switchywitchy]

This is my new fox friend, Finn! Don’t let that cute expression fool you; this is the face of a ruthless glove-stealer who then buries the stolen goods in his litter bin.

Heading off questions before they’re asked:

Finn lives at a sanctuary in Indiana

He is a silver/red fox mix

He was born in captivity and was rescued from a family that thought having a pet fox was fun (until they realized how much work they are)

He has a friend Todd (who was also captive born in England) that loves him

They have a super large enclosure full of multi-level runs complete with fun hiding places, in addition to an indoor temperature controlled area for when it gets too hot/cold

They are fed a special dry food (the same one used in zoos) as a supplement to their diet to pinkie mice, worms, and the occasional egg

They are insanely spoiled and loved and are often used for educational purposes for visitors to the sanctuary

They receive full veterinary care and are some of the happiest foxes I’ve ever seen.

[leonawriter]

New headband, as seen on a beautiful model! Who happens to look somewhat grumpy about it.

[leonawriter]

Because of course one of the most important parts of being in a place called "Fantasy Festival" was my fox Finn.