Helping an animal in need can be as easy as contacting a local rescue, but some people go above and beyond for a furry friend. A selfless London resident named Josh, however, has spent a year (so far) rehabilitating a wild fox who wandered into his yard last winter.

Josh could see that the red fox was sick and covered in mange, so he got in touch with a UK-based fox rescue that could help. With the necessary instructions, medications, and snacks, he helped Meatball the fox get a whole new lease on life. Just wait until you see her beautiful transformation, and her even more beautiful bond with Josh.

How incredible! Meatball’s heartbreaking condition would have had any animal lover researching local fox rescues, but @josh.eugene went above and beyond. He fed her pills in meatballs every day until they created the most wholesome routine.

“It’s incredible of you to help, and it’s incredible of that organisation to mail out meds (for free, no less!) to help too,” @two.heart.emojis commented. You can say that again! Animal medications can be pricey, but Fox Angel Rescue truly wants to help as many rescue animals as possible.

Related: Tiny Dog Has No Idea a Fox is Stalking Them Until a Selfless Passerby Steps in to Help

When it comes to Meatball, however, Josh got the job done! He found the perfect way to give her medication and a yummy snack, all while building a friendship in the process. Even though the wild fox is completely healthy now, she still visits every day!

“I would buy a little house for her to get out of the worst weather if she wanted,” suggested @turbosnigel0311. That’s a great idea! If Meatball has already gotten used to visiting Josh and getting a daily snack, why not make her comfortable while she’s there?

Are Foxes Domesticating Themselves?

Commenter @darkesonsofsorrow isn’t the only one who’s “convinced that foxes are trying to domesticate themselves, reaching out to us like this.” Biologists in the UK have been working with this theory for years!

Sadly, the reason urban foxes may be learning to cohabitate with humans is that people have taken their homes. These city dwellers are developing shorter snouts and smaller brains to adapt to their new lives, though they are still far from truly domesticated.

Meatball may not be a pet fox, but she has certainly brought joy and love to Josh’s life, just like any other animal companion. It will be so exciting to see what the future holds for them!

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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.