The fox, hound and family
On one leash Addy kept a firm hold on the couple’s playful black and white Jack Russell, Max. On another, peak-capped Joe kept an even firmer grip on their fully-grown, bushy-tailed, bright red pet fox, Bingo.
The animal-loving husband and wife from Callan, Co Kilkenny, drew gasps from passersby as they strolled along the main Ring of Kerry road at Fossa, Killarney, where they are staying in a busy caravan and camping park.
Bingo and Max are having a week to remember on their camper van tour of Ireland, with daily treks, lively games and a delicious menu of hand-fed minced meat, diced chicken and their favourite treat of honey-soaked sultanas.
“We’re getting some funny looks all right, but at this stage we are well used to it,” said Joe, who has hand-reared Bingo the fox since he was found abandoned in a field near their home 16 months ago.
“There were four cubs found, but one had been killed by dogs and we got good homes for the other two. We decided to keep Bingo as he looked so adorable and he has been the perfect pet,” said Joe, who works in the pre-cast concrete business.
“Our vet in Thomas-town gave Bingo a full medical with all the vaccinations and he found no problems. There is absolutely no reason that a fox shouldn’t become a domestic pet. We keep him under control at all times and he is never loose unless he is with us at home.”
He said Bingo and Max, who they rescued from a local animal shelter, have become the best of friends and they enjoy their daily walks, as well as playing in the garden with any object they can get their paws on — and teeth into.
“They eat from the same dish and they curl up to watch television together at night.
“Bingo is always getting up to mischief and loves hiding on us and pouncing when we least expect it. I suppose it’s his natural instinct to do so,” said Addy, who cooks fresh food for Bingo and Max every day.
“I also groom him regularly, although he is not too fond of his tail being touched.”
Their two children, PJ, 17, and Leeah, 9, are a great help when it comes to exercising energetic Bingo, who walks up to three hours a day.
“He loves walking in the forest at night time and he gets so excited any time we get near a wooded area,” Joe said.
He said they have received a great reception on their camper van trip around Ireland and very few places have any objections to a fox staying on their properties.
“Once they know he’ll be kept on a leash or in his box they are fine about it and they can see for themselves how placid he is.
“I’m not sure if a five-star hotel would be too happy if Bingo was wandering around their reception but a camper van holiday is ideal.
“He’s a big hit with kids and they just love petting him and watching him playing around the place,” said Joe, as they packed up their camper van to leave Killarney for Glengarriff, Co Cork, yesterday.
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