Kind supporter leaves legacy to Blue Cross
A kind animal-lover, whose life was transformed by a Blue Cross rescue dog after his wife passed away, will help many more pets in need through a generous gift left in his Will.
Maurice Fox, 94, donated a legacy of more than £33,500 to Blue Cross, having been a keen supporter of the charity alongside his wife Dorothy for many years.
Mr and Mrs Fox’s passion for pets often led them to get involved in sponsored walks and open days at their local rehoming centre in Thirsk, north Yorkshire.
The couple owned dogs throughout their marriage, including the Pekingese Mrs Fox had when they met during World War Two – transforming Mr Fox, who grew up surrounded by horses on farms in Canada, into a dog lover.
A succession of corgis followed and the last pet the couple shared was a cavalier King Charles spaniel called Griannie, who sadly passed away soon after Mrs Fox, leaving her husband completely lost.
Their daughter, Margaret Easton, said: “My father was totally bereft, having lost his wife of almost 60 years, closely followed by the loss of their beloved dog. He decided he was too old, in his early 80s, to have another dog.
“Luckily, the family persuaded him that, still being fit and well, another dog would be a very good idea. In case of illness, we could step in.
“Fortunately, Peter Wright from Skeldale Vets – Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet – also reminded Dad about the rescue dogs at Thirsk Blue Cross.”
And so, in 2007, Mr Fox adopted Susie, a black and tan cavalier, from Blue Cross Thirsk. She had experienced a difficult start to life but landed on her paws with Mr Fox, and the pair shared an “amazing” eight years together.
“Susie gave Dad much needed companionship and a routine to his days,” said Mrs Easton. “Walking her took him out into the village to chat to neighbours and gave him daily exercise.
“Susie was such a happy, lively little dog who thoroughly enjoyed her new life after what sounded to have been a strange start; she was very underweight when she came to Dad. That soon changed!
“She also hadn't played much before and loved games in the house and out in the garden.”
Mr Fox and Susie were even filmed for the Channel 5 programme, The Yorkshire Vet and, although the footage never made it onto screens, they both enjoyed the visit from the TV crew.
Susie passed away, aged 11, and Mr Fox sadly went onto develop Alzheimer’s, but his family are sure that the presence of his much-loved four-legged companion prolonged his life.
Mrs Easton added: “I really do think that having Susie contributed hugely to his physical and mental health; he kept incredibly well while she was alive.”
Blue Cross is ever so grateful that we were able to bring Susie and Mr Fox together for their final years, and for this very generous gift that will enable us to secure many more pets, and their owners, happy and healthy futures.