Russian domesticated foxes

We frequently receive a lot of questions from people regarding Russian domesticated foxes, the project, the why, and how they differ from wild and captive bred foxes.  There are numerous "pet fox" breeders in the US to which anyone can purchase a fox from.  Of course, foxes are not legal for pet ownership in many of the US states and some pet fox breeders are also associated with fur farms.  The founders of the JABCECC started their adventure into the Russian fox program many years ago, as an exploration to better understand the behavior of these domesticated foxes.  They did an extensive amount of research, corresponded with many of the experts in the program, and made a life long commitment to bring two of these foxes into their lives, Boris and Sophia.  Fast forward four years and a lot of poop and pee and becoming experts in fox behavior...and the founders of JABCECC decided to bring three more Russians into their family.  Viktor, Maks, and the unexpected Mikhail were imported from Russia and now make their home with the founders.  Dave, a fox behavioral expert and animal behaviorist is currently evaluating them to see if they would make appropriate fox ambassadors for the JABCECC.  In the meantime, Amy, Dave and their family are loving on them and welcoming them into their family.  We will provide updates on Maks, Viktor, and Mikhail as we continue to understand and define their role for the center.  We know it is impossible to not fall in love with them and their little personalities are adorable.... their nicknames are quickly being formed. 

We ask that everyone be patient as we move forward with the center, the programs, and the events as we continue to evaluate how we can best impact animal conservation and welfare issues, develop our team of experts, and define our programs.  In the meantime - love foxes, love canids, love JABCECC!

Viktor, Russian domesticated fox courtesy of ADB

Viktor, Russian domesticated fox courtesy of ADB

 

 

The Silver Russian domesticated fox.... the fox with no name

The Silver Russian domesticated fox.... the fox with no name

We have had a very busy week of planning at the JABCECC.  But the most exciting and important update is this beautiful silver fox that will be a part of our family.  He was selected to be placed with a family months ago, was sterilized (as all Russian domesticated foxes come sterilized with all their shots) and grew up with Maks and Viktor on the farm. Well, at the last minute we were informed that he did not have a placement anymore and we knew we couldn't leave him behind.  We increased our efforts on our GoFundme.

VISIT OUR GOFUND ME PAGE

But unfortunately, we haven't been able to secure a sizeable amount of money. Some asked why is it so expensive when a ranch raised fox is $500.  Well, first, these are in Russia - and not just in Russia, but Siberia (Yes, very cold).  As such, they cost a lot of money to import.  Once imported, they require getting to our place.  They are at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics and are part of the Fox domesticated program.  They are very unique and can only be found at the ICG.  They are genetically domesticated, but without a purpose in life besides the research the ICG does. While we appreciate what we have learned and the value of the program, we believe that these foxes deserve more than to live their lives on a farm. We want to bring them to the US to be a part of our center to be Ambassadors for their wild and captive bred counterparts. To fight the fur industry and the use of fur bearing animals for VANITY!! 

We know the majority of the people looking at our website agree that the fur industry should be eliminated and serves no real purpose compared to the harm it does these beautiful animals. So, we continue to ask for your support in this fight. Don't buy fur, don't support designers that use fur, tell your retail stores to stop selling fur.....

Oh, and help us pick out a name for this beautiful silver fox!!! AND LET'S GET FOXY!!!

New Arrivals, but need your support

As many of you know, we have been requesting support to bring Maks, Viktor - and now a new Silver fox to the US from the Russian fox program.  These foxes are in RUSSIA and need to be imported into the US and then we have to obtain resources to transport them us in Utah. This costs a lot of money. But it is critical that we bring these foxes to the US and through interactive educational events, animal assisted therapy programs, and photo shoots we can increase understanding of foxes. Through understanding comes appreciation and through appreciation comes conservation. We must stop the Fur industry and the use of fur bearing animals for fashion and vanity.  Maks, Viktor, and the new silver serve such a greater purpose than to be on someone's collar.  We started a GoFundme and urgently need everyone to donate just $5 and to share the campaign with their friends.  Please, just $5 - everyone can donate that amount to help us bring these foxes to the US from Russia.

VISIT OUR GOFUNDME.COM PAGE

LET's STAY FOXY!!!

Giving Thanks

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Today we lost our best friend, our baby, our companion, the love of our life, Bart. He blessed us with his strength and fierce loyalty for 14.5 years. He was a dog like no other, the confidence, intensity, and courage he attacked life with left many in awe over him. But the sweetness, compassion, and kindness he shared with us changed who we are as people. He made us stronger, more loving, more confident, and more free. He taught us so much about how to live life with grace,... gratitude, and with conviction. He died the same way he lived life, on his terms... He wasn't ill, had a normal day - and at some point during the night, without making a single sound, he left us. We grieve and our hearts are aching from the loss of this beautiful soul, teacher, companion in our lives. But we know his spirit will live with us and give us the strength to be the voice for animals and people - to have the confidence to accomplish amazing things for others... RIP BART...

THE SINGERS ARE COMING

Primitive dogs with their guardian Deneen during their adventure. They are not owned by the JABCECC

Primitive dogs with their guardian Deneen during their adventure. They are not owned by the JABCECC

NGSDs are considered semi-domesticated and hold keys to understanding domestication and insight into our own social bonding disorders. Archie is a 10 yr old male Singer who comes from some pretty special DNA.  Archie's family was no longer able to care for him and had decided to euthanize him if he could not find a home.  We could not let this happen and with the help of some ladies I know refer to as angels, Archie made his way all the way from Virginia to us.  Along the way, Luxx kept him company.  She is also a Singer, but a 3 yr old female.  Archie was sweet on her and we knew we needed them to be together, so we asked to adopt her into our family as well.  Luxx is part of the conservation efforts to maintain the integrity of the Singers' DNA, so she will likely be selected to have glorious singer puppies.  The center is focused on supporting the conservation efforts of the NGSDCS and those that adopt these wonderful animals.