Rescue
What could be worse than being a wild animal and having to combat below freezing temperatures? Well, falling into a swimming pool during those sub-zero temperatures, of course.
This vixen, nicknamed "Cath" (Google Cath Pendleton, for the reference), somehow, against all odds, survived over an hour in a partially filled swimming pool. Having fallen in, Cath was incredibly lucky to have been spotted by the homeowner, and was even luckier to have our friend Neil from Wallington Animal Rescue, come to her aid.
With ice and snow surrounding the pool, Cath began swimming from one side to the other, clearly in desperate want of help, until giving up and hunkering at one end, allowing Neil to grasp her and pull her to safety.
Rehabilitation
The always-prepared Neil treated Cath the same way any pet or person would be treated in this situation and wrapped her in a foil blanket, helping her to retain whatever heat she had.
After a 40-minute journey, with the heating on full, Cath and a rather warm Neil (what a hero!) arrived at WAF, where our vet team continued warming Cath's shivering body. With only a minor wound to her groin, requiring just a couple of sutures, Cath had survived the odds and was left to rest and continue her recovery in peace.
Release
After five days in care, Cath was able to be returned to her home range, away from the swimming pool.
