Man Stumbles Upon 5 'Puppies' Hidden Under an Old Mattress, Realizes What They Actually Are After a Week

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in April 2017.

A Routine Job Turns into a Surprise Discovery

During a routine waste clearing job in an English garden, Craig McGettrick and his coworker uncovered an old mattress. Beneath it, they found five tiny creatures they initially believed to be puppies. Unsure if they were puppies or kittens, Craig acted quickly and responsibly. He placed the little animals in a cardboard box and headed straight to an animal rescue center. Before leaving, he shared photos on Facebook, seeking advice and help.

The Truth Revealed: Not Puppies, But Fox Cubs

Craig’s photos soon caught the attention of Martin Hemmington, founder of the National Fox Welfare Society. After receiving concerns from Beccie, who suspected the animals were fox cubs, Martin confirmed their true identity. These were not puppies but wild fox cubs.

Local rescuer Paul McDonald, known as The Fox Man, explained that fox cubs often resemble puppies due to their brown fur, which differs from the reddish coat of adult foxes. The discarded mattress had served as a den for the mother fox and her cubs.

A single fox cub being held by a rescuer, Photo Credit: Craig Mcgettrick/Facebook — *A single fox cub being held by a rescuer,* Photo Credit: Craig Mcgettrick/Facebook

A Compassionate Mission to Reunite Family

Martin arranged for the cubs to be transferred from the rescue center to Paul McDonald. With great care, Paul prepared to return the cubs to their mother. To encourage the mother’s return, he did not feed the cubs, prompting them to cry out for her. He placed them near their original hiding spot and added a hot water bottle to keep them warm.

A Heartwarming Reunion

After an anxious wait, the mother fox appeared. She cautiously gathered her cubs, carrying them back to safety one by one. By early evening, all five cubs had been joyfully reunited with their mother, leaving behind only an empty box as proof of the successful rescue.

A Story of Compassion and Nature’s Resilience

The team—Craig, Martin, and Paul—celebrated the outcome, calling it “the best kind of rescue.” This story highlights the power of compassion, the importance of understanding wildlife, and the remarkable bond between a mother and her young.