![Red Fox.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYe2zReQgRaHC8WUKp5AR81qRVrhePyGruebYRSA9TAhk/Red%20Fox.jpg)

Some years ago I was speaking with the Tracker John Stokes, and he said something that stuck with me. To paraphrase, he said that animals are "masters of dead air space" and that from one perspective, when you have an encounter with an animal in nature, it is because on a spiritual level that animal is allowing you to see it.
In this case, this Red Fox just came out of the forest and laid down right near me in the sun. It showed no fear and stayed for quite some time, even allowing me to take some photos!
This happened at a retreat center in upstate NY as my friend and I were working on some guest cabins. The body language of the fox was such that had it been a dog, I would have gone over to rub its belly!
I have seen foxes with rabies, mange, etc and this one was a beautiful healthy soul.
Peace

Taken with my old Fuji f601 point and shoot.