The Toys Were Out of Place Every Morning. It Wasn't the Dog.

Newsweek

04-07-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A pet owner who had been puzzling over why her dog's backyard toys kept mysteriously shifting overnight finally discovered the adorable culprits—earning smiles across TikTok in the process.
TikTok user @jadenicholsonxo shared a short video revealing the surprise visitor: a playful fox cub with no tail, later seen returning with its entire family in tow. In the clip, the little fox—now affectionately nicknamed Stumpy—can be seen joyfully darting across the lawn, proudly carrying the dog's toys in its mouth.
"Meet our new friends (I think they live at the bottom of our garden)," the homeowner wrote, as footage of Stumpy enjoying the makeshift playground played out on screen.
The video has since charmed viewers online, racking up over 122,000 views and sparking plenty of affection for the toy-thieving fox cub and its mischievous crew.
@jadenicholsonxo
5am alarms of the toys sqeaking in the garden 😅 I need to find a way to secure my mat, cushions & solar lights down 🤦🏼‍♀️😅 I also really need to sort my garden so mind that 😬 that's laters job after work haha I've been a busy bee! But yes… say hello to my new little mates who I'm pretty certain live at the bottom of my garden 🦊🦊 im sure there are two babies! I seen two of them on the street late last night. But hi guys 🦊🦊🦊#fyp #fox #cubs #foxcubs #foxesoftiktok ♬ original sound - Headbangers Dan
"This is Stumpy (no tail), he loves stealing Rosco's toys and playing with them at 5 in the morning," she added. "I've had to block the end of the garden with ladders and a pallet until I can get a fitted gate on the side of the outhouse as Rosco's started trying to get to their den."
The caption indicated that there are several foxes living nearby, now taking turns with Rosco the dog's toys.
"Say hello to my new little mates who I'm pretty certain live at the bottom of my garden," the pet owner added in the caption. "I'm sure there are two babies! I seen two of them on the street late last night."
Viewers were also shown footage of the cubs' mother, who the pet owner shared often helps herself to the large cushions on her garden couch.
The lighthearted video has drawn a range of comments from viewers on TikTok.
"The one with the stump," one viewer said, referring to Stumpy. "Oh bless them."
"They're so cute and you're so lucky," another added.
"How can anyone hurt foxes," a third viewer shared. "They are just the most adorable little creatures."
"Oh, he's absolutely adorable," another viewer said to much agreement. "I know he's [stealing Rosco's] toys, but you're gonna have to buy him a few to play with in the garden."
Newsweek reached out to @jadenicholsonxo for more information via TikTok.
The dog's toy was found moved in the yard each morning.
The dog's toy was found moved in the yard each morning.
@jadenicholsonxo
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