At 78, Nashville Songwriter Has Spent Seven Years Rescuing Foxes
Jerry Vandiver has spent much of his life around country music. His songs have been recorded by artists including Tim McGraw, Phil Vassar and Barbara Mandrell.
But at 78, Vandiver is also known for something completely different.
For the past seven years, the Nashville-area songwriter has been volunteering to help sick red foxes suffering from mange.
Mange is caused by mites that affect an animal’s skin. It can cause hair loss, irritation and sores, and untreated cases can become dangerous for foxes.
When residents around Nashville spot a fox that appears to be suffering, Vandiver is sometimes the person they contact.
He monitors reports, sets traps when necessary, and transports the animals to Walden’s Puddle Animal Rescue, where they can receive treatment.
His volunteer work requires dedication and flexibility. In August 2026 alone, Vandiver logged 234 volunteer hours helping the animals.
The impact has also grown through social media. Vandiver began sharing before-and-after videos of foxes he helped rescue. His online following grew from about 325 people to around 5,000.
The rescue organization also saw a significant increase in the number of foxes being rehabilitated. Walden’s Puddle treated 44 red foxes during all of 2025, while the organization had already passed 60 by September 2026.
Despite the attention his work has received, Vandiver doesn’t describe himself as a hero.
Instead, he has explained that he knows mange can be treated and believes he should help when he has the opportunity.
His story shows that making a difference doesn’t always require fame, wealth or a large organization.
Sometimes it simply means seeing an animal in trouble and deciding not to walk away.
Source: Good News Network, September 16–18, 2026.