what happens at the end of fox and hound
With the bear gone , a bewildered Copper approaches Tod as he lies exhausted near the bank of a waterfall - created lake . When Slade appears , Copper positions himself in front of Tod to prevent Slade from shooting him , refusing to move away . Slade lowers his gun and leaves with Copper . The former friends share one last smile before parting . At home , Tweed nurses Slade back to health while the dogs rest . Copper , before resting , smiles as he remembers the day when he first met Tod . On a hill , Vixey joins Tod as they look down on the homes of Slade and Tweed .