29/06/2025
I wasnt sure how to acknowledge the tragic passing of Mikayla Rains from Save a fox corporation but this article sums things up pretty well. In a world of cruelty, Dont add to it! Be kind and if you cant be kind then be silent. The saddest part about all this is it looks like her bullies where from other rescue organisations, which happens more than people realise. If the true purpose of rescue is to save lives then we all need to work together and support and encourage each other.
Your words have power, use it wisely.
A Message from Our Founder & President, Mandy Lewis:
As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and the head of a senior and special needs dog rescue, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the heartbreaking loss of Mikayla Raines, founder of Saveafox Corporation. Mikayla passed away at just 29 years old.
I was a longtime follower and supporter of her work. Like many, I watched in awe as she poured her heart and soul into building a haven for rescued foxes and other animals in need. I had even planned to make the trip to Minnesota this fall to attend one of her events—a small way to connect in person with a mission that had already touched me so deeply from afar.
Mikayla was a radiant spirit, a fierce advocate, and a kind soul who gave everything to the animals in her care. Her passing is not only a personal loss to those who knew her, but a devastating loss to the animal welfare world at large.
Animal rescue work is emotionally grueling, financially draining, and physically exhausting. It asks everything of you. And too often, it gives back judgment instead of grace. For those who dedicate their lives to this work, the pressure to do it all perfectly—to meet every need, answer every message, save every soul—is immense.
Mikayla didn’t die because she stopped caring.
She died because she cared too deeply—
And the world was too cruel in return.
This should never happen.
To those watching from the sidelines: if you have nothing kind to say, please, say nothing at all. Your words have power—far more than you know. If you feel the urge to criticize someone doing this work, pause. Ask yourself: Am I helping or am I hurting?
It’s okay to ask questions. Transparency is critical—we practice it every day. But it is never okay to bully. There is a line between curiosity and cruelty.
Instead of tearing down, try reaching out. Offer your time. Lend your voice. Be the hand that lifts instead of the one that pushes.Because so many rescuers are already giving everything they have—financially, emotionally, physically—just to keep going one more day, for one more animal.
This work is not for the faint of heart. But your compassion? Your support? It can make all the difference.
Maybe even save a life.
If you are in animal welfare, or simply struggling in general—please, don’t suffer in silence. You are not alone. You matter.
988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline
Languages: English, Spanish
Available 24/7
Rest in peace, Mikayla. Your light and your legacy will live on in every life you touched.
— Mandy