06/24/2025
The animal rescue community is grieving a tremendous loss. Mikayla Raines, the founder of Saveafox Corporation, has passed away. She died by su***de, a heartbreaking and growing reality for many in this line of work.
Compassion fatigue is real.
Mental health struggles are real.
Cyberbullying is real.
There is a growing darkness in the world, and it feels like the light is being extinguished more each day. Please, be kind. If you don’t have something positive or constructive to say, say nothing at all. Words have power, and they can cause wounds much deeper than what anyone sees on the surface.
When I first started Soulshine, I was advised not to be too heavy-handed in moderating the page. So, I remove scammers, block abusive trolls, respond diplomatically to common questions, and do my best to ignore anything that isn’t supportive.
Passive moderation will no longer be my approach, though. From now on, any cruel or rude comments will be deleted, and the people behind them will be blocked.
I’ve done my best to build some mental armor and emotional resilience, but I know not everyone reading those comments has that same protection... and there are times when I don't either. Sometimes an innocent remark spirals into a pile-on, where the hurtful words of others become unbearable. The flood of negativity is not worth it. The cruelty of others should never be the final straw for someone who is already struggling.
There is a reason the veterinary community founded the "Not One More Vet" (NOMV) movement. The su***de rate among those in animal care is alarmingly high. Despite growing awareness around mental health, online harassment has only intensified. This problem has escalated in dangerous ways. Bullies often operate from a place of deep insecurity, and they tend to target the most empathetic individuals.
If you're in animal rescue, you're not doing it for the money. That much is obvious. You're here because it’s your calling. It’s your heart. And sadly, people have a way of destroying that passion. Often, it’s not just the public that casts judgment. Sometimes, the harshest words don’t come from strangers. They come from within the rescue community itself. Whether the cause is jealousy or something else, the result is the same. Good people get torn down.
I have zero tolerance for this behavior, and I hope others adopt the same stance. Block those who harass you. Speak up for those who cannot defend themselves. Protect your peers in this field with the same intensity you use to protect animals.
I’m not saying there aren’t unethical people in rescue work- there are, just like in any profession. But targeting the brave individuals who are transparent, who take risks, and who choose to share both their work and struggles is disgraceful. Mikayla was one of those people. She showed the beauty and the hardship of what it means to do this work. She was honest about her mental health challenges. She deserved support, but was met with criticism that pushed her further into despair. That is a failure of compassion and humanity.
Sometimes it takes a tragedy to shine a light on what should have been obvious all along. This work will always have more need than there are resources, and too many people in animal rescue are at a breaking point. Be kind. If you have nothing supportive to say, quietly move on.
To Mikayla's family and friends, I am deeply sorry for your loss. While I didn’t know her well, the passion and determination she shared left a lasting impression on me.
Ethan, what you have endured is traumatic. I admire your vulnerability and your dedication to carrying on Mikayla’s legacy, but please take time for your own healing, and for your daughter’s as well.
To those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, please talk to someone. You can call or text 988 for support. Talk to your loved ones. If you feel overwhelmed trying to save every animal that crosses your path, please speak with a counselor. Learn how to say no when needed. Your health and well-being matter just as much as the animals you care for.
If another rescue group cannot respect your boundaries, don’t let their judgment break you. You do not owe anyone an explanation. Help when you can. Step back when you must. Burnout is real, and it has taken far too many passionate souls from this world.
There will always be animals who need saving. But please, save yourself first.
The photo is from Mikayla’s personal page, shared alongside a post where she opens up about the emotional toll of running a large-scale animal rescue- the relentless responsibilities, the pressure of constant fundraising, and the weight it all carries. She ends by asking for “kind words, affirmations, and reminders of things to be thankful for”… a sentiment and sense of desperation that many in the rescue community can deeply relate to.
Rest in peace, Mikayla. Your compassion, dedication, and tireless efforts touched countless lives. Your work did not go unnoticed, and the impact you made will be remembered always.
Amber AC Covell
Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Founder of Soulshine Wildlife Center
Ethan, Mikayla’s husband, shared a video announcing her passing. The link is in the comments.
