07/02/2025
Just be kind
I haven't stopped thinking about the tragedy of Mikayla’s death all week. I am late to post about this as it was a challenge to get my head around what happened.
This tribute painting by Lori Ann Loving Paws, Inc. captures the essence of her work: compassion. I did not know her personally but I know that her loss has profound repercussions for her family, friends & the foxes she cared for. I am sending love & light their way.
There is no doubt that she made the lives of foxes that she rescued from living in tiny cages at fur farms much better. Animal rescue is an ethical minefield & there is the question if a life in captivity for up to 15 years is a good life for a fox?
Some say “Any life is better than no life” others: “A life in a cage, no matter how big, is a life not worth living”.
It is an important discussion to be had. If only the animals could tell us what they would choose. Yet, I am sure the answer would vary from fox to fox.
Whilst a respectful discussion around the complex ethics of animal rescue is valuable & may ultimately benefit animals, the character assassination of an individual is not. It is bullying & the last thing somebody who is already in a fragile state of mind needs.
Rescue work comes with extreme highs but also crushing lows.
It is challenging to not only do your hands-on work for animals but also having to raise funds & to continuously create content for social media. It’s 3 unpaid jobs & it's relentless.
When Mikayla was vlogging from a fur farm, she remained composed whilst inside her heart must have been bleeding and her soul screaming. From personal experience I know how painful it is when sometimes you just can’t rescue an animal, no matter how hard you try. You hit a wall & darkness closes in all around you.
You need people to have faith in you & support you to keep going. The last thing you need is being slagged off & having your integrity questioned. It comes down to kindness–towards each other, animals & above all towards yourself.
You can’t give from an empty cup.
You are the only one who can give yourself permission to take a breather when you need it the most. 🧡
Fellow animal rescuers & empaths - please look after yourself! You are doing your best and you are valued. Mikayla did her very best, let her rest in peace.
Saveafox Corporation