27/06/2025
Cyber bullying can happen to anyone. If so, report it to your local and the bullies police department. It is very important to go beyond that and report it to https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber. Unfortunately myself and Sarge were victims to a woman, who has past animal 8-9 neglect/abuse charges. Never met her in my life, never said anything nasty back even when she was publicly and privately harassing/bullying me. Her and her buisness partner (and boyfriend) admitted to her actions. Once he realized what he had admitted, he blocked me. She blocked me after I repeatedly begged for her to stop and to disclose of my dogs where abouts. Many of you know I posted a lot of court evidence and evidence in general ever since he was stolen.
As the man who stole Sarge and fled Michigan was living/couch surfing in Wisconsin then made his way over to their area..their actions and words were used in Sarges court case. Since then I have had many Wisconsin residents reach out describing her ugly behavior towards them and their animals. They supposably still operate a “animal behavior correction, tracking, drone searching and training”…also doing “nail trim events in the Baldwin, river falls, spring valley, WI areas.
It pays to do a background check. Or like myself, hire a PI. This woman got those original charges back in 2018-19. Then moved a few towns over, and goes by a “shorter name”. I have never seen her use her full name. Assuming it is because she tries to hide her background, and still continues to claim to “help animals”. Thankfully a non-profit rescue in that area dropped her after I asked if they did background checks on their “fosters” and adopters. They dropped her in April 2025 after I asked, and also showed the court proof, of her and her boyfriends actions/behavior.
She weirdly blocked me after her actions, then chose to unblock me after Hudson, WI sheriffs and animal control helped me reterive my dog. She sent a message, then “unsent it”…I’m guessing to try and get a rise out of me. But to have many Wisconsin residents reach out over how she did them wrong and current Wisconsin residents know of her past and current ugly behavior.
My dog came home full of tape worms, fleas and over a dozen plump size ticks, underweight and stressed to hell.…
She did all of this 4 months prior to locating my dog via myself, my father, a PI, other good hearted Wisconsin residents and Hudson police & animal control. They can never seem to have the compassion to apologize to myself or anyone she or that business has wronged.
The animals she got those intial charges for, were turned over to the state of Wisconsin for either euthanasia, adoption or whatever they deemed fit…
Sarge being treated for lymes disease. which yes, it could have been from after he got home to Michigan. But that was another fourm of my evidence, was proof of always having heart worm/tick prevention and being seen by our vet on a regular basis.
Sarge was 1.5-2 years old when he contracted his first tickborn illness (at that time it was not lymes) but had to see him go through the cycle of hard antibiotics and my vet stating that he was more susceptible to contracting any tickborn illness, especially when not being treated with prevention and seen by his vet on a regular basis to have his levels tested. Another reason why it worried me to the core when he was missing. Always do background checks, ask others in the area, Google the full name even when looking for care, correction or assistance in finding your lost animal. It could cost your own health, and especially your animals life.
There will always be evil, ugly hearted people who try to get away with their disgusting ways in any carrer field, or in the general public. If you truly care for your own animals and others, you wouldn’t treat any person, or animal like this woman did to me and others. Or bad mouth others in your same “career field” because others chose not to ask for your help. Or it’s just the personality and the way you choose to represent yourself, animals and business.
It is very sad how this good rescuer (pictured below) was a victim to disgusting people without any respect for people or animals. Animals don’t have voices or the ability to verbally tell their stories. I will never stop speaking out against ugly people that choose their actions/words.
Please reach out if you need guidance on the right steps to go about finding the right people, businesses to help with your beloved animal.
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.
