06/26/2025
Best Chance Ranch of Alabama is deeply saddened by the passing of Mikayla Raines from Saveafox Corporation. My heart goes out to her family, loved ones, and all the lives she touched. To say this is a devastating loss for the rescue community is an understatement.
I feel there are things that need to be said.
Rescuing animals is incredibly hard. Many of you couldn't imagine the heavy burdens we carry on our shoulders behind the scenes—physically, mentally, and emotionally...not to forget financially as well. The daily battles we fight for the animals we love often have us feeling overwhelmed ourselves. Rescuers sacrifice so much out of love for animals in need. We don't get summer vacations, we miss family outtings, often have to cancel personal appointments, and more often than not don’t even have time to eat, let alone stop to cook. We don't have sick days, holidays, or Sundays to rest, its a 24/7/365 commitment. Even when we’re running on empty, we HAVE to push forward to get it done.
Animal rescuers are often their own worst critics and feel immense pressure when things go wrong, and its a constant struggle of feeling helpless when we can't do more. Rescues certainly do not need additional criticism from outsiders, bullies, or those who lack understanding of what it really takes to do responsible rescueing. It's even more challenging when drama arises or assumptions are made without knowing the full story. There are often situations where we cannot share every detail for privacy reasons, legal reasons even safety reasons; and that silence can lead to speculation, judgment, and cruelty— most often from people who have never volunteered in rescue or dont have a clue to all the aspects involved in doing so.
Sadly, criticism, bullying, and accusations can even come from other rescuers. While there isn't a Rescue 101 guidebook, it's true there are differing views and concerns in how rescue should be done,...but that's just it....its differing. It's different what my capabilities are to yours or someone else's. All because of things like what animals are involved, what knowledge or experience someone has, or even what resources to help someone has. That doesn't mean your way or my way is wrong...its just different.
We must remember that we all ultimately want the same thing: what's best for the animals. We need to support legit rescues, not tear each other down.
If you care about rescue, please remember that kindness matters. You may not know what someone is going through, and yet you may know even a little....but you aren't living in that persons shoes to judge because you might not be able to handle what they have had to. Behind every rescue is a person who is doing the best they can with what they have at their fingertips at that given moment. Even better if you truly care about a rescue, do what you can to be supportive to help. That can be donations, liking and sharing posts, volunteering, etc. A little goes a long way.
Say a prayer for Mikayla's family and loved ones, I can't imagine their pain. Thank you for everything you did for the animals you helped Mikayla.
You will be missed.
***If you are struggling with mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please ask for help. You are not alone, and there are people who can and will help.
