The animal rescue community is in deep mourning after the heartbreaking loss of Mikayla Raines, the visionary founder and soul behind Save A Fox Rescue. Mikayla passed away on June 20, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with mental illness—a struggle often unseen by the public eye but deeply familiar to many in the animal welfare world.
Mikayla was more than just a rescuer. She was a force of nature, a trailblazer, and a voice for the voiceless. Her work at Save A Fox reshaped how the world viewed foxes—animals too often misunderstood, mishandled, or doomed to short lives on fur farms. Through her sanctuary, Mikayla gave hundreds of foxes a second chance at life, love, and freedom. And in doing so, she gave us all a glimpse into the beauty, intelligence, and joy that these animals possess.
Born with a fierce sense of justice and a heart that beat hardest for animals, Mikayla dedicated her life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating. What began as a small personal effort quickly grew into a nationally recognized sanctuary. Her work was raw, honest, and rooted in deep compassion. She invited the world into her journey—sharing the laughter, the chaos, the love, and yes, even the heartbreaks that came with caring for animals so deeply.
On social media, Mikayla—known affectionately as “the Fox Girl”—built a global community. Her videos showcasing foxes like Dixie, Finnegan, and Mikayla’s own rescues reached millions, inspiring people of all ages to care more deeply for wildlife. But what the camera didn’t always show was the emotional toll of this work. Behind the joy and smiles was a woman constantly navigating the immense weight of grief, pressure, and responsibility—burdens many animal rescuers know all too well.
Her passing has sent shockwaves through the animal rescue world. Tributes have poured in from followers, fellow rescuers, wildlife organizations, and volunteers, all expressing their sorrow, love, and admiration:
“Mikayla Raines changed the world for foxes. Her work saved lives and opened hearts. She will never be forgotten.”
“To watch a rescuer shine so brightly and then disappear so suddenly is a reminder of how much we need to care for our caretakers.”
“She gave everything she had to her mission. I hope she knew how many lives—human and animal—she touched.”
Mikayla’s mission wasn’t just about foxes. It was about compassion, education, and standing up against cruelty. It was about changing minds and policies. And most of all, it was about creating a world where animals are seen not as commodities, but as sentient beings worthy of love and protection.
To those who loved her personally, Mikayla was a daughter, a wife, a sister, and a friend. To her husband Ethan—who continues her legacy with grace and strength—we extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude for sharing her with the world. Their partnership was a beautiful testament to shared purpose and love.
In the wake of this tragedy, we are reminded of a crucial truth: mental illness is real, and it is not a sign of weakness. It can affect even the strongest among us—those who seem invincible, those who inspire others every day. If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone. Help is available, and your life matters. Please call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, if you need support.
As we remember Mikayla, let us also honor her by continuing her work. Save A Fox Rescue still needs support—volunteers, donors, advocates. Mikayla may be gone, but her dream lives on in every fox she saved, in every heart she touched, and in every life she made better.
Let us grieve, yes. But also let us act. Let us lift up the rescuers in our communities, and let us love one another more boldly, more openly, more fiercely—just as Mikayla did.
Rest in peace, Mikayla Raines. You gave the foxes a voice, and you gave us all a reason to care. Your legacy will live forever.
