After a great deal of discussion and reflection, we have made the difficult decision to sunset the Rescue Network program.
We started the Rescue Network because we believed that rescues and sanctuaries deserved a space where people could talk honestly about challenges, share successes, exchange resources, and learn from each other. In many ways, this program did exactly what we hoped it would do. We know that some organizations were able to learn new approaches, avoid mistakes, build connections, and feel less alone in this work, and we are incredibly proud of that.
At the same time, we also learned a lot about how difficult collaboration and transparency can be in the rescue and sanctuary world.
Many organizations were hesitant to share challenges, discuss mistakes, or participate openly in conversations. Without open participation and a willingness to share both successes and struggles, a network like this cannot function the way it was intended to.
As a small organization, we also have to be very realistic about our capacity and where we focus our time and energy. Running the Rescue Network properly requires significant coordination, facilitation, and follow up, and we are not able to continue doing that while also growing and managing our core coexistence and education programs.
This decision is not a reflection on the importance of rescue work or the people who are doing it well and doing it responsibly. If anything, this program reinforced how difficult this work is and how much better it could be if more organizations felt comfortable collaborating and learning from one another.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, shared knowledge, attended roundtables, or supported the Rescue Network in any way. We are proud of what this program accomplished and the people it brought together.
Our focus moving forward will continue to be on coexistence, education, and programs where we can have the greatest impact with the capacity we have.
Thank you for being part of the Rescue Network and for the work you do every day for animals.
