Standing with Walking Wild: A Call for Compassion and Support
For the past several years, Ohio Animal Advocates has been honored to partner with Walking Wild Rescue, a unique and deeply committed sanctuary that provides a second chance to foxes and other animals in need. Many of you have joined us on our Real Ohio Tours to their facility—where compassion, dedication, and heart are felt in every enclosure built and every life saved.
Today, we are reaching out to ask for your help during one of the most heartbreaking moments in the lives of Walking Wild’s founders.
A Personal Message from Walking Wild
In August 2024, Walking Wild’s co-founders received devastating news: their beloved daughter Melody was diagnosed with cancer. After over eight months of intensive hospital treatments, Melody’s body has stopped responding to care. Now home and entering hospice, her parents are cherishing every precious moment they have left with her.
Melody is almost 19 months old. She may not reach her second birthday.
How You Can Help
Throughout this unimaginable journey, Walking Wild’s team has continued saving lives—27 animals rescued, enclosures built, and care standards never compromised. But now, with time running short and Melody needing her parents more than ever, they are asking for help from the community they've supported for so long.
A fundraiser has been launched to help cover:
Five months of animal care and operational expenses
Outstanding sanctuary bills
Outsourcing construction projects to free up Melody’s parents’ time
Every gift—large or small—offers them the chance to be fully present with their daughter while ensuring the animals they love continue to thrive.
Want to Help Another Way?
Walking Wild is also seeking volunteers to assist with construction projects at the sanctuary. This is not a fox-handling opportunity, but you will be surrounded by their foxes (and their antics!) while helping with essential tasks like fencing, hammering, and infrastructure work. No experience needed—just heart and a willingness to lend a hand.
To volunteer, please email info@walkingwildrescue.org or reach out directly through their website.
A Family Who Gives So Much
Walking Wild has always gone above and beyond for animals in crisis. Now, it’s our turn to rally for them. Let’s come together as a compassionate community to support Melody’s parents—who have given so much to the animals we all care about.
From all of us at Ohio Animal Advocates, we send our love to Melody, her family, and the entire Walking Wild team.
Thank you for holding them in your hearts—and in your actions.
