22/05/2026
🐥The Reality of Running a Rescue 🐥
Tonight, as we write this, we have only just sat down.
The animals are fed, watered, put to bed medicated and settled. It’s dark. We are exhausted. And tomorrow, it all begins again.
Sally’s Duck Rescue is run entirely by volunteers. There are no shifts, no clocking-off, no “office hours.” It is early mornings, late nights, and everything in between. It is giving every spare moment, every ounce of energy, and every penny we have to make sure these animals are safe, warm, and cared for.
Alongside this, we receive a huge volume of messages every single day—many of them urgent, involving ducks that are injured, sick, or in immediate danger. We do our absolute best to respond and help wherever we can, but the reality is this:
💔 We simply cannot be everywhere, and we cannot respond instantly to everyone., indeed sometime it may take awhile to respond.
TODAY........ we received a rude and unpleasant response after a delay in replying to an enquiry about a wild duck (we are a domestic duck rescue, but we still try to offer guidance where possible):
“A pity you didn't reply to my request for help… your bleating and hurt feelings means very little to me.”
“Good charity organisations don't waste their time… but get on with the jobs they are set up to do.”
“You weren't there for me… it won't be you we will ask.”
"Wild duck. Domestic duck. To me they are the same"
We are sharing this not to shame anyone, but because it highlights something that is becoming all too common for rescues like ours.
Messages like this land on top of already overwhelming days—days where we are physically exhausted, emotionally stretched, and still pushing on because the animals need us.
💛 This is the reality of rescue.
We care deeply. We always have. But we are human. We are volunteers. And sometimes, despite doing everything we possibly can, we will not meet someone’s expectations.
What we ask—gently, but honestly—is this:
👉 Please remember there are real people behind this group and our page.
👉 Please remember every message you send lands with someone who has likely not stopped all day or who may be on the brink.
👉 And please, lead with kindness.
Because without us, our volunteers, without compassion, and without understanding, rescues like ours simply cannot continue.
To those who support us, encourage us, and stand beside us—thank you. You are the reason we keep going. 🐥💛
To those who hide behind a keyboard and throw stones, we truly hope one day you will learn and appreciate the pain you cause with your actions.
