27/10/2026
💔 Rest in peace, Jesse Adams.
We met Jesse in 2022, at the beginning of the war in Ukraine. He was full of energy and determination to help animals. Although we didn’t spend much time together, we helped find a home for a dog he had rescued at the border.
When his mission at the border ended, Jesse didn’t go home. He went to Ukraine, where he rescued hundreds of animals and supported dozens of rescuers.
He never stopped helping those who needed him most.
Today, our hearts are broken. We are so sorry, Jesse. Thank you for every life you saved and every person you helped.
Your kindness and courage will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace. 🕊️💔
💔 IN MEMORY OF JESSE ADAMS — A TRUE HERO FOR ANIMALS 💔
It is with enormous sadness that we have learned of the tragic death of Jesse Adams, founder of RainCoast Dog Rescue Society in Canada, who lost his life while carrying out an animal rescue mission in one of the most dangerous areas of Ukraine.
Jesse dedicated his life to saving animals, even when it meant putting his own life at risk.
We first came to know Jesse in 2021, when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Jesse and RainCoast were among the extraordinary organisations that came together to assist KSAR with the evacuation of 285 cats and dogs, helping many find loving forever homes.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Jesse travelled to the border to help fleeing families and their pets, providing veterinary care, supplies and assistance getting animals to safety.
He returned repeatedly, undertaking increasingly dangerous missions.
Most recently, Jesse worked alongside Animal Rescue Kharkiv, rescuing hundreds of animals from devastated frontline communities under constant threat from drones, missiles and artillery.
These were extraordinary acts of compassion and courage in the face of unimaginable danger.
Jesse knew the risks. He knew every mission could be his last. Yet he continued because he believed animals caught in conflict deserved protection just as much as those living in peace.
Those of us working in animal rescue in conflict zones understand and accept these risks. But few possess the courage to repeatedly travel towards danger when everyone else is trying to escape it.
Jesse was one of those very special people.
His death is a devastating loss to his family, friends, RainCoast and the international animal rescue community.
Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved him, particularly the Ukrainian rescuers who worked alongside him.
His legacy lives on in every animal he saved and every rescuer he inspired.
Rest in peace, Jesse. The world has lost an extraordinary human being, and the animals have lost a true champion. 🐾💔
With love and deepest respect,
Louise and everyone at War Paws
