10/27/2026
The Vancouver Island animal rescue community is mourning the loss of Jesse Adams, an Otter Point resident near Sooke and co-founder of RainCoast Dog Rescue Society.
RainCoast announced that Adams died in Ukraine, saying he “made the ultimate sacrifice to his beliefs on the frontlines.” The exact circumstances surrounding his death have not been released.
Adams co-founded the Vancouver Island-based rescue organization in 2014 and dedicated his life to helping animals in need, both at home and abroad.
In a July interview with Black Press Media, Adams said he had spent three months in eastern Ukraine working alongside Animal Rescue Kharkiv and two other volunteers from Victoria. The team was completing roughly five rescue missions each week, often bringing 30 to 60 animals to safety during each mission.
Adams estimated they had rescued between 700 and 1,000 animals during those three months, despite facing the constant threat of drones, missiles and artillery near the front lines.
His humanitarian work in Ukraine followed years of animal rescue efforts on Vancouver Island and around the world. He had also helped support or relocate thousands of dogs and other animals since RainCoast was founded.
Our thoughts are with Adams’ family, friends, fellow rescuers and everyone whose life he touched. His compassion and commitment to animals will not be forgotten.
The Vancouver Island animal rescue community is mourning the loss of Jesse Adams, an Otter Point resident near Sooke and co-founder of RainCoast Dog Rescue Society.
RainCoast announced that Adams died in Ukraine, saying he “made the ultimate sacrifice to his beliefs on the frontlines.” The exact circumstances surrounding his death have not been released.
Adams co-founded the Vancouver Island-based rescue organization in 2014 and dedicated his life to helping animals in need, both at home and abroad.
In a July interview with Black Press Media, Adams said he had spent three months in eastern Ukraine working alongside Animal Rescue Kharkiv and two other volunteers from Victoria. The team was completing roughly five rescue missions each week, often bringing 30 to 60 animals to safety during each mission.
Adams estimated they had rescued between 700 and 1,000 animals during those three months, despite facing the constant threat of drones, missiles and artillery near the front lines.
His humanitarian work in Ukraine followed years of animal rescue efforts on Vancouver Island and around the world. He had also helped support or relocate thousands of dogs and other animals since RainCoast was founded.
Our thoughts are with Adams’ family, friends, fellow rescuers and everyone whose life he touched. His compassion and commitment to animals will not be forgotten. 💔
