Boundaries, Burnout, and the Unpredictable World of Rescue with Micki Simeone with West Columbia Gorge Humane

2025-11-09

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we’re joined by Micki Simone from West Columbia Gorge Humane Society—a small but mighty nonprofit based in Washougal, Washington, where every animal is treated as an individual with a story worth honoring. Micki met with us from her car in a parking lot at night—a fitting snapshot of how unpredictable and all-consuming rescue work can be. In our conversation, she speaks with honesty and heart about the emotional and logistical challenges her team faces, and the even bigger systemic struggles that rescu...

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we’re joined by Micki Simone from West Columbia Gorge Humane Society—a small but mighty nonprofit based in Washougal, Washington, where every animal is treated as an individual with a story worth honoring.

Micki met with us from her car in a parking lot at night—a fitting snapshot of how unpredictable and all-consuming rescue work can be. In our conversation, she speaks with honesty and heart about the emotional and logistical challenges her team faces, and the even bigger systemic struggles that rescues across the country are up against.

We talk about what it really takes to stay in this field—the kind of resilience that’s built over time, the importance of boundaries and self-care, and the ongoing effort to help the public understand the very real limitations that all shelters and rescue groups face.

This episode is a reminder that behind every animal saved is a human doing their best—often in the dark, literally and figuratively—with deep love, fierce determination, and the quiet hope that their work makes a difference.

STATS FOLLOW UP:

-Every week, we take in an average of 36 animals. These animals are spayed/neutered and receive vaccinations/parasite control, and microchipping. Sixty-two percent of the animals we intake require additional medical treatment for illnesses or procedures beyond routine care. Medical procedures, such as dental work, mass removal, or URI treatment.

-We also have two behavior specialists who help prepare the animals for adoption through training and enrichment, ensuring both mental and physical health.

-Monthly, we distribute approximately 1,222 lbs of pet food and 78 pet supply items. We also provide lifesaving veterinary financial assistance and field services to address unwanted pet behaviors in homes.

-On average, we TNR 100 cats per year.

-Monthly, our clinic performs spay/neuter surgeries on an average of 103 animals.

-We work closely with our local animal control officers to care for stray dogs, reuniting them with their families or rehoming them.

-Weekly, on average, we take 233 calls, receive 296 emails, and assist a steady stream of walk-in visitors

More Information:

Why many Americans fear they can’t afford pets anymore, Source: USA TODAY
https://share.google/BxNLwfiQHMimUNAaE

⚠️ Trigger Warning:
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.

🔗 Featured Rescue:

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS)

Website: https://wcghs.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wcghs/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wcghumane

🌟 Links + Resources: