A Ukrainian refugee turns around and goes to save dogs
Following the horrific Russian invasion, more than 3 million Ukrainians have fled the nation. But one woman is attempting the unthinkable: she is returning to an active battle zone. Why? To find and save those who have been abandoned – the animals.
Many people were forced to choose between fleeing or staying behind with their pets after the Russians invaded Ukraine. Despite the EU’s efforts to make it simpler for refugees to transfer their pets to safety, some people have had problems doing so. While it may be easier for a single person to pick up their pet and escape the country, rescue shelters do not have that luxury.
Marina Dilly has risked her life to continue her work at the Shelter Friend Ukraine, despite the fact that her hometown of Dnipro is actively being invaded. Marina returned to Ukraine after moving her children to Poland in order to safeguard the animals she had left behind. “People continue to abandon animals. My phone has turned into a hotline since I’ve received so many calls from people who have left their dogs chained or locked in villages or vacation homes,” Marina said.
Marina is being bombed and cities around her are being destroyed, but this does not discourage her. Marina has taken in hundreds of dogs since the war began, and the fur babies are placed in seven nurseries. “Shelter Friend is surviving. I’m currently rescuing any animals that people abandon or that I encounter on the streets. We are overfull, but we continue to help,” Marina explained.
Marina is concerned that she will not have enough materials to care for her rescued animals. Marina is unable to obtain food, medicine, or bedding for the dogs because she does not have access to these items. Marina claims that she is also sick as a result of the stress.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of veterinary care, several of the dogs have died as a result of their injuries. “Fortunately, the city is now empty, so there aren’t as many people being hit by cars or other vehicles,” Marina remarked. “Right now, the primary suffering is strays’ hunger, bewildered abandoned animals, and the constant siren, which causes tension and anxiety of being left alone.”
Marina claims that once the conflict is done, she and her dogs have plans. “When we win and the war is over, the first thing I’ll do is go to Poland to thank the Polish people for looking after my children,” Marina added. “I’m going to take my kids home and find homes for the hundreds of animals in my shelter who are in desperate need of homes.”
Marina intends to continue assisting dogs after the war. “Then, as I anticipated last year, I will build kennels with heating at my sanctuary for numerous animals to come.”
HELP THE ANIMALS OF UKRAINE
We try to help the Greater Good Charities to assist dogs and people affected by the Ukraine conflict. While the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, Greater Good Charities is collaborating with its partners to ensure that money are distributed to the appropriate organizations on the ground. The objective is to raise $20,000 as quickly as possible, and they’re almost there, but they need some help! You can donate today and click here for helping these creatures and families in need.
