Ukrainian Families Leave Everything Behind, But Not Their Pets - VOA News

[Rhiannon12866]

Ukrainian families crossing the border into Poland say taking their pets with them made the journey to escape the Russian invasion more difficult. But they tell VOA’s Celia Mendoza the pets are like family and leaving them behind was not an option.

Three-year-old Puma belongs to Irina Bogordova. She is one of thousands of pets in Ukraine that, like their owners, are looking for a safe place.

The Russians attacked her home in Kyiv.

Irina Bogordova, Ukraine Refugee:

“I left my life, my friends, my business, my home. My dog also left his friends. It's terrible and it shouldn't be."

Irina Borgodova waits at the Przemysl train station, to board a train to her final destination, as of now, Tallinn, Estonia.

Moving pets across multiple borders can be challenging due to regulations in each country, many require them to be vaccinated and microchipped.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) says that in the face of this crisis, Belgium, Switzerland, and France, among others, are making exceptions.

Ania Slovoda, Ukraine Refugee Dog Owner:

"We give them plastic cups for pets, dogs and cats and we help people who have small puppies, small dogs that escaped from the war."

Jack is one of the lucky animals who made it out of Ukraine. But others have been left behind.

Ania Slovoda, Ukrainian Refugee Dog Owner:

“I think that when women have a big dog, they have a problem, big dogs, or cats. They are not allowed... on the train. It's a problem".

Slodova says this has forced many families to leave their pets in Ukraine, something that Anzhela Petrovna, never considered when she decided to leave with Charlie.

Anzhela Petrovna, Ukrainian Refugee Dog Owner:

“He’s coming with me; I can't leave him. He’s my son. You cannot abandon your dog in any way.”

Amid all the uncertainty, some refugees say escaping with their pets is helping them get through these traumatic ties.

[Skittles]

1. this is why pets must NEVER be considered as "possessions"

they are FAMILY MEMBERS

[Bayard]

2. I'm very glad to hear some are making it out,

Along with their owners. I've still only seen relatively few in news coverage. I've also wondered what happened to livestock. I just wouldn't be able to leave.

I watch the coverage of the war every night, and it makes my stomach churn. I don't understand how humans can do this to other humans, but it is mankind's history. We seem determined to destroy ourselves, one way or another.

[Rhiannon12866]

3. I feel the same way, I cannot imagine the agonizing choices, families are being separated

And that includes pets. I remember during the start of the Iraq War, we were hearing animals being abandoned in zoos. So I emailed both the Humane Society and the ASPCA and heard back from a woman in the Humane Society who said they were poised to go in s soon as it was safe. So I know that they must be also active in Ukraine...

[Bayard]

4. I read about a woman who was taking care of dogs at a shelter

She was killed while going to feed them.

I bet there are many people who left their pets in shelters, and just hoped for the best.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. If it was a young girl bring food to a shelter, I think I posted that. This is heartwrenching

However, since I started looking, I was impressed at how many people and organizations are working to help. All over the world, we love animals...

Anastasiia Yalanskaya killed while bringing food to dog shelter in Ukraine - CBS News
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017718216

[Bayard]

6. That sounds right