Ukraine Couple Survives Occupation and Repeated Bombings to Care for Dogs
Andrea Powell
Photo: United for Animals
A Ukraine couple has endured unimaginable trauma and suffering but refuses to give up. They continue to fight to care for their beloved dogs, homeless animals, and the people in their community.
It all began when the war started three years ago. Their village was cut off from food and supplies. When faced with starvation, Marina and her husband made the difficult choice to kill their chickens to feed their dogs.
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While the fear of hunger still loomed, a greater fear appeared - Russian soldiers.
United for Animals (UfA) shared, "Nine times, the soldiers came to their house. Each time, Marina pleaded, 'Please don’t shoot the dogs!' The response they received was chilling: 'We’ll see how they behave...' These moments left deep scars on their memory, and even now, recalling them is incredibly difficult for Marina."
They survived the occupation and celebrated once their village was liberated. However, the lack of food and supplies continued.
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Most of the 800 residents fled when the war began but the remaining 12 residents worked together to care for one another and the countless dogs and cats.
Thanks to your donations, Greater Good Charities and UfA were able to distribute much-needed pet food and supplies to the survivors.
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They are not out of harm's way yet. The bombings continue and the only way in or out of the village is on foot or by bicycle. The couple refuse to give up and continue to risk their lives to care for both animals and people.
This is the sad reality in many destroyed villages across Ukraine. A few remain behind to care for the abandoned animals. Join us in helping these heroes by sending pet food to feed the hungry dogs and cats.
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Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who resides in West Michigan. When not writing, she is exploring the great outdoors with her dogs and horses.