The frontlines of the ongoing war in Ukraine are moving.
As communities are under siege, families are fleeing to safety and have no other choice but to leave their pets behind. Greater Good Charities is partnering with Patron Pet Center to deploy evacuation teams to rescue abandoned cats and dogs.
Photos © Greater Good Charities
Patron Pet Center, a shelter Greater Good Charities has supported since it opened eight months ago, rescues animals from dangerous regions. One of the rescue locations is currently one of the most heavily bombed areas. Together, we are on the ground working to assist the evacuation teams that are rescuing animals there.
Many pets are left behind as people flee from the war, while others are rescued directly from the streets. Some are given to rescuers by people who decided to stay in their homes throughout the ongoing shelling but wanted to protect their pets.
Klin is one of the lucky animals rescued from Sumy. She was found on the streets of one of the villages that was evacuated.
Smiles was found on the streets with his mouth deformed from the trauma. He underwent surgery and his breathing has improved. He is now recovering and can start a new journey to find a loving home.
Despite extreme hardships, Patron Pet Center has a successful monthly adoption rate of around 87 animals. They also provide educational events for internally displaced children and art therapy sessions for Ukrainians who have suffered during the war.
We are proud to continue to partner with Patron Pet Center and aid them in building a cat room to adopt more displaced pets.
Our field team is currently traveling throughout Ukraine to meet with partners and to visit shelters, warehouses, and other aid organizations to hear firsthand stories and better determine how we can continue to support people and pets in need.
The war drags on, but the people and pets of Ukraine continue to need aid and support. It’s through generous donors like you that this life-saving work continues.