At Greater Good Charities, our mission is to bring hope and shelter to animals in need—even during conflict. This winter, as part of our ongoing work in Ukraine, we delivered winter dog houses to several partners. These dog shelters protect from the frigid winter cold, rain, and scorching heat in the summer. Our partners have shared stories of the impact these dog houses have provided to abandoned pets, animal rescues, and the local community.
When our partners first connected with a shelter in Kherson at the onset of the full-scale invasion, the need for support was immediately evident. Under constant shelling and amid scarce resources, the shelter—run by a determined young woman named Yana—stood as a sanctuary for hundreds of dogs and cats. Yana, whose love for animals has driven her to rescue and shelter every stray in her path, transformed her home into a haven as the numbers grew. Every day, despite the unrelenting challenges of war, she improves conditions and provides a place where animals can find warmth and security.
One of the critical needs at the shelter was for sturdy, weather-resistant dog houses. These structures not only shield the animals from rain, snow, and extreme heat, but they also represent a tangible promise of safety. Thanks to the support of compassionate donors and partners, we were able to deliver a fleet of robust dog houses to ensure that every rescued animal has a safe space to call home.
In Mykolaiv, the story is just as moving. The "Lapky" shelter, established by Maria Resheteeva and her family, has long been a place of refuge. Before the war, the shelter cared for a modest number of animals. However, the conflict led to a dramatic increase in the number of pets needing care. Under relentless shelling and in a climate of uncertainty, the shelter’s mission grew even more vital. Despite the overwhelming challenges—caring for animals that are often injured, sick, or bearing the scars of war—Maria and her team continue to fight every day to provide proper food, medical treatment, and, most importantly, hope.
Maria’s unwavering commitment extends beyond just immediate rescue. Amid harsh conditions, she and other dedicated volunteers work tirelessly, finding new homes for the rescued animals, even facilitating adoptions abroad. Their work, often carried out under extreme personal risk, has not only saved lives but also kindled a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Our collaboration with local partners like U-Hearts has allowed us to extend our support even further. Through joint projects during the harsh winter months, we helped deliver not only protective dog houses but other essential supplies to several shelters struggling under constant threat. These contributions have brought warmth and comfort to orphaned pets who have already endured so much.
Every structure we build, every shelter we support, and every animal we help rehome is a step toward a future where even in the darkest times, compassion and community prevail. At Greater Good Charities, we remain deeply committed to our mission, inspired by the courage of heroes like Yana and Maria, and motivated by the hope that every shelter, every rescued animal, and every act of kindness creates a ripple of positive change.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. With your continued support, we can help ensure that even amid chaos, there is a safe haven for those who need it most.