Ukrainian Families Leave Everything Behind, But Not Their Pets

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.

Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/ukrainian-f...

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