War is tragic. The senseless loss of life, previously thriving cities reduced to rubble, mothers, and children scrambling for safety, the anguish in the faces of those who have lost loved ones, the young men and women on the frontline – these are all images that flash across our screens.
After a while, our initial outrage slowly starts to dissipate as life goes on. But then, a single-story touches our hearts and reignites those feelings of outrage at the injustice of it all.
Two little girls with the flag of Ukraine outside with their dog and a suitcase (Credit: Andrew Angelov / Shutterstock)
It is the defenseless that bear the brunt of war and in this case, its man’s best friend, the beloved dog. Animal Shelters pull at our heartstrings at the best of times, it’s a sad reminder of the ease with which so many of us abandon those that love us unconditionally.
Ask any dog lover, dogs are truly a man’s best friend – they are loyal, protective, and love us wholeheartedly. Dogs keep us company, they become part of the family, and yes, some of us even refer to them as our children.
You only need to pop out for 10 minutes and on your return, you are guaranteed an over-enthusiastic greeting as if you had been gone for hours.
The Horrors of the Borodyanka Shelter
An animal shelter in the town of Borodyanka, Ukraine was abandoned by the owner after Russia launched heavy bombardments at the beginning of March. The shelter had housed 458 dogs who were left caged, without food and water for weeks.
UAnimals, a Ukraine-based animal rights group was finally able to access the shelter at the beginning of April after the Russian troops withdrew.
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No one was prepared for the horrors they would find. According to UAnimals, more than 300 dogs were killed in the Borodyanka Animal Shelter – they weren’t killed by acts of war but rather they were simply abandoned, left behind to starve to death.
UAnimals are calling for the owner of the shelter to be charged with animal abuse. In a statement, they said, “We have to hold everyone accountable who silenced and contributed to the tragedy.” This deliberate abandonment with no apparent attempts to save our beloved friends has stunned us all.
Romanian Red Cross and the HIS Come to the Rescue
The Russian invasion has caused supply disruptions across the board and many pet owners, animal shelters and veterinary clinics have been struggling to find pet food and medical supplies.
Fortunately, the Romanian Red Cross and Humane Society International (HSI) have come to the rescue, adding these much-needed supplies to their humanitarian aid transport to Ukraine.
This is the first time that pet supplies have been included in aid relief by the Romanian Red Cross.
American army veteran soldier in Irpin feeds a dog inside the bombing zone (Credit: David Peinado Romero / Shutterstock)
In a statement issued by the Romanian Red Cross, Executive Director, Raluca Morar said, “In times like these, we know that not only people but also animals need help.”
“We are happy and honored to have Humane Society International on our side, making sure that much-needed pet food will also reach Ukraine with our convoys. The first ton of dry pet food has reached our loading point in Sibiu, and it will be delivered to Ukraine within the next day.”
HIS’ Andreea Roseti said in a statement, “We are grateful that the Romanian Red Cross has recognized that the plight of animals in war is inextricably bound up with the plight of the people who live with them and care so deeply about their welfare.”
“We have donated one ton of emergency pet supplies, the first of many to come, that the Red Cross will distribute within Ukraine to help avert a worsening animal welfare crisis.”
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“There are large numbers of pet dogs and cats roaming the streets who have become separated from their families; they are bewildered, traumatized, and in need of help.”
Roseti’s went on to say, “The tragedy of war doesn’t differentiate between two legs or four, and together with the Red Cross, we will get aid to those people in Ukraine desperately asking for help to keep their animal friends alive in this crisis.”
Patron, the Super-Sniffer Dog
Roseti’s comments struct a chord, the plight of pets and humans are inextricably bound, especially during wartime. A particular dog has come to the rescue and captured our hearts showing how man’s best friend goes beyond the normal call of duty.
In the northern region of Chernihiv, a hero has risen – meet Patron, the super-sniffer dog. This small terrier is saving lives on a daily basis.
This small 2-year-old terrier has helped the Ukrainian State Emergency Services (SES) clear nearly 90 explosive devices.
Patron is perfect for this dangerous job with his powerful sense of smell, and small size which allows him to get into small places, and let’s not forget these breeds are known for their intelligence.
A German Shepherd dog wears the Ukrainian flag (Credit: Andrew Angelov / Shutterstock)
The SES paid homage to Patron writing, “Thank you, my friend, for your tireless work.” Patron has become an integral part of the team and has been out there sniffing since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
A video posted of our new favorite hero went viral. The video shows Patron getting ready for another day on the job after being wrapped in his special protective military vest, before hopping into the front seat of the car alongside his handler.
The next clip shows him walking through a field, searching the landscape for explosives.
A mine-hunting Jack Russell terrier dog named Patron helps Ukrainian soldiers sniff out and locate mines (Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine / Cover Images / INSTARimages)
In two weeks, actors Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have exceeded their goal of raising $30 million to help Ukrainian refugees displaced by Russia’s savage war on the country.
The crowdfunding effort has now raised nearly $35 million — and counting.
Mila and Ashton’s Stand With Ukraine Fund Explodes With Generosity
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, one of our favorite couples have used their celebrity status to raise funds to assist refugees displaced by the Russian invasion.
Mila who was born in Ukraine, along with her husband Ashton, pledged to match up to $3 million in donations towards their GoFundMe campaign.
The fund has exceeded expectations with over 68 000 people and companies donating around $34.5 million.
Ashton Kutcher in a black tuxedo and Mila Kunis in a light pink belted Zuhair Murad Spring 2022 Couture dress attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Abby Grant / Cover Images / INSTARimages)
Mila and Ashton said in a statement on Instagram, “While this is far from a solution for the problem, our collective effort will provide a softer landing for so many people as they forge ahead into their future of uncertainty.”
“Our work is not done. We will do everything we can to ensure that the outpouring of love that came as a part of this campaign finds maximum impact with those in need.”
The couple wasted no time and have already dispersed funds to Flexport.org, which has organized shipments of relief supplies to various refugee sites in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova. Additional funds have been given to Airbnb.org which has provided free, short-term housing to many refugees.
The mine-hunting Jack Russell terrier dog Patron is a member of the Ukrainian forces’ specialist pyrotechnics team in the Chernihiv region (Credit: State Emergency Service of Ukraine / Cover Images / INSTARimages)
The couple further said, “As funding continues to come in, we will treat every dollar as if it were being donated from our pocket, with respect and honor for the work that went into earning it, the intent of love through which it was given, and the desire for it so be maximized for positive outcomes for others.”
Our faith in humanity has been somewhat restored.
Mila Kunis posing in metallic silver Alexander Wang sandals for GQ Magazine (Credit: Terry Richardson / GQ)
In early 2011, the uber-sexy and super-funny Mila Kunis flaunted her long legs in a pair of caped metallic sandals from Alexander Wang in a photoshoot for GQ magazine.
She was named Knockout of the Year in the magazine’s annual Men of the Year issue.
The silver ‘Fabiana’ caped sandals from Alexander Wang looked amazing on Kunis. I love that she was featured in front of a swimming pool in heels that have a very ethereal mermaid vibe.
What do you think of the ‘Fabiana’ from Alexander Wang? Would you rock this winged sandal?
Silver Alexander Wang ‘Fabiana’ Metallic Leather Sandals, $495
These mirrored-leather sandals feature a buckled strap at the ankle and a detachable flap overlay at the heel cap.
