Sunday 20th March, 2019
First many apologies for the gap in posts since early last week - I was away for a few days and unable to do the blog. But one of the most striking things that I'm sure we have all noticed in the last dreadful weeks, is the regard so many Ukrainians have for their animals. From the weeping man who sent his horses across a bridge to find their way to safety, to the grannies clutching cat carriers and the young men carrying large, elderly dogs incapable of walking.
This very vivid and visible display of love, this affirmation that 'family' includes pets, is heartwarming. These are people in danger of their lives, who are in many cases bereaved and mourning, who in all cases are forced to leave family and friends behind. People whose lives have been turned upside down in a matter of days or weeks - and still they can think of their animals.
There was an outcry when Pen Farthing, the UK Afghan war veteran raised heaven and earth to save the animals in his rescue centre in Kabul, along with the staff who cared for them. Why is he putting animals over people? He wasn't. He saved both ... but there are people who will never understand. So I make no apology for writing about animal rescue in a time like this. Love for animals, a willingness to save them at all costs is a sign of love, of caring and humanity. It's not save one or the other, it's both.
Fortunately there are so many people in the world who look on it this way. Many small groups and bigger organisations both in Ukraine, in Poland, Europe and internationally have rallied round to help. Please see the links below, if you would like to donate.
Humane Society International
HSI is providing support, including emergency funds, to groups helping the Ukranian people and the animals in their care who have been devastated by Russian's military invasion.
Four Paws
Four Paws was already operating in Ukraine - they run the bear sanctuary Domazhyr and have a Stray Animal Care Team in the country. In addition they have had teams at the various borders providing practical help to refugees with pets and also strays found along the way.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare
Like Humane Society International and Four Paws and many other organisations, IFAWis also playing it's part in helping refugees with their animals by providing food, advice, vet care and shelter. I was delighted and moved to see that the first video features my own vet, Aga, who is Polish.
Other organisations
The Red Cross, PETA and many, many other animal charities are moving heaven and earth to help. I looked to see if I could find some specific Dutch and Belgian organisations on Google, but I imagine anyone living in those countries will already know the local organisations. As well as the national offices and websites of the larger organisations I have highlighted here.
For the Red Cross initiative click here
For PETA, click here
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