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... » Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi » Watch more VOA News video:    / voanews   Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com/ » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE:   / voiceofamerica   » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:   / voanews   » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:   / voanews