Picture background The Russo-Ukrainian war has been ongoing since 2014, but it wasn’t until February 24, 2022, that things escalated with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army. Just over a week later, GreaterGood and Greater Good Charities sprang into action, sending aid in the form of tourniquets and medical kits, food boxes and hot pizza, blankets and warm clothing, and food and supplies for pets.

On this second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we would like to tell you more about the people and pets you are helping and those who still need our assistance.

Kramatorsk is a city in eastern Ukraine that has been bearing the brunt of the war since 2014 when it all began. However, when the invasion started, things worsened. Evacuations, the destruction caused by bombings, and a general state of chaos have led to thousands of cats and dogs becoming lost or abandoned by their owners.

Currently, it is estimated that there are about 2,500 dogs and 4,000 cats roaming the streets without a place to call home. About 300 volunteers are doing their best to feed and care for these animals, treat their wounds, and sterilize them. But they are ordinary citizens, not organized shelters, and they are vastly outnumbered. They are true patriots and have weathered many storms with unwavering spirit, but they are not miracle workers.

Furthermore, many Ukrainians living in war-torn areas like this can’t even get enough food and supplies to keep their own families alive, let alone the 20 abandoned pets per volunteer. The task is monumental, and many of these animals are left without proper food or shelter because the humans caring for them simply cannot provide enough for everyone.

One of the ways we help is through donations to a local charity called “Friend.” Friend was established in Kramatorsk in 2011 to help homeless pets find shelter, care, and new homes, and they have successfully rescued, treated, sterilized, and rehomed countless animals. But at that time, they had no idea how much worse the problem would become a decade later.

At the start of the Russian invasion, the number of animals in need skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. Friend was able to transport some animals to safer places at the beginning of the invasion, but as the war progresses, those “safe” places are becoming fewer and farther between, so they can’t take in more pets.

Friend desperately needs our support to continue caring for the large number of animals depending on their care. They have never been tasked with caring for so many pets, but they are doing the best they can given the circumstances. With your help, we are stepping up to make the job not only easier but also possible.

Our latest donation to Friend allowed the foundation to procure hay for the bedding of 80 dogs. This went a long way in ensuring that these pets in temporary care stayed comfortable and warm during the winter months!