A resilient dog named Henry, who miraculously survived both flooding and a Russian bombing ordeal in Ukraine, has been given a new lease on life, all thanks to the efforts of a British charity. Heart-wrenching footage captured the mixed breed pup desperately clinging to life amidst the rubble of a building following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Kherson.
Against the backdrop of missiles dropping, rescuers braved floodwaters in June to save the stranded canine. Displaying remarkable courage, Henry utilized his doggy-paddling skills to reach the remnants of a bombed-out structure, narrowly escaping the threat of drowning.
Gregg Tully, Country Director for Save The Dogs, talked about they first found Henry “collapsed, exhausted and barely conscious.”
“After the dam in Kherson exploded, Henry was one of the dogs that was pulled out of the flood waters, covered in oil and sludge. There was a lot of toxic material at the bottom of the reservoir that washed out with the flood.”
“We thought this dog was all black, and then he was cleaned up and, actually, he’s more white than black.”
Transported to a clinic in Odesa, Poland, he underwent continuous treatment due to chemical burns inflicted by the toxic sludge on his skin.
Unfortunately, his challenges persisted. Soon after being rescued, the animal clinic where he was receiving care fell victim to a Russian bombing. Miraculously, Henry and the other animals emerged unscathed, and he was subsequently relocated to another facility, where his treatment continued.
Now, just four months later, he has found solace in a caring new home, all made possible by the efforts of “Save the Dogs and Other Animals,” a charity supported by Blue Cross’s Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund.
“He obviously loves people and is a really happy dog.”
“It’s been really inspiring after seeing the videos of him getting pulled out of the flood waters, and now he’s a happy, loving dog in a loving new home.”
“I won’t forget him – it was really amazing to see that.”
Liliana Pacheco, Save The Dogs’ Director of Community Engagement, shared that Henry now resides in Poland with his new owner, Anya, and is thriving more and more each day.
Anya also said, “When the Russians blew up the dam, I saw a video of Henry and my heart broke.”
“I realized that no one would want to take him in, and he will never feel that someone loves him after this hell he went through. That’s why I started looking for him and I found the hospital where he was taken.”
Anna Wade, from national pet charity Blue Cross, shared, “The compassion and dedication of the charity partners on the ground to rescue pets and care for them day to day, is overwhelming and we’re doing all we can to support them and their vital work.”
The Pet Welfare Fund by Blue Cross Ukraine has successfully garnered a staggering sum of over £500,000. This substantial amount is dedicated to funding and offering crucial support for the well-being of cats and dogs left behind in Ukraine, as well as aiding owners who are compelled to flee the country with their beloved pets.
Save the Dogs, led by Gregg, has played a pivotal role in this humanitarian effort. The organization has dispatched nearly 1,000 tons of food to sustain the well-being of dogs and cats in Ukraine. Furthermore, their proactive approach includes the sterilization of more than 1,300 animals, a strategic measure aimed at preventing a potential surge in the population of stray animals roaming the streets.
These combined efforts underscore a commitment to addressing the immediate needs and long-term welfare of the animal population affected by the challenging circumstances in Ukraine. The generous contributions and proactive measures taken by the Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund and Save the Dogs exemplify a compassionate response to a complex and evolving situation.
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