Bert’s family abandoned him in southern Ukraine.

But Bert did not understand that they were never coming back.

He stayed in the same place, waiting for them.

Day after day, this loyal little dog remained where he had last seen his people, even as a severe infection spread through his eyes and an open wound in his paw caused growing pain.

By the time rescuers from WOW Ukraine reached him, Bert desperately needed veterinary care.

Blood tests brought some relief, but his eyes were badly damaged and the wound in his paw was unlikely to heal without treatment. Both eyes required surgery. While he was under anaesthesia, the veterinary team also treated his injured paw.

Bert is now recovering at the shelter with swollen eyes, a bandaged foot and several drops, ointments and sprays that must be administered throughout the day.

He may not enjoy his recovery routine, but Bert is finally safe.

Many animals in Ukraine are still waiting for the same chance.

Today, Animals First Aid is proud to introduce our newest partner, WOW Ukraine Animal Shelter, a courageous rescue caring for animals abandoned, injured and displaced amid war.

This partnership began because our volunteer Marie Coiscaud refused to look away. Marie found WOW Ukraine, reached out to its overwhelmed team and patiently helped gather the information needed for Animals First Aid to act.

Because of her determination, their call for help has now reached us.

And the scale of that call is enormous.

WOW Ukraine currently provides shelter for 62 dogs and 12 cats. Among them are two amputees, Pepsi and Gina, and 17 animals requiring medication, specialist food or ongoing medical support.

There are also 16 growing puppies who need nutritious food, vaccinations, parasite prevention and veterinary care to survive their most vulnerable months.

There is Luke, a blind cat who must navigate an already frightening world without sight.

There are animals found abandoned and starved until illness has taken hold.

And there are heartbreaking cases like Victor, a dog that arrived with two bullets still inside him.

Victor arrived with visible growths across his face and neck. X-rays revealed masses throughout his body, severe muscle wasting, damaged lymph nodes and two bullets lodged inside him. Tumours were pressing against his trachea, making it difficult for him to breathe.

He had suffered for too long.

Although every effort was made, Victor had been found too late for treatment to save him. The only humane choice was to end his pain.

Victor’s story is not the photograph at the centre of this appeal. It is the warning behind it.

It shows what can happen when an injured animal remains unseen for too long.

Bert was reached in time.

The puppies still have time.

Luke still has time.

But rescuers need the resources to reach them.

Beyond the animals living inside its shelter, WOW Ukraine also helps feed approximately 450 dogs and 180 cats in Kherson.

The shelter’s rent costs $2,500 each month. Staff salaries total $2,850. Food can cost another $2,000, before electricity, medication, parasite prevention and emergency veterinary treatment are added. One winter electricity bill alone reached $4,588.

WOW Ukraine is also working toward a rent-free shelter farther south, closer to the front, where rescuers could reach more animals in danger.

Animals First Aid, in partnership with WOW Ukraine Animal Shelter, is seeking to raise funds for emergency shelter, food, veterinary care and frontline rescue.

Please make the most generous gift you can today.

$50 can help provide food, medication or essential recovery supplies.

$100 can help provide puppy food, parasite treatment and basic veterinary care.

$250 can help fund examinations, diagnostics, medication or treatment for an injured animal.

$500, $1,000 or more can help WOW Ukraine continue feeding hundreds of animals while responding to emergencies like Bert’s.

War has already taken homes, security and the people many animals trusted.

They should not lose their final chance of rescue too.

Please help us reach the next Bert before his injuries become another Victor’s story.

With gratitude,

Audrey Sam
Global Partnerships & Donor Relations Lead
Animals First Aid

P.S. Bert remained where his family abandoned him, waiting faithfully while infection damaged his eyes and an injured paw caused him pain. A gift of $50, $100, $250, $500 or more can help WOW Ukraine reach another abandoned animal before it is too late.