Dogs Of War: How Saving Animals In Ukraine 'Brought Me Back To Life'

Two women are offering a lifeline for stray dogs and pets abandoned by their owners who were forced to flee war in eastern Ukraine. After losing her home in the Luhansk region and barely escaping with her life, Alina Metyolkina says volunteering at an animal shelter has brought her "back to life."
For those wanting more information about the Shelter Friend animal refuge, see their Facebook page: / shelterfrienddnepr
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-dog-s...
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#russia #ukraine

[@barbhenley4692]

God bless you all for taking care of theses poor babies. Slava Ukraine 💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@thewholetruth5473]

Umm PEOPLE need the help over there. Not animals. Dogs aren't babies by the way, but there are REAL babies (i.e. very young defenseless human beings) in Ukraine who do need your help...ORPHANED babies!

[@gmailvfone]

Bless you! 💓😍🤗

[@tonybrowne7220]

@@thewholetruth5473 All living creatures are God’s babies and all need our love and care.

[@catsfan_M]

😂😂😂

[@gymislife-lifeisgym928]

@@thewholetruth5473shut up the world does not around people and humans like me who loves animals more would also help them rather other people. We are too much anyway

[@HitnGiggleGolf]

Shelter Friend Ukraine is a great organization doing real work for dogs, cats and other animals on the front lines in Ukraine.. I have been donating to them since the beginning of the war; they always provide real photo and video updates with lots of success stories... thank you for everything you are doing Friends!! 💙💛

[@user-ge6eh3fg2b]

ruzki scumbags bombed their shelter and killed a lot of animals(

[@HitnGiggleGolf]

@@user-ge6eh3fg2b they did?! I haven't seen any posts from them... do you know if the shelter owner Marina and her staff are ok?? fcking dirty orcs are such sick bastards.. i fcking hate them

[@nightengale7163]

Bless the kind people of Ukraine 🇺🇦 💕🙏 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦

[@mcblaze1968]

This is a very good person.

[@blueskies386]

It's July 2023 now, I sure hope these lovely people and their furry charges are all safe.

[@Edgar876]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦. Love from Ghana 🇬🇭. 💙💙💙💙💙🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@goldmann9473]

Nice Lady!!

[@michaelwittkopp3379]

They ask so little from us, but give all they have in return. It saddens me so much to see such.

[@bowie3503]

I hope many people adopted those amazing beings

[@lightblue254]

Glory to tough Ukrainian heros like Alina and Maryna! 💙💛🌻

[@maxs9742]

God bless your Grandma - your so lucky to have her.

[@kerrypurcell6022]

thank you for caring and helping,,,,,,

[@renatacaramaschi445]

thank you for what are doing .. like little angels .. make my cry ..

[@louisemarianiehausniehaus6680]

I pray that your request for donations and adoptions be heard from all over the world. You are the true light in these dark moment of war - may blessings follow you always. Slava Ukraine 💙💛

[@d0lvl0]

Never forget that a declaration of war means enormous suffering and devastation for animal life. Oppose war in all circumstances.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Russia never declared war. It just attacked.

[@stephentaylor280]

You have a good heart ! Take care of those babies !

[@elisabethshelley4758]

The best people are those like you who are heling to save animals there -- they are innocenr and deserve the besz poor darlings. Slava all the animals and Slyva Ukraine

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Much needed crisis that needs attention. Thanks for the air time! Much Respect for that. I sent money via PayPal to Furry Friends or something like that. Never received a confirmation so I didn't donate again. So looking for a more ...secure? method to be sure the Right people rec that donation and dogs are cared for. Ukraine sure has an abundance of Heros...

[@bluespruce679]

As the Lord leads me, I will be praying for the animal shelters throughout Urkraine....I'm sure there must be others as well. Poor dogs! They truly are God's furry angels among us. Prayers for this shelter and others. Slava Urkraini 🇺🇦!!!

[@devlinsemmler8236]

Praying to an imaginary god is useless. If you really care do something meaningful.

[@gohby]

Thank you for this video. The other victims of the war like animals also need a voice.

[@youtubered1620]

God bless Ukraine and it’s animals!! Slava Ukraini! Let’s bring love into this world. And the dog is sooo cute

[@thewholetruth5473]

God bless Ukraine and it’s PEOPLE...not it's frickin animals! Have a heart for God's sake!

[@youtubered1620]

@@thewholetruth5473 Stop spreading division

[@tonybrowne7220]

@@youtubered1620 He has a cold heart. All living creatures deserve love and care.

[@davem.539]

So nice to see the pets being taken care of.

[@user-bb5em8eq1u]

我曾經養流浪犬，大約20~30隻，非常辛苦，而且很花錢，像無底洞。需要很大的愛心和體力。

[@fgm1197]

You should be very quiet. Soon you imperialistic maniacs will start a war against Taiwan. So just shut up please you disgusting dog eater.

[@joshmiles5984]

Incredible kindness and selflessness!

[@jacek5244]

This shelter is full of good, beautiful people showing what humanity means.

[@GEOsustainable]

I am grateful to see so much food.

[@gracie4533]

God bless you all for being so kind to abandoned dogs and protect you all from the invaders.🇺🇦❤🇺🇦

[@nian60]

Dogs are wonderful animals. We humans don't really deserve them. 🐶🐕🐾🐾 Thanks for the video.

[@gmailvfone]

True, they are man's best friend. They don't judge us. Humans have a responsibility to animals they domesticated for our benefit!

[@catsfan_M]

I don't like those annoying animals

[@russellleggatt4269]

A great story from all the heartbreak and destruction

[@CC-in1jy]

Strong people with Big hearts 🥰

[@arealhauntedhouse4171]

That little dog behind you watching you be kind to the other dogs is like the kid in school that no one pays ATTENTION to look behind YOU!👈🏼💔🐕🙏🏼💞

[@seecanon5840]

Thank you from the US for taking care of these little animals. I have a large dog and she hides when it thunders outside. Sadie sends her love and blessings.

[@puiip3605]

Thank God for giving us amazing and kind human, and thank you so very much you amazing and kind human!

[@skyhiker9669]

What a beautiful soul.

[@bigdada018]

Blessings, peace and luck from California to Ukraine 🙏✌🍀💛💙 and it's pups

[@c.erine78]

Aww, bless them for helping. I saw in one of the videos the other day a dog walking around looking lost. It is good they have a place with you.

[@OstblockLatina]

If a dog exposes one's belly to be rubbed by a human, that's a sign of absolute trust and submission ❤ Also, don't ever underestimate dogs. When they are locked in a shelter they might seem as nothing but charity cases. But if they get to live by a human's side, regardless of situation and settings, they will prove a priceless asset, a moral and emotional support, a rescuer, a guardian, a tracker, a baby-sitter, a mine or enemy sniffer and pretty much anything and everything you can imagine and more - regardless of their size and weight. Dogs are truly guardian angels in disguise. I used to have a dog once when I was a child and I miss it like nothing else in my life. I yearn to have one again but my work schedule wouldn't allow me to take a dog in and take care of it as it would require it too. I can't wait for my retirement when I will finally have enough time to take care of a fellow creature to adopt one.

[@gulamvira3644]

God bless you all the rescuers and team of vet and voleteers your tireless efforts to rescue this animals who are victims of this terrible war but you angels are doing your best the way volunteers love and care for this unfotune animals is heart touching see the smiling face and wegging tail and the hugs are demonstrating their greatfulness to you people. but as a part-time rescuer for past more than 20 years I think besides God no one can give happiness to us.its so heartoouching and we fill to do more and more. God bless you wonderful people to rescue this baby with long life good health and safety. You people are true heros for animals in need. Love from Tanzania

[@kenhunt5153]

Thank you RFE for the work you do.

[@jeyadevi3032]

Wish all save,,no war all are soul

[@glomontero6011]

Thank you all involved.

[@toni-leeblair5869]

Where can I donate to the shelter, please? 💙🇺🇦🌻✌️🐾

[@fantinilukasz]

to my account, u stupid xd

[@jacodelange4886]

You truly have hearts of gold❤ and are in my prayers.

[@danielleisabellabanyard9968]

Love furry friends is another animal rescue charity going since before the start of the war.

[@anastropan4762]

Cu siguranță noi oamenii suntem niște animale pentru păcatele noastre suferă aceste suflețel a nevinovate Bravo vouă celor care în vremuri de război nu vă vindeți sufletul trebuie să iubim tot ce este în jurul nostru fără egoism felicitări voluntarilor și pace pe pământ Dumnezeu să ne binecuvânteze cu mila lui pe noi toți inclusiv animalele

[@carolecarr5210]

Best of luck in your wonderful future.

[@2007yellowdog]

Thank You so much , You are an Angel, 😇❤️🇨🇦💋

[@crystalharris7394]

💗💗💗 Thank you

[@richsuggs2982]

Thanks for taking care of the animals.

[@aprilsmith3683]

Brave heroines with their invisible wings... Bravo... Thank you... 🇿🇦🕊🇺🇦🫂🌻❤️🐕

[@projectsadventures5821]

She beautiful in every way!

[@raymondkisner9240]

All the animals of Ukraine need our help. So many have lost their human families and guardians. The wildlife have lost their habit and sources of food. God bless her for saving these dogs

[@eloinam6740]

O coração de alguns são ggrandes🥰🥰🥰🥰😇🙏

[@kokisoco9465]

😍Yo admiro vierta gente, sois la verdadera gente que merece vivir❣️❣️Tanto sufrimiento y muerte y no habéis abandonado ni el país ni los animales.. 🙏🙏👏👌👍😍💖 Yo también vivo solo para ayudar a los abandonados y maltratados.. SON LOS MEJORES 💖 PIDO A DIOS, que ve todo en este mundo 😇 🙏que pare la cruel guerra y que de él merecido a todos los malvados que hacen tanto daño 😭😭Le pido también por VOSOTROS BUENA GENTE, ANGELES 😍QUE OS BENDIGA CON SALUD, PAZ, PROSPERIDAD Y AMOR 🙌😇🥰💞🤗GRACIAS POR CUIDAR LOS ANIMALES, SON LOS MEJORES ❣️😍🙏🙏

[@storiesfromhinterland]

Angels do exist ❤️

[@thewholetruth5473]

By definition, an "angel" is only sent to help HUMAN BEINGS. Angels aren't sent for dogs. Lol!

[@storiesfromhinterland]

@@thewholetruth5473 definition not needed, those who care for other souls/beings are angels to me. 😊

[@thewholetruth5473]

@@storiesfromhinterland But the country is AT WAR, and likely over a hundred thousand HUMAN BEINGS have died savage deaths already. Millions of their human beings are suffering HORRIBLY...and this girl is wasting her time helping soulless DOGS!?

[@storiesfromhinterland]

@@thewholetruth5473 I know! Aren't dogs lives worth saving? No time was wasted!

[@thewholetruth5473]

@@storiesfromhinterland Yes it is good to save and help dogs, but just not at the expense of saving and helping the terribly suffering people.

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

God bless you.

[@Jas111ld]

Thank you ❤️

[@Elamori]

Is there any information on how I can donate to the shelter? I really appreciate those who takes care for animals, God bless the people and animals of Ukraine! 🙏

[@andrabook8758]

yes, they need donations. absolutely.

[@Sad_bumper_sticker.]

UA animals is a robust, larger organisation that purchases and delivers pet food to home shelters and provides funds for reputable shelters in dire need of support due to shelling. You can also check the "Helpful Vancouver Vet"'s channel ("Squish That Cat song") for links to trustworthy UA animal organisations if you want to be sure your contribution goes to the right place. He's originally from Ukraine.

[@Elamori]

@Elena True, it would be important to find a good home for every animal. I found two related sites: Homeless Animal Shelter Sirius and also Sochi Dogs Rescue.

[@Elamori]

@@Sad_bumper_sticker. Thank you, I will check it out!

[@thewholetruth5473]

Please don't waste any donations on "animals" when so many HUMAN BEINGS are suffering over there. Wasting donations on animals at a time of war would be outright evil.

[@arealhauntedhouse4171]

You do so much good work for these poor animals that are probably terrified and traumatized how are your ZOO'S coming along? I hope they're still getting help! All the ANIMAL'S I pray get the HELP they So badly NEED🤞🏼🙏🏼 stay strong and Thank You! for Caring💞 You are so BRAVE👍🏼😘

[@devondetroit2529]

How can we donate to this shelter? Give us the details

[@TouYubeTom]

thank you!

[@dpaul3921]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@scottbemis4775]

On the donation list

[@scottcates]

Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦 Heróyam sláva!

[@donfluso9042]

❤❤❤ donated ✔

[@mr.mrs.d.7015]

💙💛🌻

[@stellav.m.]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Jay-nq2jl]

God bless…let us know if there is a way to donate to this organization

[@thewholetruth5473]

Donate to organizations helping the MILLIONS of suffering HUMAN BEINGS over there for God's sake! Forget the dogs!

[@Jay-nq2jl]

@@thewholetruth5473 don’t tell anyone how to live life you turd.

[@tonybrowne7220]

@@thewholetruth5473 Here you go again spewing out your vile bitterness, leave it you poor sad person.

[@ShangDi_became_Jesus]

She looks like a young angelina jolie and hr heart is gold. 😍

[@chowyewwah1643]

😢😢😢🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@garychynne1377]

god bless

[@taigettai7098]

獻出正能量灌注可憐的生命。愛心滿滿

[@roverlutionary619]

Heartbreaking

[@nuayer]

🙏

[@jetv1471]

The poor babies are starved for attention 😢. Thank you so much . I wish my country would allow me to adopt from Ukraine but it won’t .

[@user-sp5zx2wd6b]

❤

[@realtalk675]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@camillamattsson7235]

I wish i coud adopt 1 or 2 of them ❤️ Is it posible? And donate som help

[@Sienisota]

Should have left the contact info to the shelter.

[@bonnie304]

How can I donate

[@thewholetruth5473]

Please don't donate to DOGS while millions of people are suffering immensely over there. It would be incredibly vicious and evil to waste any donations on dogs in such circumstances. Have a heart please.

[@catsfan_M]

@@thewholetruth5473 true

[@tprestonmarshall4195]

❤🙏🏻🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@luxgreen1277]

🇺🇦

[@elkekuehl6030]

Need info where i can get dog are puppy from them and help them with food

[@elkekuehl6030]

We lost are Tibetan spaniel a week ago he was a rescue before that my Shepard who was rescued and my2cats one 15 and the other ,18all rescues so we know what's it like

[@mkaizen1756]

NICE PEOLPE, even in the middle of war with a threat of dying in a heavy shelling they still fighting for good, this is a minded spirit from Universal GOD, and even dying in these life, certainly there will be a next life in a much better world for whom choose to do the right path of GOD will universal love. Slava UKRAINE from evil.

[@user-oi3yb7mm7h]

Combat the thought of selfishness the very moment it crosses your mind. Be wholehearted in whatever you do. Heaven is watching, and the Bodhisattva knows what we are doing. Proactively own up to your mistakes and you will earn the respect of others.

[@davetv7276]

Slava Ukraine

[@choupapimonyayo3133]

I want to adopt 1 dog.

[@dansiegel333]

It seems that RFE/RL never provides a link to help viewers support organizations such as this, or distressed people that they tell us about. Anyone have a link?

[@kristinamelnichenko5775]

How do we donate?

[@michaelcorbidge7914]

"The dogs of war" is of course the title of a novel written by Frederick Forsyth . . Yes even celebratory fireworks and lightning can frighten many and cause them to run the way many kilometres .

[@anastropan4762]

Oameni buni Nu mai fiți egoiști animalele suferă din pricina păcatelor noastre Haideți să vedem bunătatea lui Dumnezeu și ne va fi și nouă bine tuturor nu vă bucurați de necazul altora ca să nu se întoarcă asupra voastră

[@joaquinsantos4748]

How can I help?

[@samanthav8728]

Ви всі святі! Я молюся про це над усіма вами: «Боже, благослови їх усіх і збережи їх у безпеці в Ім’я Ісуса. Нехай ви ніколи не знаєте голоду. Нехай ви ніколи не знаєте нестачі. Нехай ви ніколи не знаєте самотності. Нехай ви знаєте, як бути задоволеним у кожній ситуації. прийдіть, щоб побачити Бога і подивіться, як Він піклується про нас. Нехай ви процвітаєте в усіх сферах свого життя, від фінансів до здоров’я та радості! Я проливаю Кров Ісуса на кожну людину та прекрасне створіння в Ім’я Ісуса! 💙💙💪🏼💪🏼💛💛 You are all Saints! I pray this over you all "God Bless them all and keep them safe in Jesus Name. May you never know hunger. May you never know lack. May you never know loneliness. May you know how to become content in every situation. May you come to see God and See How He cares for us. May you prosper in all areas of your life frim finances to health and joy! I please The Blood of Jesus over each and every person and beautiful creature there in Jesus Name!

[@omshanti8868]

1 st view and 1 st like by me.

[@5julk5]

Russia must pay for what it did

[@tashuntka]

Please adopt, never breed dogs.. Slava Ukrani, and God Bless you fur guardian angels....

[@karimehbeauchair8378]

That woman, Alina, is a wonderful human being but she is also a beatiful woman!... may you, Radio Liberty contact her again?... she is as beatiful as to become a famous model, perhaps, if most animal food producers launch a campaign showing Alina's activities in the shelter, more money may be joint. Thanks.

[@ShangDi_became_Jesus]

God bless her so much

[@fayesvalentine5937]

God bless good people

[@Luka_Lynxboii]

So selfish of people to just leave their pets alone on a bombed house 😒