Ukraine families refusing to leave pets behind, San Diego Humane Society urging people to help

"It's unimaginable," said President of the San Diego Humane Society, Dr. Gary Weitzman.
Many Ukraine families are refusing to leave without their pets and are taking their animals with them as they flee Russia’s invasion. A young woman is pictured traveling with her cat on a train.
Animal rescue crews met families with pets at the Ukraine-Romania border with food, blankets and veterinary care.
Full story on CBS8.com: www.cbs8.com/a...
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CBS 8 is the local source for San Diego breaking news and top story headlines. Get the latest local San Diego TV news, sports, weather and more.
More from CBS 8:
Website: www.cbs8.com
Twitter: / cbs8
Facebook: / news8
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[@coreykuefler-terweeme7268]

I could never leave a pet behind, or not on purpose even in a war. It’s so good that most people are making an extra effort to help them too. Dogs and pets in general are so important, and they are family.

[@chrisdurant4627]

Better than family,,, better,,, they dont steel off us ,,,

[@Misticasorellaraissa]

@@chrisdurant4627 yeah, they are loyal.

[@ValentinaProdan]

There are animal shelters on occupied territory, they don't get any help but from personal donations. Volunteers did not leave the animals and risking their lives literally. If you could consider helping them please. My heart is aching. Yesterday three volunteers were killed in Kherson. Please let me know, I have a contact in Odessa who has PayPal account. Two young girls have 54 shelter animals and they feed street dogs. Unfortunately many pets were left behind. I cannot blame those people who left them. The situation is really really tense. People have children and have to walk long distance before they cross a boarder. Sorry I am too emotional. Thinking how can I help to Ukraine day and night.

[@spacebar9733]

@@chrisdurant4627 LMAO what happened to you homie

[@shari4375]

1000% agree.

[@candacedawn357]

I could never leave a pet behind! They are family. ❤

[@jeffcoley668]

I agree 100 percent they are family. It's hard to watch these news clips showing these people fleeing with their pet's. Respect To These Strong People. My heart breaks for what is happening to the Ukrainian People. These images will forever be imprinted in my mind 😪😪😍😍

[@valentinacardona173]

I was thinking exact the same . I could never ever leave my cats and dog . I prefer to die with them

[@chrisdurant4627]

@@valentinacardona173 well said,,, me to, shane it acrying shame,,, goshxxx xxx xxx love them,

[@spark_6710]

EXACTLY 💯 👍👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤💕💞

[@spark_6710]

@@jeffcoley668 Me,too !!! 👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤💕💞

[@lolahernandez6871]

I could never leave my dog behind! No matter what, he's coming with us. ❤

[@Yogirliej4dee]

most moms wont't leave their sick babies in the hospital so they are stuck there with the nurses until they can evacuate safely

[@spark_6710]

I agree 👍 💯 👍👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤💕💞

[@sunnytheboxer.]

I know how sad. I could never leave my dog. He’s definitely coming with me.

[@spark_6710]

@@sunnytheboxer. 👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

[@coolgamers2794]

I always tell my family members this. My pets aren't pets. They are a extension of my family and if they don't come with me; then I'm not going anywhere unless they will be perfectly safe.

[@figmo397]

I totally understand where they're coming from. I wouldn't evacuate without MY pet, either! They're family!!!

[@pennyusa8514]

I'm helping the animals and I would NEVER LEAVE MY DOG OR CAT BEHIND! God Bless those who help them I will be donating to these causes

[@whitecat3923]

And what about 2 or 3 cats?!.. Or fishes?..a horse & co?..

[@trenchantsometimes5149]

@@whitecat3923 We all need to think on these things before anything happens and make plans in case we would ever need them.

[@luga718]

@@trenchantsometimes5149 It's very easy to say if you are far away in another country.

[@trenchantsometimes5149]

@@luga718 Are you saying you can't think about it and try to come up with some plans wherever you are?

[@AmiRa-wj9jt]

I admire pet owners who remember about their pets and take them in a situation of great danger. They are amazing, it proves value of these people. After all, a lot of dogs remained in Ukraine, you can even see them on some videos on the streets in many cities when they wander around looking for their owners... What about animal shelters in Ukraine? Some time ago there was information that animals were left somewhere alone, locked in cages, without care, that they lacked food and water... Where is PETA in such a situation? Why aren't they doing their best to get as many animals out of a country where is war? The truth is that if owner doesn`t take pet with him, they will rather die... that is why attitude of those who think about their pets in such a terrible situation is so touching. This is a very interesting topic, I hope you will share something more by informing all of us who else is helping those animals that didn`t have a chance to escape from place of war.

[@anitraabrams6141]

Pppppppppp oooooooppp0ooooopooooooooo0poopoo I looking

[@kaynovo8043]

Depends on your source… kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJLce5x8oJKJY9E

[@RoyalC450]

Peta believes killing pets is better than adopting them. They have a mission to eliminate the idea of pets.

[@evangelostzonis6383]

Bravoooo great HUMANS BRAVOOOO VIVE THE MAJESTIC ANIMALS!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🐈🐈🐈

[@marialindell9874]

Don' forget that PETA is not innocent and infact puts down a fuckton of animals, even if the owners have demanded their wrongfully taken pets be given back.

[@pumpupjam9648]

My pet is not a material thing or a possession. He was a gift with flesh and blood in it. My dog goes by instinct and will show affection if treated kindly.

[@bonnie3937]

God bless them. I couldn't leave my animals either. Pray for Ukraine.

[@carolvandyke6926]

Are there Zoo animals that need taken care of ? Is someone helping them ?

[@whitecat3923]

@@carolvandyke6926 There are zoos in Ukraine! In almost every big city....The people are caring for the animals as well as they can..(many Ukrainians stayed there! )

[@carolvandyke6926]

I just read that . The animals are scared... who wouldn't be ? God Bless those that are taking care of the animals. !

[@adrievandijk]

I do that every day, also for the pets and the cattle. That there are animal welfare organizations that take care of them. Give them food, shelter and all they need. And that there are people that take care of the cattle, feed and for cows, milk them.so that if the owners come back, they go back to their owners. I wish that Dutch animal welfare org. would make donations, then I could donate too, but they need it so much themselves. They cannot afford it.

[@juanitaortiz1455]

Pets are family, My dog it’s like my baby, I wouldn’t leave without my dog.

[@AmiRa-wj9jt]

Same here. My dog is my treasure.

[@candacedawn357]

Ditto! Ruff! 🐕😀

[@lolahernandez6871]

Amen! 🙏🙏❤❤🐶🐶

[@williwipfel6]

Yes, never without my Dog! I have no Children, so my Dog is my Kid! I love him.

[@candacedawn357]

@@williwipfel6 I'm the same. No, human kidos.

[@helenecorbett7487]

The look of total bewilderment on that elderly Labradors face is heartbreaking. I've got 4 dogs & I'd give my life to save them x

[@Andrew-ht5jo]

See my channel for coco the Ukrainian 🇺🇦 rescued dog 🐕 😍

[@franceliaroman9612]

I am glad they are helping the pets I was very worried .

[@elsjemassyn8921]

These Ukrainians are absolute heroes taking their pets with them and organisations who are helping these families help their animals are heroes too. Thank you !!!

[@ravenwildchild1721]

I'd never leave my pets I'd die with them But I'd never leave Them! They're my babies. My Family. My best friends.

[@somebodywhocares9293]

These ppl who won't leave their pets, Despite being in war, Are special ppl who have evolved. God Bless them.

[@anyfrazier8297]

Help the helpless, pets are family members don’t leave them behind 🙏🏻

[@Misticasorellaraissa]

Not only the pets. They need to save other animals

[@anyfrazier8297]

@@Misticasorellaraissa absolutely

[@leosunrising]

I couldn’t stand to see the look in my pets eyes telling him I have to leave real quick but I can’t take you with me, sorry baby….Heartbreaking

[@missf4681]

I don't think I could leave mine. It would kill me I'd rather stay with them and take m6 chances with them. They ate my family

[@Tj-dd9ws]

I’d just snatch them be prepared have a cage, crate leashes shots whatever is needed ready in case of emergency always !, no pet should be left behind , normally there’s heads up prior to every disaster !, maybe except tsunami’s ❤️

[@coolgamers2794]

That is just torture. You are better off putting a bullet to your pets head since it would be more merciful than letting your pet starve/dehydrate to death while you safely flee. I could never shoot my own pet even in the face of Armageddon/End of the World. My pet comes with me no matter what even if I got to walk hundreds of miles on foot to safety.

[@Bobsbud100]

My dog is my life. I feel so bad for everyone, animals, The Zoo and other animal sanctuary.

[@Zoza15]

I would never leave my dog behind no matter what..

[@cubicdust3206]

The fact that these people are bringing their animals along with them while fleeing really show does show that they are a right bunch of decent people. And when you compare that to Russians bombing hospitals, residential flats, kindergartens etc....

[@kmccarthy3760]

God bless you all for caring for your pets as they are the best to have with us .Thankyou.

[@ES11777]

It’s beautiful to see people coming together to help the most vulnerable and innocent victims of this war ❤️ I donated as much as I could. Poland is with you Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇵🇱💗

[@JD-iv4jt]

The children are the most innocent victims. They have been ripped for their homes and are in the middle of a war. I love all animals and they are innocent but there are babys and young children cold hungry and scared and their parents are running for their and their childrens life's. 🙏 For the children animals and all the people of Ukraine.

[@SK-su3pt]

Animals should never be abandoned they are family members and innocents. They cannot be left under any circumstances. 🙏

[@nightengale7163]

Bless those offering Vet services. 🙏 I would never leave my pet behind either. Stay strong Ukraine! 🇺🇦💙💛🌻💪

[@louisaelliot2326]

I couldn’t leave pets behind, they are family pets…I’m glad they take pets with them hope will better life for them.

[@elsakimura9187]

My Respect to Ukraine for not leaving their furbabies. They are family. I have 2 dogsI cannot imagine them behind..because they are my life.

[@flowerfairy1950]

Neither they should. Pets are part of the family. My heart weeps for the poor animals including farm animals remaining in Ukraine, not to mention the strays. 💔

[@axlrose5299]

Im crying rn. My heart literally hurt thinking about the innocent lives suffering during this tragedy. I pray for the safety of every one and my condolences to the lives lost 💔

[@bibit3856]

I rather die with my fur baby than leaving her/him behind. My fur baby is my whole heart ♥️

[@mistieblue9]

Exactly this was wonderful to see pets follow their families!

[@annieann6347]

So sad I hope they all get out safe.

[@jessicagarcia7558]

Pets are family.....

[@meaganhall3131]

I would never leave with any of my animals. Ever. And even the people at the zoo down there. They stayed to be with the animals. Instead of leaving the country zoo keepers r living in a shelter or somewhat of one. Well done mate

[@sheltiesongs7378]

There’s no way I could leave my fur babies behind! They are family!

[@doremifasolatido-ro7zs]

I couldn't leave my pets behind either. They are not just animals, they have lives like human too... it is heartbreaking to see innocent animals go through devastating situation such as this, poor furbabies they are terrified and hungry💔 thankful that their parents are not leaving them behind

[@AB-cz4ei]

God bless them. My heart breaks in pieces for the ones that were left behind.

[@pspcraft]

There would not be a reason to leave my pets behind - Not even war.... God Bless those people heros who are saving their pets.

[@susannewilliamsson8339]

Our loved animals are some of the most valueable family members. I am SO proud of each and every country that welcoms pets without any quarantines that can be extremly long, hard and stressful to them. Bravo Europe!

[@chungyi4957]

This San Diego man speaks what is right as an animal advocate.We need to help

[@Troubles0125]

Thank you for helping these families...

[@LB-gj1yd]

I would never leave my pets behind either, they are my family. 💖

[@VitalityMassage]

I'm donating to "Uanimals" on Patreon monthly. Patreon is not taking any fees! Uanimals is distributing the money to different animal sanctuaries and zoos around Ukraine.

[@midnyte6195]

😃🇺🇦 yayyyyyyy

[@charzpak7173]

What's the link?

[@VitalityMassage]

@@charzpak7173 I don't think it will allow me to put a live link. That's why I didn't post one. Just go to Patreon and look it up. Uanimals.

[@charzpak7173]

Humane Society also helping.

[@charzpak7173]

@PHOENIX RISING were born to help n save or destruction come upon us for evil

[@passion777able]

I would have been faced with a difficult situation. At one point, 5 years ago, I had 8 cats!!!! What would I have done? I would NEVER have left them, so we would have stayed together and tried to survive, unable to leave the country. But I would NOT have abandoned my pets. They were my children.

[@chlomyster8526]

Breaks your heart. Thank you animal charity workers in Romania, San Diego and around the world uniting to help save these fur babies.

[@sann5146]

Heartbreaking. Praying for the safety of the pets and their owners 🥺🙏

[@ponyridingirl]

I am with the Ukrainian people who won't leave thier pets behind!! My babies go wherever I go, even my horses!!! I couldnt n wouldnt leave them! As if being forced from your homes by a tyrant trying to wipe you out wasnt bad enough, .. I thought about all those poor critters, not just pets but wild animals n livestock caught in the middle...it breaks my heart to think about it 😭

[@frankie_goestohollywood]

Please don't leave your pet's behind. They are absolutely terrified and don't know how to survive without their family...especially in a war zone. I would rather die than leave my fur babies behind.

[@tokkiwon]

I really appreciate these people taking their pets with them in evacuating due to the dangers brought by the ongoing war. However, I just can't bear to imagine the situations of those stray animals on the streets there in Ukraine with no family belonging to such as those stray dogs and stray cats. It must have been very difficult for them as they are not the same with these other animals that are pets of certain families. It's so heartbreaking to think about it. This war really needs to stop as soon as possible so that everything will be back to normal once again.

[@heidim6468]

Thank you Romania for loving the pets and helping the Ukraine people with there pets. We love you Romania……

[@joannejo8224]

Google romanian public shelters and you'll see how they "love" animals..the worst country for homeless animals..and check how many international organisations are helping in Romania to save as many as they can from there.

[@danielatoma3016]

@@joannejo8224 The people helping pets brought over from Ukraine are Romanian rescues/NGOs, vets and just regular people who want to do something for these animals and they're the same people who have been working very hard to improve the situation of strays/animals in Romanian shelters as well. There are Romanians who love animals, volunteer and adopt from shelters. They are not just openly critical of how public shelters in Romania operate but take active steps in improving the situation. I wish people wouldn't dismiss these efforts

[@marionhenriquet2036]

People escaping from Ukraine are not leaving without their pets, they don't leave without their pets behind and that is a huge lesson of life for us !!! Lesson of love

[@dg4950]

This is simply wonderful, I am extremely happy, we always think about animals in these terrible situations, congratulations to the owners and the work of the NGOs.

[@jfrancobelge]

My 18-month old cat is a beloved member of the family. In a similar situation I would not even think of leaving him behind.

[@eamonflaherty5325]

It's so sad but again so.sweet seeing people taking their pets with them in that crisis, it just shows that peopke really care about their pets and treat them.just like families and having other countries allowing people to bring there pets into other countries and on transport just shows that there r people out there who care not only for the animals but for other people who consider their pets as family.

[@coolgamers2794]

The good news is that not all of the Russian soldiers are bad people. There had been documented cases of Russian soldiers adopting stray pets or those left behind into their own care. In war; pets are a good way to relieve the *Fog of War* and both Ukrainian/Russian soldiers will take care of the pets left behind.

[@josieschulz8123]

Thank you Ukrainian family for doing the right thing pets are part of family life please helpers get and take the remaining pets in Ukraine they need you too🐕🐈🐦and more..❤❤❤

[@dianecook7064]

My love to you all for your humanity it is said "A Nation is judged by how it treats its animals" God Bless you all in Ukraine ♥️👍🙏🌹🐕🐶🐱😻♥️ from UK

[@valentinacardona173]

OMG thank you to all good human beings out there who refuse to let their animals behind in that horrible war they are suffering too along with the humans . Thanks to every volunteer, societies helping both animals and people

[@1313sp]

Luckily my dog is only 15 lbs and I already have a carrier I can use in case we need to evacuate in an emergency. I feel so much for those with larger animals who are harder to carry.

[@claudiacanales2662]

This evacuation is so much more complicated for those with larger breed pets. God be with them in their journey! 💜

[@yvonnebondoc8707]

Our pet is our family. They’re around on happy & sad situation. Its hearthwarming. May god blessed them.

[@abigailalvarado611]

Take the animals with you. Please!!!!!!! San Diego Humane Society, You are doing a beautiful work.🦮🐕‍🦺🐕🐈‍⬛🐈😺

[@oceanwaves9584]

Thanks so much for helping the innocent animals too 💞💞🇺🇦

[@alemlaao9360]

So good to see the commitment to their pets. Pets are family!

[@seviregis7441]

God bless these wonderful people and their precious animal companions. They’re family members too. Let’s all help.

[@vivianehumbert174]

Peuple de braves sur de nombreux plans. Des gens plein d’humanité et très instruits. Un exemple pour beaucoup d’autres . Merci merci vous êtes formidable réactif patriote et vous n’oubliez pas vos animaux. Je donne pour eux aussi. Je vous aime je vous soutiens

[@claudiacanales2662]

As dog/pet owners we understand the deep love we feel for our pets! Praying for the people and animals of Ukraine 💜😢🙏🏼

[@SayHelloToOblivion]

I wouldn't leave my pets behind either. They are family. Thank you, CBS 8, for bringing us this story. I donated to both Humane Society International and also directly to the Romanian animal group featured here (Casa Lui Patrocle) via their website using Paypal. They seem to do a lot of work in Romania to help with animal welfare. 💕

[@carlotorizar0703]

The saddest part is that these pets wouldn't be able to shout at the top of their lungs and verbally ask for help, though they're also devastated and scared of the events that are unfolding. So, props to those people who are bringing their pets with them and to those, who are helping.

[@kyakpasaa]

thank you for helping them

[@laurelaston3107]

May you be covered with Blessings and Protection. We Love you. Thank you for your Kindness and loyalty to these little animals. This is a great show of strength and strong character. This Demonstration of Love is an inspiration to everyone ❤.

[@ellensc-hawley3720]

bless all people who are there for the pets they need love, food, care they are so so special

[@bluejeans5125]

That is one of the things we talk at home we have two cats 8kg and 4,5kg and a dog, when I see a family with their pets melt my heart they makes us happy in the worst moments!!! they are therapy!!

[@Tj-dd9ws]

God Bless you all !, 🙏🏾♥️praying for you !, so proud of you all that are bringing your Pets with you! No matter what ! They are family and cannot fend for themselves ! Let this be an example to the ones in the world that leave their pets in time of turmoil! No pet should ever be left behind, they are defenseless and rely on us for care and help 🙏🏾♥️♥️

[@MsCruzan]

No way I would leave my furbaby behind. She is family and has been with me through thick and thin. If I go, she has to come with me, no matter what.

[@MariaGarcia-mq3rr]

Amen help the Animals To move on with there Family's. Thank u for ur help God bless u All.

[@eamonngaynor5762]

I am so delighted that the animals are being taken care of as an animal lover myself this puts a song in my heart I am estatic

[@j.artiste8596]

Pets are family. These people have lost so much. They need their pets for comfort!

[@tipton3314]

Thank you so much to all helpers for giving aid to those poor people and pets, respect to you all ❤

[@claire2470]

...i have 11 dogs and 6 puppies, nobody will be left behind - they are a member of the family. . .if we need to walk miles after miles then so be it as long as we are together. . . KEEP ON PRAYING FOR LOVE♥️ AND PEACE🕊...

[@returnoftheromans6726]

I would refuse, too. Heck! My family lugged a cat half-way across America and back. She lived a full life, and I wouldn't have changed it for the world. No way would I leave a pet behind to suffer the consequences of stupid decisions made by people who never existed to them in the first place. The worst betrayal would be to leave them.

[@milagunther7073]

I want to donate for the animals!! Thank you for the links !

[@litozcar]

Heroes for not forgetting their fur babies... lots of love from Australia

[@FALL2024CALIFORNIA]

GOD BLESS THIS PEOPLE HELPING UKRAINIANS WITH THEIR PETS...💞

[@오세륜]

Even myself wouldnt leave my pets behind...i love my pets..they are my family too 🥺 God bless you pet owners!! Please dont leave your pets!

[@lynembry1556]

Pets are not pets they are family. Just that simple

[@gulamvira3644]

God bless you wonderful people to rescue this innocent helpless voiceless animals who never expected such a hell will fall upon them and worst part is to gets the animals separated from their loved ones who never expected this nasty war will bring. God be with all the organisations for their outstanding contributions and may they receive the donations from good animals lovers.love from Tanzania

[@TH8007]

Pets are family and should never be left behind! They depend on us their parents for food, shelter, companionship, protection, and love. I thank those not leaving their babies behind and hope to the goddess that the ones staying behind with the larger farm and or wild animals are safe.

[@affordablewebsiterescue]

I'm so worried about all the animals

[@HarleenMokha]

My heart is tearing up….😢

[@Sandy-dd5jz]

Please, let pet owners take their pets, Pets are family members it brakes my hearth what's happening to Ukraine

[@ltee2261]

Such a horrible situation. 😢

[@queenbeedat8726]

God bless everyone who saved animals..🙏🙏🙏

[@barbaraferdon1372]

Bravo 👏👏👏👏 This is a great deed 👍😍❤️🇺🇸

[@BedfordFalls7]

I have three dogs. And no way could I leave them behind. I'd stay to the end.

[@teresamoreno6650]

The Ukrainian people have love in there hearts even in dark days of war !!! May God bless y’all people country have mercy !!! Be strong keep the faith Ukrainian people!!! ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@angelavigil7400]

I don't blame any of them, I wouldn't leave my pet either....Not in a million years!!

[@ingeliseolsen1450]

I've been worried about the pets and am so glad to know that they are taken along out of the country

[@rebecca25forthearts58]

The Zoo in Kyiv needs help , can anybody that has connections in the European zoo world try to contact them . They haven’t posted anything for 5 days .

[@stephans2974]

I will never leave my pet behind. That’s family to me.

[@lunkis3233]

Don't leave your fury family behind. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

[@pohanahawaii]

🐾 I was wondering about pets and animals in Ukraine. So glad some owners took their pets with them! Thank you to those charities on the ground! Will donate to Animals International 🐾

[@LMCSM]

I'm sitting here on my bed with my beloved cat Lily next to me, her little paw on my arm, which is her way of comfort, knowing I am always there beside her. I couldn't leave her behind. I'd literally risk my life for her. Pets are invaluable to people and my heart breaks seeing people refusing to leave their pets behind ❤️

[@eclectictomboy6873]

Thank you! So heartbreaking.