Never Abandon Your Own

– Mahatma Gandhi

Ukraine, the Russian invasion and bombardment has killed thousands of pets, deprived them of their homes, or separated them from their families. In Russia as well, the impact of war, while less harrowing, has made innocent victims of pets and their owners.

Many people felt compelled to leave Russia after the country’s “special military operation” was launched. Some had time to prepare, while others left in a hurry, fearing persecution from the Powers That Be. Such departures were particularly hard on pet owners, since transporting animals adds a huge amount of paperwork and logistical complications to an already difficult process. And not every animal can survive an airplane trip, particularly in the baggage compartment. As a result, many owners decided to leave their pets behind when they fled Russia. But some decided they could not abandon their furry friends. As the patriotic catchphrase goes: Мы своих не бросаем – We don’t abandon our own. Here we share some of their stories.