Rescue 'Tails'

Nick

Nick was found suffering in terrible pain on a street in Kyiv.  He had an ear infection that, if left untreated, would have killed him. The ear infection was so severe, it had begun to creep into his eyes, effecting his eyesight, and he had a dangerously high fever.

After careful examination, it became apparent that Nick needed specialist treatment that the Kyiv Shelter veterinarian was not able to perform - it required specialised knowledge and tools, both of which are costly. Thankfully though, a private veterinarian offered to do the surgery for a reduced price. Not only did she carry out the surgery, but she also looked after Nick for the following week, to ensure he responded well to the operation and made a good recovery.

Though Nick requires daily treatment for his ear, he is going to live! He is settling in well at the shelter, and has made friends with the dogs that live in the enclosure with him. There was huge concern he wouldn’t survive the winter, but thanks to the dedication and compassion of the shelter staff, Nick is now enjoying being loved and cared for again. 

Milo

Milo used to live at the Borodyanka dog pound, otherwise known as the Budka (killing factory).  During a visit to the dog pound, John Ruane (Director of Naturewatch) noticed a dog quivering at the back of a cold, damp and dark cell that stank of urine and faeces (image right).  John was immediately concerned for the dog's health and demanded the pound Director to release the dog into John's care, so he could take him to the Kyiv Shelter for treatment.  
 
After much debate, John finally managed to rescue him, and named him Milo.  John then drove Milo two hours to the shelter where he received food, water and veterinary treatment.  The vets did a fantastic job caring for Milo, and claimed had it not been for John he would have soon died due to starvation, thirst and his 41°C temperature.
 
After his ordeal at Borodyanka, it took Milo a long time to settle and begin to trust people again.  Thankfully though, he is now thriving at the shelter.  He shares a large enclosure with three other dogs and every time we visit the shelter we can see a huge improvement with his confidence (image left).  

Afra

Afra, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, was abandoned for two weeks after her owner was imprisoned on drug dealing charges.
 
With the help of the police and her local MP, Tamara Tarnawska (President of the Kyiv Shelter) broke into the owner's home and found Afra tied to a radiator on a two metre length of chain with no food or water.  She was so weak she couldn't even stand up by herself - it was amazing she was alive (image right).
  
To add to this, Afra's ears had been cut and shaped, which is a procedure often performed by owners to make their dogs look more aggressive.  It is illegal and very painful for the dog.
 
Once safe at the Kyiv shelter (image left), Afra was treated with fluids, vitamins and fed small amounts of food every hour until she regained her strength, and the staff are now helping her regain her trust in people.  This is a massive feat given her past, but Natasha (Shelter Manager) and the rest of the team are whole-heartedly committed and will ensure Afra never has to go hungry, thirsty, nor endure any form of cruelty again. 
 

Lollik

Tamara, the President of the Kyiv Shelter, was crossing the border between Ukraine and Russia when she noticed a stray dog that was in severe pain as a result of a crushed leg.
 
Even though the Customs Officers were barely aware of the dog before Tamara's interest, and clearly didn't care whether she lived or died, Tamara was forced to bribe them US $100 in order to rescue her.  If Tamara hadn't paid the bribe, Lollik would have slowly died - her crushed leg was badly infected and she was too weak to find food.
 
Tamara brought Lollik back to the Kyiv Shelter where she was treated by the vet.   She had to have her leg amputated, but thankfully she has made a full recovery, and she is now enjoying a safe and contented life at the shelter.