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Showing posts with the label Ukraine

Cats in War 9: Helping the Animals in Ukraine

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  This is the next post in a series of Caturday posts about cats trapped in war zones . Cats are not political (nor are dogs or any other animal for that matter--nor, generally, the people caring for them, nor this post). In peace and where people watch out for them, cats enjoy being loved and learn to return love. Yet, cats (and other animals) do get find themselves struggling in war zones. They, just like people who have done nothing to bring harm to anyone else but just happen to live there, suffer the consequences of evil descending unexpectedly from sources external to them. Like people, cats and other animals suffer when they are homeless and without food or winter. And they are often completely forgotten when war (or natural disaster, for that matter -- they drown in floods and burn in fires) breaks out. Like people, they have to dodge bullets, bombs, and other dangers. Unlike people, they are often not calculated into humanitarian outreach efforts Network for Animals helps anim

A Caturday Post: Cats in War 2: Mohamed Mosa Mo's Rescue of Animals in Gaza

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  Finally, the second post in the series of Caturday posts about cats trapped in war zones. Cats are not political (nor are dogs or any other animal for that matter--nor, generally, the people caring for them, nor this post). In peace and where people watch out for them, cats enjoy being loved and learn to return love. Yet, cats (and other animals) do get find themselves struggling in war zones. They, just like people who have done nothing to bring harm to anyone else but just happen to live there, suffer the consequences of evil descending unexpectedly from sources external to them. Like people, cats and other animals suffer when they are homeless and without food or winter. And they are often completely forgotten when war (or natural disaster, for that matter -- they drown in floods and burn in fires) breaks out. Like people, they have to dodge bullets, bombs, and other dangers. Unlike people, they are often not calculated into humanitarian outreach efforts In this post, we share the

Cancer Diary: The Convoy of Life

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  In early 2022, Zelensky's wife, Olena (the first lady of Ukraine) asked for help, to find a safe place for children with cancer to die. She worked with the first ladies of other countries, e.g. Jill Biden for the USA. An American hospital, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and 21 countries responded. They organized departure from Ukraine for 1300 children from March through May 2022 -- though it was not anywhere near as easy as it sounds (and it does not sound easy at all). They made their way to a children's hospital in Lviv, then crossed into Poland, and boarded a medical train for a triage center in an empty hotel in Kielce in the Polish countryside. After that, they went on to their final destinations in various countries, generally by air flights.  Watch the poignant story on CBS 60 Minutes: The Convoy of Life . One takeaway (of several): "Kindness wins." For other Cancer Diary posts, click  HERE . Blog editor's note: As a memorial to Carl, and simply becau

Ukrainian Woman Saves Abandoned Animals - A Remarkable Story of Courage and Caring

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  (ohoto of "Crmiean Tom") Natalia Popova, 50, continues to travel into war zones where she has already located and rescued hundreds of animals, before she rehabilitates them and finds them a permanent home  elsewhere in Europe. "No one wants to go there. Everyone is afraid. I am also scared, but I go anyway," Popova said. "I feel very sorry for them. I can imagine the stress animals are under because of the war, and no one can help them." "They are my life," she added "My mission in this war is to save wild animals." Read and hear the fuller story HERE .                                         Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter                           Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .

Network for Animals Shares Happy Ending for One Little Dog in Ukraine

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  Those who rescue street animals and pets in Ukraine abandoned by killed and fleeing owners (though many fleeing owners successfully take their pets with them, not all are able to do that) need prayers -- and donations. They take risks every day -- not only from bombs but also from possible capture by invading Russian troops. However, there ARE some happy endings. Here is one of them . If you are like me, there is little you can do from afar -- but donations CAN help fund the work of those who are near. Please consider even a dollar or two if you can. Network for Animals is one of the few organizations that is able to take funds directly from non-Ukraine sources. And yes, I know it is Caturday, and this is about a dog -- but they rescue cats, too!                                  Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter                           Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .  

Caturday Update on Animal Rescues in Ukraine

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  According to the Network for Animals, Polish authorities are not accepting rescued animals into Poland. However, rescue workers are able to get food and water to them in many cases -- and they continue to need donations. HERE is a link to the the NFA for more details. Read more Caturday posts HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter.

A Caturday Special Request from Network for Animals

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  We received this note from Network for Animals (NFA), which is doing great work worldwide, and, now especially, in Ukraine to help abandoned, sick, and desperate animals. Perhaps there are others out there, who read Caturday posts, who would like to join us either in donating or in following the suggestions in this note from NFA. While it’s fact that making a difference and saving animals costs money and lots of it,  we are  NOT  writing today to ask for a donation .   The Ukraine conflict is one of the worst crises we have seen since World War II. As people fled the embattled country, many animals were left abandoned, terrified, injured and starving on war-torn streets. These are the smallest, voiceless victims of war, and it’s critical that we stand together as animal lovers and unite to provide as much help to these poor, innocent animals as possible. Today we are not asking for a donation, but for your help with another vital component of our work; it's called Facebook Fundra

Update on Cats and Dogs in Ukraine

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With the current freezing conditions and the increased bombing, the situation in Ukraine is becoming more dire, but the  Network for Animals  continues to feed abandoned animals, support shelters, and help the injured. It must be heartbreaking and gut-wrenching to have to leave a pet behind; knowing that care is being given by NFA has to be just a little reassuring. But NFA cannot take care of all those wonderful critters without help, especially monetary assistance. At its website, click on the video icon to listen to the director's appeal and get an auditory and visual update on what is happening, what help is being given, and what help is needed. There continues to be grave concern that at some point the supply chain will be cut off, so a major effort is being made to gather in as many supplies as possible now. Even just a few dollars can help. All too often, when humanitarian aid is gathered for people, the animals are forgotten. Both people and animals need help. Please consid

A Special Request on Caturday for Cats (and Dogs) in Ukraine

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  Network for Animal s in Ukraine are begging for donations while there is still time. They need to stockpile food while they still can, as well as medical supplies. Well, here is one of their notes: We are finding ways to channel food to countless abandoned animals who face  death by bomb blasts, airstrikes and enemy fire . Two days ago, we managed to get roughly 1.3 tons (1,300 kilograms) of food to hungry tummies, as well as provide medical supplies. Yesterday, we delivered another two tons (2,000 kilograms) of food, and today we hope to do even better. The Russians are closing in and supply lines are closing. The animals need your help NOW! We don’t know how much longer we can maintain our supply routes as the Russians close in. This makes what I am about to say even more URGENT:  Please, donate right now  to Network for Animals, while there is still a chance to rush emergency aid and food to desperate animals.  We are their only hope. They are feeding about 2 tons of food a day. A

A Question for Caturday: Can you, will you, help the cats (and dogs) left homeless in Ukraine?

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  War and natural disasters create atrocious living circumstances not only for the people caught in the vortex but also for their pets, who are not used to foraging for themselves, have not built up the skills for survival, and are met with austere conditions too frequently too overwhelming to support their efforts to stay alive. Ukrainians are devoted to their pets; having to leave them behind may look like desertion but in a blitzkrieg style war can be the only option to helping ensure a fleeing family itself survives -- and is likely gut-wrenching. Many families are scooping up their pets. Some cannot, and their pets are now on the streets. Network for Animals is stepping in and doing the best it can to take care of animals left behind. It needs help. Help = money. Any amount; US dollars stretch farther there than here. Network for Animals is registered in a number of countries, including Brazil, the USA, and UK, as a reputable charity, and contributions are considered tax deductibl