In the midst of the upheaval in war-torn Ukraine, a resilient soul named Henry, a mixed-breed pup, faced not one but two near-death experiences. His remarkable journey, marked by destruction and despair, unfolded as a testament to the extraordinary efforts of a British charity.
The Kakhovka dam in Kherson crumbled, unleashing floods that engulfed the landscape. In the heart-wrenching aftermath, footage captured the desperate state of a shattered building, where Henry clung to life. Against the grim backdrop of missiles dropping, a team of rescuers embarked on a perilous mission to save this brave canine in June.
To evade the rising floodwaters, Henry summoned incredible courage, doggy-paddling to the remnants of a bombed-out structure protruding from the waters. Gregg Tully, Country Director for Save The Dogs, vividly recalled discovering Henry amidst the rubble—collapsed, exhausted, and barely conscious.
Rescued from the aftermath of the dam’s explosion, Henry was covered in a toxic sludge that washed out with the floodwaters. Transported to a clinic in Odesa, Poland, he underwent intensive, round-the-clock treatment for chemical burns caused by the hazardous residue.
Yet, Henry’s journey through adversity didn’t conclude there. The very clinic providing his care fell victim to a Russian bombing. Miraculously, Henry and his fellow animals emerged unharmed, and he was swiftly relocated to another clinic, continuing his path to recovery.
Four months later, Henry’s story took a heartwarming turn. Save the Dogs and Other Animals, supported by Blue Cross’s Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund, orchestrated a new beginning for him. Henry, once a symbol of resilience, found himself in the warm embrace of a loving home.
“He obviously loves people and is a really happy dog,” expressed his new owner, Anya, from Poland. The inspiring videos of Henry’s journey, from the depths of floodwaters to the joy of a new home, left an indelible mark on those who witnessed his transformation.
Liliana Pacheco, Director of Community Engagement at Save The Dogs, shared that Henry now thrives in Poland, going from strength to strength under the care of his dedicated owner, Anya. Overcoming the trauma of war, Henry embodies the spirit of resilience and the extraordinary bond between humans and their faithful companions.