Nastya Tikhaya, who assists her parents in running an animal refuge in Irpin, near Kyiv, is being hailed a hero for assisting abandoned and handicapped animals to flee the war-torn territory.
She is assisting animals left behind by their owners as well as homeless animals cross the border into Poland with her husband, Arthur Lee.
A photo of her escorting many canines out of damaged Irpin, including several in wheelchairs, went viral and epitomizes unconditional devotion.
Russian soldiers demolished the bridge over the Irpin River, but luckily Ukrainian territorial defense personnel were present to assist the dogs in crossing.
The majority of the dogs were either handicapped or older citizens who were weary by the voyage. After trekking for several kilometres, they needed to be carried across the river. Some of the older dogs were abandoned by their owners when they left, but Nastya and her husband refused to forsake them.
When questioned why she chose to preserve the “ill” dogs, Nastya told Newsflare, “These are my bunnies [lovelies].” So, should I abandon them? What’s the difference between being ill and being healthy? Their lives are no less precious. They’re all excellent. By the way, these invalids have endured a great deal at the hands of man.”
The popular photo was uploaded on her animal shelter’s Instagram page to demonstrate that there is no excuse to abandon dogs. They not only saved the crippled and senior canines, but they also managed to transport additional animals. “For all individuals, or rather non-humans, who say they can’t take a cat or a dog with them, that it doesn’t work, and leave the animal!” wrote the shelter.
Take a look at how our Nastya departed Irpen! A few kilometers on foot, with dogs and cats! Even chameleons, turtles, hamsters, and spiders were able to survive.”
However, their task is far from done.
The terrain is unsafe to travel, and no pharmaceuticals are accessible to treat injured or ill canines. As the pair continues to collect dogs and cats from the streets and organize transportation to Poland, Nastya begs for assistance.
As they care for the abandoned creatures, they are in critical need of cat and dog food.
Thanks to the heroic couple and other helpers, many dogs and cats are safe in Poland. Shelters took them in, and some of the dogs were even reunited with their owners.