In the midst of Russia’s invasion, cats and dogs in Ukraine have emerged as not only companions but also conduits of support and assistance, ranging from raising funds to detecting explosives.
Patron, a dog trained to detect mines, stands among these remarkable creatures. While serving the Ukrainian state emergency service, his mine-clearing expertise and undeniable charm have garnered him an extensive online following, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
This alliance between animals and Ukrainians is not confined to the realm of reality alone; cartoon animals are also joining the effort, offering emotional succor and practical counsel through their social media profiles. Their counsel encompasses navigating the emotional tribulations caused by war and guidance on handling explosive devices.
Patron, with his invaluable skills, has had the privilege of meeting dignitaries and luminaries who visited Kyiv. This illustrious list includes the likes of Orlando Bloom from “Lord of the Rings,” UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Ukraine’s postal service even immortalized the canine hero on stamps, and President Volodymyr Zelensky presented him with a medal of “dedicated service.” The partnership has proved to be more than symbolic; Patron’s encounters with foreign dignitaries have facilitated the procurement of crucial mine-clearing equipment for Ukraine’s emergency services.
Behind Patron’s altruistic efforts is his owner and handler, Mykhaylo Ilyev. The Jack Russell terrier has actively participated in fundraising initiatives for war-affected individuals, particularly his fellow comrades who sustained injuries while clearing mines. He has also lent his aid to charitable collections for animals in need.
Ilyev emphasizes, “Our little friends are going through a rough time after being abandoned or injured. We realize that they also want to live and that they need help.”
On Instagram, Patron’s account offers more than just captivating snapshots of the charismatic canine. It serves as a wellspring of hope, inspiration, and guidance for Ukrainians grappling with the harrowing realities of conflict.
“Hold onto hope. Hope matters. We hope that this will be over soon. We hope that victory is near. We hope that people won’t be killed anymore. Sometimes hope is all we’ve got,” one of his posts imparts.
“Maintain hope, I implore you. Now, allow me to share a hopeful lick!”
Beyond his online presence, Patron is also featured in a cartoon series aimed at educating children about the perils posed by unexploded munitions.
Despite Patron’s newfound celebrity, his commitment to his mine-sniffing duties remains unwavering, asserts Mr. Ilyev.
Meanwhile, another furry influencer, Stepan the cat, hails from Saltivka, a district in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, severely affected by Russian shelling.
Stepan’s journey started as an adorably endearing internet cat, but in the wake of Russia’s invasion, his Instagram account evolved into more than just a visual delight; it evolved into a platform that voices commentary on the war.
The account transitioned to Ukrainian, a conscious shift from its prior use of Russian. This adjustment mirrored a broader trend across Ukraine as citizens adopted Ukrainian as a response to Russia’s incursion.
Anna, Stepan’s owner, reflects, “We’ve all changed mentally after seeing what sort of thing this ‘Russian world’ really is,” referring to Russia’s concept to rationalize its foreign interventions ostensibly in support of Russian speakers.
“Ukrainian is part of my life and the life of my country and nation,” she declares.
With a robust Instagram following of 1.3 million, Stepan’s account uses its influence for a greater good. It has mobilized its popularity to aid animals adversely affected by the war. Last year, the account helped generate nearly 15,000 euros (£12,900), which was allocated to provisions like food, medicine, and care.
Following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine, Stepan’s account aided in collecting funds for evacuating animals from inundated zones. Moreover, it participated in a fundraising initiative to restore a library impaired by shelling in Kharkiv.
