Discover how the U-Hearts Foundation works to help stray dogs and cats and how ordinary people become heroes for homeless pets. Three real stories of love, responsibility, and hope—from volunteers who change lives every day. Join our initiative and help shelters make a difference!
How We, the U-Hearts Foundation, Help Stray Dogs and Cats in Ukraine
Every day, thousands of stray animals in Ukraine need food, medical care, warmth, and love. The U-Hearts Foundation has been working for years to help homeless pets find new homes, receive necessary treatment, and feel cared for. Our mission is to unite the efforts of volunteers, shelters, and compassionate people to ensure no animal is left behind.
We support volunteers who go out daily to feed, heal, and socialize stray cats and dogs. The foundation provides financial assistance to animal shelters, organizes fundraisers for the treatment of seriously ill animals, and runs spay/neuter and vaccination campaigns. Every rescue story is the result of collective effort, love, and belief in a better world.
Today, we want to share three inspiring animal shelter stories that show how ordinary people become true heroes for animals. These stories are about the power of love, responsibility, and compassion.
Animal Shelter Story: Alla Stavniychuk — 20 Years of Love for Stray Cats
Alla Stavniychuk’s journey as a volunteer began over 20 years ago with a single cat named Tikhon. While walking her dog, she often saw the same lonely cat. She started feeding him, gave him a name, and soon more cats joined. Today, Alla cares for about 100 stray cats in her neighborhood.
Every day, she brings food and water, provides medical treatment, and ensures all the animals are sterilized. For her, this is not just about feeding—it’s about responsibility and humanity. Among her many rescues are Sonya, a once-fearful cat who slowly learned to trust, and Marta, a sick kitten who eventually found a loving family in Germany.
Alla says that the animals’ complete helplessness motivates her most:
“They depend on us for everything. When I see that my actions save a life, it gives me the strength to go on.”
Her story is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of homeless pets.
Animal Shelter Story: Linda Strautman — Art and Compassion for Stray Animals
Linda Strautman, an art expert and founder of the “House of Artists Gallery” and its charitable foundation, has been helping animals for years through financial support to shelters and volunteers. In 2020, she organized Odesa’s first charity art exhibition to raise funds for elderly and disabled animals.
Since the start of the war, Linda has personally taken on the daily care of street cats. Today, she looks after around 80 cats living in courtyards, near the sea slopes, and in the military sanatorium area. All are sterilized and receive medical care.
One of her most touching rescues is Murka, a cat hit by a car in 2021. Though vets suggested euthanasia, Linda refused. With the help of friends, she raised funds for three surgeries and long rehabilitation. Murka survived and was adopted by a caring neighbor. Sadly, after her adopter’s passing, Murka is once again without a permanent home – but Linda continues to support her.
Her motivation is simple and powerful: “Love.” Linda’s story shows how creativity and compassion can come together to help stray dogs and cats in need.
Animal Shelter Story: Natalia Shribak — Honoring Memory Through Rescue
Natalia Shribak, originally from Horlivka, has been caring for animals for the past five years. She currently shelters 20 animals in her home and provides food, treatment, and sterilization for around 70 cats and 30 dogs on the streets.
Her compassion was inspired by her father, who loved animals deeply. After his passing, helping strays became Natalia’s way to cope and to honor his memory. Over the years, she has personally helped more than 500 animals.
One story stands out: a kitten named Veiti, diagnosed with leukemia. Vets advised euthanasia, but Natalia fought for her life. With community support, Veiti received treatment and was later adopted by a family who took her to Romania, where she now lives a happy and playful life.
Natalia says,
“Even if I just feed one stray kitten or puppy, it means I made its life better today. That is what keeps me going.”
Her dream is a Ukraine where every person treats animals with compassion and care.
The Power of Community: How Small Actions Create Big Change
Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement to help stray dogs and cats. When individuals come together—whether through local initiatives, online fundraisers, or awareness campaigns—the impact is profound. Communities all across Ukraine have shown that collective effort can transform the lives of homeless pets. From organizing food drives to building temporary shelters, these grassroots actions provide immediate relief and long-term hope. The U-Hearts Foundation actively supports such initiatives, believing that real change starts with people who refuse to look away.
Join Us in Making a Difference and Help Homeless Pets
These stories are just a few examples of how dedication and love can transform the lives of homeless pets. The U-Hearts Foundation believes that everyone can contribute – whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word.
Help homeless pets today. Support local shelters, volunteer your time, or donate to organizations that make a real difference. Every meal, every kind word, and every shared story brings us closer to a world where no animal suffers alone. The U-Hearts Foundation invites you to join this mission: together, we can create a brighter future for all animals.
