The U-Hearts Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of abandoned animals in Eastern Europe. Since its inception, the foundation has provided over 1900 tonnes of food and nearly 59 000 vaccines and medications to support shelters and volunteers across Ukraine. Their initiatives focus on delivering essential resources, and medical care, and promoting adoption to help stray dogs and cats. By collaborating with local shelters and international partners, U-Hearts ensures that animals affected by conflict receive the care they need.
Olha Zaitseva: Over 600 Lives Saved
Originally from Dnipro, Olha Zaitseva left her profession as an economist to assist in frontline areas during the full-scale invasion. Initially evacuating people, she soon recognized the plight of animals left behind. Expanding her mission, Olha began rescuing not only dogs and cats but also goats, turtles, and hamsters.
To date, she has rescued over 450 dogs, 150 cats, 2 turtles, 7 hamsters, and a lot of goats. Her unwavering commitment exemplifies the foundation’s mission to help homeless pets.
Personal Sacrifices for Animal Welfare
Volunteers like Olha Zaitseva often face personal risks in their mission to help homeless pets. While working in the city of Selydove, Olha sustained injuries leading to hearing difficulties in her left ear. Despite these challenges, her dedication remains unwavering, highlighting the profound commitment required in animal rescue efforts.
An Animal Shelter Story: “Vsi Khvostyky” Shelter
Oksana Shabaltas and Anna Borodatova, co-founders of the “Vsi Khvostyky” shelter, have been rescuing animals since childhood. In 2012, Oksana officially began her rescue work after saving a severely ill street cat. By 2019, they established a permanent shelter, providing a cozy environment for animals in need.
Each animal is sterilized, vaccinated, and tested for major infections. The shelter also supports international adoptions, partnering with organizations in Germany.
Community Engagement and Support
Community involvement plays a pivotal role in the success of animal rescue initiatives. Without any shadow of a doubt, it is crucial to engage in providing assistance to stray animals. By uniting joint efforts, there arises a higher chance of rescuing a larger amount of fluffies.
For instance, the U-Heart Foundation possesses 13 coordination centers across Ukraine which have been facilitating the distribution of aid since 2022 due to their unity and organizational skills. The following assistance is provided to shelters and other charity organizations.
A significant role in a majority of procedures plays coordinators. Without their contribution, we wouldn’t be able to fully understand the exact needs, and the situation in different regions, or maintain direct communication.
Lilu the Cat
On July 20, 2024, the team received a call about an injured cat hit by a car. Upon arrival, they found that the cat, later named Lilu, was already at a clinic and facing euthanasia due to severe injuries. Oksana and Anna intervened just in time, advocating for her treatment. After surgery and a lengthy recovery, Lilu not only survived but also found her forever home in Germany six months later.
Shelter Support and Winter Relief
The U-Hearts Foundation has been instrumental in providing winter relief to shelters across Ukraine. Collaborating with partners like Greater Good Charities, they have helped winterize over 120 shelters, ensuring animals have warm and safe environments during harsh conditions. This initiative is a testament to their commitment to help homeless pets.
Collaborative Efforts Amplify Impact
The success of the U-Hearts Foundation is amplified through collaborations with other organizations and volunteers. For instance, together with @cleanfuturesfund, we took part in a sterilisation mission in Slavutych.
As Erik, co-founder of CFF, shared with us, during previous missions some of the vets who came to help couldn’t resist and ended up taking a few pups home with them. That’s how the idea of a small rehoming campaign for the Chornobyl strays was born — even Erik himself became a pet parent, giving a home to two dogs with brilliant names: Pravik and Dva.
Such partnerships are crucial in the collective mission to help stray dogs and cats, ensuring that resources reach those in dire need.
Join Us in Helping Homeless Pets
The stories of Olha, Oksana, Anna, and Lilu highlight the profound impact of dedicated individuals and organizations working to help homeless pets. Through rescue efforts and shelter support, the U-Hearts Foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of countless animals.
Your support can amplify these efforts. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, you can play a role in ensuring that every animal receives the care and love they deserve.
