Updates on NBRF’s Ongoing Rescue Efforts in Ukraine
So much has happened in so little time, it is challenging to know exactly where to begin. From the moment the conflict in Ukraine commenced, the NBRF team began searching for, connecting with, and setting up a network of volunteers abroad who were willing to offer assistance in the rescue, relocation, supplying, and financial support of our beloved breed. In ways that have literally moved us to tears, the borzoi community has rallied to be a part of in this herculean effort. Your generosity has been overwhelming and we wanted our readers to know how your donations have been put to good use in Ukraine.
Within days of the beginning and with the situation quickly escalating, we transported our first two borzoi evacuees aptly named Peace (Myr) and Hope. They were moved from the Ukrainian interior safely across the border into Southern Russia where they are being lovingly fostered before moving on to their forever homes.
Next came the rescue of eight puppies from Borispol. They were signed over to NBRF. We arranged and paid for their safe transport to the Slovakian/Ukrainian border. They are being fostered and rehomed in Eastern Europe.
The same week, six more borzoi were surrendered to NBRF. There were active discussions with numerous others in need as people tried to determine if and what and how they were going to move themselves, their families, and their beloved pets to safety.
With so many dogs in motion and circumstances that changed by the minute quite literally, and so many unknowns and uncertainty from several areas of active bombing, a three woman delegation which included NBRF’s Director, a Placement Coordinator, and a long-time supporter and translator packed their bags and traveled to Hungary. Each individual paid for their own last-minute airfare and other incidental travel expenses. Although unplanned, the trip was good because it put the trio in the time zone where the action was taking place, greatly assisting in communication and coordination. It also gave them the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the volunteers that were working with us. The NBRF team was able to collect the 6 borzoi on the Ukrainian side at the Slovakian border. Because the number was too great for one transport vehicle, the team was met by our foster family. All six dogs were safely transported to their home in Hungary. Five of those dogs have since moved on to Italy. Our wonderful partner, SOS Levrieri, arranged for private transfer of those borzoi – a door to door service. A terrific gentleman, Dominic, drove from Ireland to Hungary to pick up 5/6ths of the fosters and then drove them directly to Italy for drop off before heading back home to Ireland. Talk about a road warrior! We are incredibly thankful for SOS Levrieri's consistency in going above and beyond.
One of the rescues will remain behind in Hungary. Edit, the Hungarian foster mom, has fallen in love with Sasha, a special needs borzoi. Sasha, in turn, has fallen madly in love with Edit. Sasha will remain in Edit’s loving care for the rest of his days as a permanent foster. NBRF will continue to cover the expenses for this special rescue.
In addition to our coordination and facilitation of evacuation plans to points outside of Ukraine, NBRF has assisted with relocations in-country. We are helping individuals, groups, and shelters to get the necessities they need to survive. This includes, but is not limited to, money, food, supplies, and medicine. Well over 4,000 pounds of dog food has been purchased and delivered at the time of this writing. Supplies are running low and we will be making an additional bulk purchase shortly. NBRF is working with Ivan, a true hero, to get these supplies out to those in need. When he is not working for his job, Ivan is transporting provisions, people, dogs, medicine, crates, etc. His commitment to our shared objective has been unbelievable and we are very, very lucky to have him as a volunteer.
Along with a sighthound rescue, NBRF contributed to the cost of transport for one lady and her 7 dogs (including borzoi, saluki, and horcha) to travel to safety in Poland after her house was bombed well beyond “livable condition.”
In every way we are able, NBRF has assisted individuals, people with dogs, and breeders with a dozen or more dogs. The backstories and circumstances are varied. Some do not want to leave. Some want to leave but they cannot because the area is occupied or travel is too dangerous. Others prefer to wait it out. Many have headed west, away from the big cities. Those in need know, if and when the time comes for them to evacuate, we are here for them for both transport and assistance with financial needs. Several times we have been told by these people to “use the money to help someone else in need.” We have been told, “I have somewhere to go. Please use that money to help someone who has NOWHERE to go.” The kindness and integrity of the Ukrainian people has been so touching. In the midst of war and chaos, they so much pride and compassion as well as a seeming unending amount of empathy for others. It is awe-inspiring.
We remain in constant communication with people in Ukraine, with our volunteers, with fosters, and those who transport. We are ready and willing to meet the needs as they arise. We are able to do this because of your donations. This was a record setting outpouring. More than 250 individual people made donations to support Ukraine! That is truly amazing! We also received donations from The International Borzoi Council ($6k), The Borzoi Club of America ($5k), and The Hounds of East Fairhaven ($2.5k). The combined total across three fundraising campaigns came to $43k.
To the volunteers who have reached out to offer their homes, their rental properties, their time and availability to move people and pets to safe locations AND to those who have offered services, paid for fuel, who drove from town to town collecting donated dog crates and to ALL who would not accept a single dime in return…. Well, “thank you” just doesn’t seem like enough. The willingness and selflessness of the Borzoi community has been extraordinary, remarkable, and admirable. We are moved by your kindness and we will make every effort to be good stewards of your time and your generous donations.
