“We have to help them somehow.”

These were the words of a Ukrainian who volunteered to stay behind to make sure that families can see their beloved pets again.

At the onset of the Russian invasion of the country, people were forced to leave everything behind as soon as they could. Some left carrying only the things they could afford to bring with them – and in this desperate race to the borders, they were faced with the difficult decision of leaving their pets behind.

Katya Kurletz is at the forefront of this undertaking.

“We did have a problem with stray animals in Ukraine, but now the number of abandoned pets has increased,” Katya Kurletz said on Morning in America.

More than 40 dogs together with 15 animal rescue staff are stranded in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Even with tanks rolling from the distance and missiles flying over their heads, they placed upon themselves the responsibility of taking care of as many animals as they can.

They are part of a global dog rescue organization called Transform a Street Dog.

Kurletz also describes the desperate situation.

“This situation is that people are afraid to leave their houses because they know that Russians make no difference between military and civilians so it’s very dangerous outside,” Kurletz said.

Because of this, accessing any form of assistance or lines of supplies is much more difficult.

For those who made it out of the city, their apartments and houses are left with the sad cries and howling of pets that are caged and tied up.

Still, even with the mounting difficulties against their cause and organization, Kurketz shared, “We have to help them somehow.”

There is a sliver of hope for these animals and their owners.

Kurletz explained that nations like Poland and Romania are accepting pets into their borders. Countries that have relaxed their restrictions on pets also include the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Hungary. In Poland, there is also a fund for accommodations and vaccinations for pets.

However, Kurletz said that not all people who made it to the border know about this information. So together with her organization, they’re now working on ways to transport their rescued animals to the borders and reunite them with their loved ones.

But their organization cannot do this alone.

So far, Kurletz shared that their organization is coordinating with other European agencies for pet evacuation assistance. They are also employing local drivers to take pets to the border so more assistance is needed.

They are now asking people, through their GoFundMe page, to help them in this endeavor.

The funds will be used to pay for the needs of volunteers and to shoulder the logistics costs of transporting the animals.

“I can’t only think about myself. It gives me some sense of life if I do something for others,” said Kurletz.

Through their efforts, they’re showing the world how love can endure even in the midst of reckless violence and destruction.

If you want to extend your help, you can check their GoFundMe page here.

Watch how this organization helps pets get reunited with their families.

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Source: YouTube – News Nation, WFLA, Euro News, Facebook – Transform A Street Dog