Amazing
Ukraine Dogs Find an Island of Peace
All sorts of refugees are coming from Ukraine in 2022, and not all of them walk on two legs. Pets are just as much affected by war as people, with the common assumption that they are animals and will take care of themselves. In fact, and dogs in particular, pets tend to only go to what they know as their source of food and protection, people. So, a large number of dogs are needing help now, with many being directed to shelters where possible. That’s the case for a number of canines being taken care of by Aaron Jackson who runs a dog shelter in Poland.
Taking advantage of a former animal shelter, Jackson did a bit of cleaning up and went to work right away, reopening the facility to house dozens of pets misplaced by the Eastern European war to the south. Relocated from Florida, Jackson is not a stranger to helping animals, and his current efforts have relocated hundreds of dogs as well as cared for pets where their owners, also refugees, can’t take the dogs with them at the time until they are resettled as well.
To Ukrainian dog owners, leaving behind their pet was not acceptable; the dog was part of their family. So, many refugees bring their canine with them where possible, which sets off alarm bells with countries hosting the migration, especially with regards to the animals bringing in new diseases that have not been screened, a common border issue controlled under normal conditions with temporary holding periods on animals.
Instead, Jackson’s shelter has now become a primary immediate destination point for new dogs coming into Poland, ensuring the animals are properly cared for until their owners have everything sorted with their own resettlement. Located in Poznan, the reopened shelter handles dozens of dogs at a time, many coming from rescue organizations trying to deal with incoming refugees as they first cross the border into Poland.
In most cases, the refugees have no means or money to take care of their dog, so shelter help is critical in just providing care and some peace of mind that the pet won’t be euthanized or rejected in transfer. The owners, seeing how things operate at the shelter, regain confidence right away. The dogs at the shelter speak for themselves, literally making it obvious they are being well cared for and want to be around the shelter personnel instead of fearing them or showing signs of animal stress.
Jackson also hears the stories of how the animals have been through hell with their owners as well. In one case, two women survived with their dogs for almost six weeks in a bomb shelter, never getting outside or seeing the light of day until there was a break in the fighting. The animals have signs of PTSD just as much as humans do, but they tend to be more resilient if taken care of adequately.
Through translators, volunteers and lots of help, Jackson has given new hope for families with dogs for pets, which helps provide some small amount of stability. These folks are uprooted, running from violence, have lost everything, and now have to rebuild in a country where they don’t even know the language. It can be disorienting at the least. Knowing one’s pets are being taken care of helps refugees take at least one thing off their plate in worries, and Jackson is doing an amazing amount of it for dozens of families and dog owners from Ukraine.
Amazing
Rescue Dog Leads Police to Injured Owner, Hailed as a “True Hero”
A loyal rescue dog named Gita is being celebrated for saving her elderly owner’s life after leading a police officer to a remote cabin where the man lay injured.
In rural Stevens County, Washington, Gita, a 13-year-old rescue dog, refused to leave her owner’s side after he suffered a serious fall. Police were unaware of the situation until Deputy Wright, on a routine patrol two weeks ago, spotted Gita sitting in the middle of the road with no homes in sight.
The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office shared the remarkable story on their Facebook page, emphasizing the critical role Gita played in the rescue. After attempting to coax the dog into his vehicle with no success, Deputy Wright sensed that something was wrong. He searched the nearby area within a mile radius but found nothing and trusted his instincts to keep following Gita.
“Gita is a 13-year-old rescue and best friend to the man in trouble,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Had it not been for her, the outcome could have been much worse. We owe this rescue to Gita’s loyalty and quick thinking.”
When the dog led the officer down a lesser-known roadway, Wright discovered a small summer cabin. It was there, not far from the cabin, that he found the 84-year-old man on the ground, injured and calling for help. The man had fallen, hurt his leg, and required his regular medication due to other health issues.
While the sheriff’s office hasn’t released further details about the man’s condition, they praised both the deputy and Gita for their actions, concluding their post with: “Thank you, Deputy Wright, for your dedication, and thank you Gita, for being a good girl and a true hero.”
A family member of the elderly man shared her gratitude online, noting that he is her 91-year-old mother’s cousin. “We are so thankful to Deputy Wright and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. And of course, Gita, for being there when it mattered most.”
The story quickly gained attention, with many applauding both the officer’s instincts and Gita’s heroic behavior.
Amazing
Utah Woman Donates Kidney to Man She Met on a Hike
In an inspiring turn of events, a Utah County woman donated her kidney to a man she had only recently met on a hike.
Krissy Miller crossed paths with Shiller Joseph while hiking on Y Mountain, near Brigham Young University, in September 2023. During their chance meeting, Miller, a 49-year-old mother of four, learned that Joseph was in desperate need of a kidney. Without hesitation, she offered one of hers. Following medical tests, it was confirmed that they were a compatible match.
The story took an even more heartwarming turn when, after their initial encounter, Miller presented Joseph with what appeared to be a box of rolls. But inside the box was a sign that revealed her incredible gift — she would be his kidney donor.
On Monday, the pair reunited at Intermountain Health in Murray after a successful transplant surgery. Their emotional meeting came after months of preparation and surgery that gave Joseph, 45, a new chance at life.
Joseph, who has lupus, had been on the kidney transplant waiting list for some time. The average wait time for a kidney transplant in the U.S. is three to five years, with more than 90,000 people currently waiting for a life-saving organ. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that around 20 people die each day while waiting for a transplant, underscoring the critical need for organ donors.
Miller’s decision to donate her kidney without hesitation showcases the profound impact one person can make in the face of overwhelming need. This act of kindness not only saved Joseph’s life but also shines a spotlight on the importance of organ donation.
Amazing
A Young Hero for Hens
Harriet, a 12-year-old from Chart Sutton, Kent, is making a difference in the lives of farm hens. Every Saturday morning, she volunteers with Fresh Start For Hens, a local charity dedicated to finding new homes for commercial egg-laying hens.
These hens, typically 72 weeks old, are often destined for slaughter when their egg production declines. However, Fresh Start For Hens buys them from farms and rehomes them as pets.
At collection points like the one in Aylesford, Harriet helps transfer over 100 hens from farms to their new owners. The charity ensures potential adopters provide suitable living conditions for the hens, requiring photos of coops and runs, along with a minimum donation of £2.75 per bird.
Many of these hens arrive in poor condition, sometimes even bald from stress-induced feather pecking. Harriet explains, “They get quite bored, so they peck each other and rip out their feathers.” Remarkably, after a few weeks in their new homes, most hens regain their feathers.
Harriet’s dedication earned her the BBC Young Reporter award. She hopes her story will inspire more farmers to choose rehoming over slaughter for their hens. As Harriet puts it, “It makes me feel proud that I can do something for these chickens, save their lives and give them to these happy families.”
The charity operates entirely on volunteer efforts. Petrina Thomas, who leads collection mornings, believes they’re all motivated by a simple principle: “the love of hens.”
Amazing
Social Media Miracle: Stranger’s Selfless Act Saves Baby’s Life
Amazing human kindness helped give a six-month-old girl named Helin Dinlera second chance at life. It’s all thanks to the generosity of a stranger who responded to an urgent online plea. Helin, diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening liver condition called Biliary Atresia, faced a grim prognosis without a liver transplant.
When no family members were found to be suitable donors, Helin’s mother, Anna Shushura, turned to social media in a desperate attempt to find help. Her emotional appeal caught the attention of Letty Fenlon, a 27-year-old show jumper from Yorkshire, who felt compelled to act.
Letty, already registered as an organ donor, underwent extensive testing and was confirmed as a match for Helin. Despite the risks associated with major surgery, Letty’s determination to help prevailed. In May, she underwent a six-hour procedure to donate a portion of her liver to the infant.
The transplant was successful, and now, at nine months old, Helin is thriving. While she still requires regular medical check-ups, her progress has been remarkable. Helin’s family expresses immense gratitude towards Letty, whose selfless act has given their daughter a chance at a normal life.
Amazing
Trust and Perseverance: The Remarkable Rescue of Lessie from the Boundary Waters
A heartwarming tale of survival and rescue has emerged from Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, where a German Shepherd named Lessie was found after being lost for 55 days. This story highlights the importance of trust-building and community effort in reuniting lost pets with their families.
Lessie’s ordeal began when she escaped following a car accident on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais in late June. The Retrievers, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing dogs, immediately mobilized to assist in the search.
After a month of uncertainty, hope was rekindled when Lessie was spotted near Ham Lake, miles from the accident site. A Minneapolis-based volunteer, familiar with the area, stepped up to help. Armed with guidance from The Retrievers and his previous experience, he set up camp to search for Lessie.
The volunteer’s patient approach proved crucial. Using food and a trail camera, he gradually gained Lessie’s trust over several days. His persistence paid off when he finally managed to leash Lessie and lead her to safety, facilitating an emotional reunion with her owners.
Jennifer Cadigan of The Retrievers emphasized the intelligence and resilience of dogs, noting that Lessie likely survived on discarded fish remains from nearby campsites. This remarkable story serves as an inspiring reminder to never lose hope when searching for a lost pet.
The successful rescue of Lessie after nearly two months in the wilderness underscores the effectiveness of combining community involvement, expert guidance, and unwavering determination in resolving missing pet cases.
-
OMG6 years ago
A Couple Gave Birth to the Most Beautiful Twins Ever
-
OMG7 years ago
20 Rare Historical Photos
-
OMG6 years ago
Hilarious Airport Photos
-
Cute6 years ago
Mom Refuses to Let Daughter Eat Sugar and Years Later This is What She Grows Into
-
OMG6 years ago
Top Secret Air Force One Facts That You Never Knew
-
OMG6 years ago
The Funniest Yearbook Photos Of All Time
-
OMG6 years ago
Retired Mathematician Restores Log Cabin
-
OMG5 years ago
What Happened When This ‘Duck Dynasty’ Legend Chopped Off His Beard?