Ukrainian supplier Collar Company has been co-ordinating a massive pet food relief effort in the area around the under-siege city of Chernihiv.
Supported by international partners and local volunteers, the “Paw Patrol” initiative has so far distributed 6,000kg of free pet food in its first month in the war-torn country.
Collar’s main office and manufacturing facilities are located in Chernihiv, a city that has been shelled and attacked by airstrikes, leading to the destruction of critical infrastructure, residential areas, hospitals, schools, bridges and roads.
At the beginning of the war, the company was offered financial support by its Japanese partner, Peace Winds Japan. Since then, volunteers have helped Collar distribute pet food both at local hubs in Chernihiv and by visiting more distant locations such as Bobrovitsya, Liskovitsya, Podusivka and Kyinka where pet owners were cut off from supplies. After delivering pet food, the team is also helping Chernihiv residents to escape the city with their pets.
The Paw Patrol name was suggested by Serge Shkot, the founder of dog fitness tool Puller, and the project is led by Varvara Petrenko, president of the International Dog Puller Federation.
She said: “When I was offered to be a part of this charity project, I didn’t hesitate for a moment and started to brainstorm ideas and information. The concept was bold and we didn’t know how it would work. But an idea to help pets inspired me and I was encouraged to contribute to the goal of helping pets affected by war. My assistance could be valuable and it’s my contribution to common victory.”
