Tragedy in Ukraine: Help Us Save the Animal Shelter “Give a paw, Friend”After a Missile Attack

A devastating tragedy has struck the city of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

An animal shelter that had become a safe haven for hundreds of abandoned and rescued dogs was directly hit during a missile attack. In a place where vulnerable animals sought safety from the horrors of war, destruction and loss took their place.

The consequences have been catastrophic. Several dogs were killed instantly, while many others suffered severe injuries, fractures, burns, and trauma. The shelter staff, who dedicate their lives to protecting animals, were also injured during the attack. Despite the danger, they continue working every day to rescue and care for animals that have nowhere else to go.

Today, more than 500 dogs are in urgent need of help.

The missile strike destroyed animal enclosures, damaged critical infrastructure, and completely wiped out the shelter’s food storage facilities. Hundreds of dogs were suddenly left exposed to the elements without adequate shelter, food supplies, or medical resources. As the war continues, new animals arrive regularly from frontline and heavily affected areas, requiring emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and protection.

The shelter now faces one of the most difficult moments in its history.

Without immediate support, it will be impossible to rebuild the destroyed facilities, provide medical care to injured animals, or ensure a stable food supply for the hundreds of dogs that depend entirely on human compassion.

Who We Are

The international charitable foundation Bless Unity has become a source of hope for people and animals affected by the war in Ukraine.

Bless Unity is organizing this emergency fundraising campaign on behalf of the animal shelter “Give a Paw, Friend” located in Zaporizhzhia. For many years, this shelter has provided refuge, medical assistance, and a second chance at life for abandoned, neglected, and evacuated animals. Today, our shared mission is clear: to help the shelter recover from this disaster and continue saving lives.

How Your Donation Will Help

Funds raised through this campaign will be used for three urgent priorities:

• Emergency veterinary treatment for injured animals.
• Reconstruction and repair of destroyed enclosures and shelter facilities.
• Purchase of food supplies to replace the stock that was lost during the attack.

Every contribution directly supports the animals and the dedicated volunteers who continue their work despite personal injuries, emotional exhaustion, and constant security risks.

Every Donation Makes a Difference

For the dogs that survived the attack, your support means much more than financial assistance. It means food when they are hungry. It means medicine when they are in pain. It means warmth, safety, and protection when they have lost everything. The average cost of one nutritious meal for a shelter dog is approximately €0.80.

A donation of just €40 can provide around 50 complete meals for animals recovering from the consequences of war.

But food is only part of the challenge. The shelter must also rebuild damaged enclosures, replace destroyed equipment, purchase medical supplies, and create safe conditions for hundreds of animals who have already suffered more than any living creature should endure. Every euro becomes a lifesaving resource. A bandage for an injured paw. Medicine for a wounded dog. Materials to rebuild a destroyed enclosure. A warm meal for an animal that has not eaten for days.

The Animals Cannot Wait

The situation remains critical. The shelter has been severely damaged. Animals are injured and frightened. Volunteers are exhausted but refuse to abandon the dogs that depend on them. Every day without support means additional hardship for animals already traumatized by war. These dogs cannot ask for help themselves. They cannot explain their pain or tell us what they have lost.

They depend entirely on people willing to stand with them during this difficult time. By making a donation today, you become part of their recovery and survival. Your generosity can help restore safety, provide medical treatment, and ensure that hundreds of animals continue to receive the care they desperately need. Together, we can rebuild what war has destroyed. Together, we can give these animals hope again. Please donate today and help save the lives of more than 500 dogs affected by this tragedy in Ukraine.