Ukrainian Irina Rabotyagova evacuated 41 cats and 3 dogs from Kharkiv to Poltava. The animals lived in her private shelter and in several veterinary clinics, reports suspilne.media.
In Poltava volunteers helped the woman with the search of housing and food for the animals.
She was able to place the dogs with families, but the cats have not been able to find homes yet.
There are now 41 cats living in a one-room apartment with Irene Rabotyagova. The woman took them with her when she left Kharkov.
“Several times colleagues with whom I worked suggested that I evacuate. But each time it was brought up that no one was ready to see me with all the animals. For me, these animals are one of my life’s work,” Irina says.
“It was very difficult for us to evacuate. There were a lot of cats. We also had to take food, filler, toilets for them. The elevators in Kharkov have been shut off since the first day of the war. I, along with two volunteers, carried the cats to the car. It took us an hour and a half.
Some of the animals have disabilities or require special care. Among them is Basti the cat.
“Basti is of advanced age and suffers from dementia. She gets lost in space.”
Irina and her cats are planning to stay in Poltava for the time being. Volunteers are helping with food and everything she needs.
“At the moment we are looking for an option to help us keep our animals. Find them owners. I am very grateful to the city of Poltava and all its residents. Just a tremendous desire to help on all sides. Poltava is just love.”
