Within the metropolis of Lviv, western Ukraine, a former soldier named Vasyl Velychko has discovered a brand new mission—caring for canines at a neighborhood animal shelter. After dropping his arm in fight, Velychko now dedicates his days to strolling, feeding, and nurturing as much as 60 canines, reworking what might have been a life-defining damage right into a supply of energy and function. His story, reported by RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, is a strong instance of post-war rehabilitation and the therapeutic bond between people and animals. For these trying to find tales about Ukrainian veterans, animal remedy, or resilience after amputation, Velychko’s journey provides a deeply shifting perspective.
Velychko’s path to the Lviv Animal Shelter started after a life-altering damage. Having served within the Ukrainian army from 2017 to 2020, he re-enlisted following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Simply months later, throughout a counteroffensive within the Kharkiv area, a shot from an anti-tank grenade launcher value him his arm. After present process rehabilitation, he briefly labored as a courier earlier than seeing an commercial for a place on the shelter. He determined to provide it a attempt—and by no means appeared again.
“She likes biting,” he joked, utilizing his remaining hand to fend off Ira, an lively German shepherd. Regardless of the bodily challenges, Velychko’s dedication to the canines is unwavering. He works day by day with out taking time without work and has developed strategies to handle his duties independently. For example, he makes use of a belt linked to the leash, permitting him to stroll the canines whereas retaining his hand free. This innovation ensures the canines stay secure even when he wants to wash up after them or carry out different duties.
“Since I’ve an upper-limb amputation, it’s uncomfortable generally,” he defined. “With the belt, I can simply let go, and I do know the canine received’t run away, get hit by a automobile, or escape.”
What stands out most is not only Velychko’s bodily dedication, however the emotional connection he has shaped with the animals. “I can’t think about myself with out the canines,” he mentioned. “How might anybody betray them, abandon them? They belief you, they love you.” His phrases mirror a profound empathy that appears to gasoline his day by day efforts. The canines, lots of whom could have been deserted or traumatized themselves, seem to supply him a way of companionship and consistency that’s as therapeutic as it’s significant.
Kostyantyn Pavlenko, a canine specialist on the shelter, famous that Velychko’s incapacity has not held him again. “Bodily, after all, it’s tough for somebody with out one arm,” Pavlenko mentioned. “However he by no means asks for assist.” He recalled a second on the coaching floor when he provided help. “He mentioned, ‘No, no, I’ll do it myself.’ He positions himself along with his legs, clamps along with his legs, clips the carabiner, and manages all of it on his personal.”
This sort of self-sufficiency is not only spectacular—it’s inspirational. Velychko’s instance challenges assumptions about what folks with disabilities can obtain, particularly in bodily demanding environments. His story additionally highlights the position of animal care in emotional restoration. For a lot of veterans, the transition to civilian life could be isolating. Velychko emphasizes the significance of staying energetic and linked. “Some folks lose spirit, however they want help and somebody to set an instance,” he mentioned. “And for many who simply keep house, I say: Discover some work, be round folks, talk.”
I discovered this element hanging: Velychko doesn’t take any days off. His dedication is just not pushed by obligation however by a real love for the animals. It’s a reminder that function could be rediscovered in probably the most sudden locations. The shelter, removed from being only a office, has turn into a sanctuary—for each the canines and the person who cares for them.
Within the broader context of Ukraine’s ongoing battle, tales like Velychko’s provide a glimpse into the private battles being fought removed from the entrance strains. Tens of hundreds of Ukrainians have undergone amputations attributable to warfare accidents. Every of them faces a novel journey towards therapeutic and reintegration. For Velychko, that journey has been formed by the wagging tails and trusting eyes of shelter canines who, in their very own approach, are additionally survivors.
His expertise underscores the therapeutic potential of animal companionship, significantly for these recovering from trauma. It additionally raises consciousness in regards to the significance of inclusive employment alternatives for veterans and other people with disabilities. The Lviv Animal Shelter, by embracing Velychko’s skills fairly than specializing in his limitations, has not solely gained a devoted employee but additionally helped form a compelling narrative of resilience and hope.
As Ukraine continues to grapple with the results of warfare, tales like this remind us of the enduring human capability for adaptation and compassion. Whether or not via the quiet companionship of a canine or the unwavering spirit of a veteran, therapeutic typically begins with connection.
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