kan.In a touching narrative of compassion, an American woman follows the call of her heart to Ukraine, rescuing a disabled dog and weaving a tale of inspiration.
“After Ukraine Invasion, American Woman Flies In to Rescue Abandoned Disabled Dogs”
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought countless lives into turmoil, not only for humans but also for animals. Innocent animals have found themselves in dire peril, ranging from pets separated from their homes to zoo animals left to fend for themselves in war zones.
Thankfully, there are individuals willing to provide assistance. One such person is Emily Franco, a 27-year-old from Monroe, Connecticut, who made a journey to Ukraine with the mission of rescuing injured dogs in this war-torn country.
“I felt a deep calling to come here,” Emily told the Stamford Advocate.
Originally from Scotland, Emily has prior experience working with disabled dogs, having previously collaborated with Special Needs Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Northeast and being recognized for her compassion toward animals in need. Among her pets are four elderly cats and two special needs dogs.
“The crisis in Ukraine is heartbreaking, and it’s no surprise to me that Emily traveled there to help both people and animals,” said SNARR Northeast founder Courtney Bellew.
Emily traveled to Europe, purchased a car and trailer, and has been venturing into Ukraine to rescue abandoned and handicapped puppies, transporting them to safety across the border. Emily is one of the few individuals looking out for these particular dogs, which is a challenging and risky undertaking.
“I exclusively rescue injured animals,” Emily told the Advocate. “Many organizations don’t, and if they do, it’s a rarity.”
Regrettably, Emily is nearing the end of her mission and must return to the United States. During a recent rescue attempt, her vehicle was also damaged.
Although her mission is coming to an end, she can take pride in the dogs she has assisted along the way. According to a post on PA Caring Hearts, she drove 18 hours each way to “give him a chance at a better life” after saving a dog wounded in the spine by a Russian soldier.
Emily may be heading home, but her advocacy for Ukraine’s animals will not cease. Traveling around the world and spending extensive time in a war zone is truly going above and beyond to provide aid.
“Emily has an incredibly rare heart that guides and motivates her to genuinely connect with abandoned animals, those overlooked, and even those viewed as ghosts – they don’t even see them,” her husband, Christopher Franco, told the Stamford Advocate.
Emily, thank you for everything you do to assist injured animals in Ukraine. It is a compassionate and selfless act to look out for those who have no one else.
