WE DO NOT CHOOSE THE PROFESSION – THE PROFESSION CHOOSES US
The life of each of us has changed since February 24 - there is a war in Ukraine, a terrible war that has no explanation or justification. And each of us brings the victory of our native country closer every day with our work. War tests us for humanity, courage, and dedication to our cause. Darya Balidina, a student of the 5th year of the 9th group of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the National University of Bioresources and Nature Management of Ukraine, spoke about her contribution to the joint cause. It was not by chance that she chose the profession of a veterinary medicine doctor, because the knowledge and skills she acquired during her studies help her in volunteering at the Zoopatrol Public Organization.
– "Zoopatrol" volunteers are engaged in the rescue and treatment of animals in the city of Kyiv, the Kyiv region and in the de-occupied territories of Ukraine. We provide medical assistance to injured animals, transport, humanitarian, and advisory assistance to owners/guardians of animals injured during hostilities. For example, in September we visited the liberated Raisin with a rescue and humanitarian mission. Over the entire period of activity of our organization, we have rescued, cured and rehomed more than 500 animals.
– First, we help animals in serious condition and with disabilities. "Animals-sleepers" are kept by "Zoopatrol". These are dogs and cats that, due to human cruelty and indifference, have musculoskeletal injuries and cannot move on their own. The most famous story is about the spiny dog Lis, whose spine was broken by the Russian invaders and the dog was mined.
– I take in animals, assess, and monitor their health, provide medical assistance and coordinate the work of "Zoopatrol" with veterinary clinics, rehabilitation centers and shelters in the city of Kyiv. I also conduct consultative work with animal owners who contact us, draw up documents for animals, including for their evacuation abroad. In addition, I deal with all issues related to the health and maintenance of animals in the shelter of the NGO "Zoopatrol" in the city of Irpen. In September, with the support of the Lastivka Foundation, USAVA and cooperation with the American veterinarian Megan Romano, I organized a program of free sterilization of animals in the city of Irpenya on the basis of the shelter.
