David, the Nowzad fundraising manager, and a fabulous volunteer named Carsten, completed a vital mission to Ukraine in October this year, constructing new kennels for border patrol working dogs. The initiative, spearheaded by Nowzad, aims to improve the living conditions of these hardworking animals who have been relied upon since the start of the invasion to keep Ukraine’s borders safe.
The Nowzad team started their journey on October 16th, driving all the way from Nowzad HQ in Devon to Lviv, Ukraine. Both put in 9 hour plus driving shifts to meet the tight delivery deadlines in Ukraine and, along the way, picked up generous donations from amazing supporters including an incredible 750kg of pet food from Nigel and Liz in Kent. Once safely in Lviv, David and Carsten unloaded all the donations from the Nowzad van and checked in with our Ukraine staff, Liuba and Vol who have recently had to face several days of missile threats and direct targetted strikes on Lviv which have caused widespread damage.
The kennel construction project began on October 19th. The prefabricated kennels, manufactured in Barnsley, were first transported to the border guard headquarters. Then, with the help of three border guards, David and the team completed the construction of one kennel block in just two days, despite challenges posed by the bitterly cold wintery weather and reduced daylight hours.
The newly built kennels will provide much-needed shelter and comfort for eight border patrol dogs. These dogs play a crucial role in protecting Ukraine's borders, sniffing out explosives, drugs, and preventing illegal border crossings. Their previous housing was over 20 years old and in dire condition. Sadly government funding had been diverted away towards the main war effort.
Wherever and whenever we can, the Nowzad charity will support the animals of Ukraine with kennel builds, animal food delivery and most impotantly, vaccines against rabies.
Well done David and Carsten for putting in the work. The border guards were extremely grateful for the assistance and support.
Your vital support is always needed to promote animal welfare and well being. Please donate today. Your support is the difference. Thank you.