A lifeline in a time of war
In the fall of 2024, I presented my research on animal-assisted therapies (AAT) with farm animals at the International Association of Human–Animal Interaction Organizations conference in Romania. Participation in this event allowed me to learn and network with experts worldwide. One of the most impactful moments was meeting members of the Ukrainian delegation, Antonina Goshovska and Yuliya Pavlenko, both professors at Sumy National Agrarian University. Their stories about the war’s toll on therapy animals and pets in Ukraine sparked my interest in the challenges they face. Their resilience and dedication to AAT left a lasting impression, inspiring me to explore how these interventions can bring hope and healing in difficult times.
The Russian military invasion of Ukraine, in addition to upending the lives of millions of people, has inflicted profound suffering on animals, particularly pets abandoned and in shelters. The conflict also has placed immense strain on therapy animals, highlighting the need for sustained recovery efforts to ensure their survival and continued healing role. Therapy and companion animals remain among the overlooked victims of war, despite the support they provide to those suffering from mental health and physical trauma.
From ancient times, animals experienced the effects of warfare, frequently serving as transportation, messengers, and even weapons. By the 20th century, their roles shifted from combat to support, particularly in addressing the psychological toll of war. For instance, therapy dogs assisted soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In Ukraine, therapy animals provide solace to those grappling with the trauma of war.
However, war has overwhelmed these programs. Many therapy animals have been killed, abandoned, or separated from their handlers, leaving war survivors without this crucial emotional support. Hospitals, refugee centers, and shelters that once incorporated therapy animals into mental healthcare now struggle to sustain these services. Yet, amidst these challenges, we can find stories of resilience and hope.
Organizations like Four Paws International and Transform a Street Dog stand at the forefront of rescue efforts, evacuating animals from danger zones and providing essential supplies. American nurses also have become involved in animal rescue initiatives alongside their work in humanitarian aid programs. Dennis Otoshi, a retired nurse volunteer from San Francisco, exemplified this compassion when his team adopted a displaced German Shepherd puppy during a mission with the Ukrainian Red Cross. Dennis shared that the Ukrainian people depend on animals for companionship to a much greater extent than anywhere he has ever been. He currently teaches Pet First Aid in Kyiv. Catherine Rhodes, another U.S. nurse, supported animal rescue efforts in Kherson after the city was flooded due to the destruction of a nearby dam by Russian forces.
The war in Ukraine has highlighted the profound bond between humans and animals, particularly in times of crisis. Although the conflict has caused immense suffering, the resilience of therapy animal programs provides a glimmer of hope. Ongoing recovery efforts will prove essential to ensuring that these animals can continue their vital work—providing comfort and healing to a nation in need. As Ukraine rebuilds, therapy animals will undoubtedly remain a vital part of its emotional and psychological recovery, reminding us of the enduring power of compassion and connection.
Alex Sargsyan is an associate professor at the College of Nursing at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.
References
Campbell T. Bay Area nurse gives first-hand account upon return from frontlines of Ukraine war. ABC News. 2023. abc7news.com/russia-ukraine-war-red-cross-dennis-otoshi-san-francisco-volunteers/12880832
Four Paws International. Caring for stray animals of Ukraine. June 3, 2022. fourpawsusa.org/our-stories/press-releases/caring-for-stray-animals-of-ukraine
Owen RP, Finton BJ, Gibbons SW, DeLeon PH. Canine-assisted adjunct therapy in the military: An intriguing alternative modality. J Nurse Pract. 2016;12(2):95-101 doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2015.09.014
Rhodes C. Ukraine Diary: Animal Rescue. Working Nurse. June 26, 2024. workingnurse.com/articles/animal-rescue/
Transform a Street Dog. transformastreetdog.org
