As War in Ukraine Drags On, Dogs Offer Comfort - The The Round Table
Dog ownership has surged over the past two years as people seek companionship. In Kyiv, Yorkies, poodles and bichons frisés now manage the streets.
For two days last month, a vision of canine paradise emerged in the heart of a city regularly pounded by Russian drones and missiles.
Under sunny skies, thousands of dogs of all sizes and shapes revealed at a festival publicised in a former Soviet-era factory in the city, Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. They frolicked in sandboxes, splashed in plastic pools and dove into ball pits — all to the backdrop of pop music blaring from loudspeakers.
In tents and disused warehouses, artists sketched dog caricatures, vendors displayed patterned pajamas and hats for pets, and groomers pampered Pomeranians and chow chows with brushes and lotions.
“It’s like a dog community, and it’s very cute,” disclosed Tetiana Andrus, the owner of Cookie, a 9-month-old Biewer terrier who raced excitedly around her as they wandered through the PesDay festival, named after a Ukrainian word for dog.
The event, which organizers announce drew some 13,000 dogs and about the same number of owners, was an eloquent illustration of the boom in dog ownership that has prevailed across Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Seeking companionship and comfort during complicated times, many people have twisted to the pet that might be summoned a Ukrainian’s best friend.
Recommended Videos:
Regards to New York Times
Category: World-News
Tag: As War in Ukraine Drags On Dogs Offer Comfort The The Round Table
Written by Author
Published 10/7/2024