Dog News

Ukraine Dogs Saved By World Champion Sled Dog Racer And US Woman

Igor Tracz [Image @igortracz/Instagram]

Thanks to a world champion sled dog racer from Poland, dozens of dogs are being evacuated from Ukraine. However, he is not alone, as a former dog day-care owner from San Francisco is raising funds to support his efforts.

World champion sled dog racer rescues dogs from Ukraine

Igor Tracz lives in Poland and is among the world’s best sled dog racers. However, he is also a champion for dogs affected by the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Talking to ABC7, Tracz explained that he made a post on Facebook, asking if anyone needs his help. He said he has “special trucks, perfect for dogs that need to be evacuated from Ukraine.”

However, Tracz isn’t alone in his efforts, as close friends and neighbors are also rescuing dogs abandoned by the war. Tracz said that sometimes they are transporting injured dogs. He mentioned the one tragic time when they evacuated a dog without legs after a bombing. Sadly, while they tried to save him, he passed away.

So far, they have managed to evacuate around 250 dogs and cats. Meanwhile, while doing so, Tracz and his friends have also delivered 60 tons of food and supplies for animal shelters and people in need.

“Always when we are back. We are back with dogs, we are back with kids, and we are back with women because they need evacuation from Poland.”

On the dog sled racer’s Instagram, he shared a video of dogs in Ukraine receiving food, with the sound of sirens in the background. He captioned the clip, “Do you hear those sirens in the background? it’s a bomb alarm. it touches deeply live, I heard. dogs and people are already used to it, they need to be fed. Our humanitarian aid this time in the city of Slavyansk, Donetsk region.”

Igor Tracz [Image @igortracz/Instagram]

San Francisco woman aids Tracz in his efforts

Jenny Test is the former owner of a dog day-care and training facility in the Bay Area. Having a big heart for dogs, she took note of Igor’s work. When Test saw what was happening to pets in Ukraine, her first instinct was to travel there to help. However, after a battle with chronic Lyme Disease, she is unable to do so.

However, Jenny told Kake.com that she called Igor and from there on she organized a fundraiser to raise money for the cost of fuel for Igor’s trucks.

“The fundraiser is to keep him on the road. He’s got shelter on wheels because of what he does in the World Championships,” said Test. Meanwhile, sponsors are donating free dog food, which she said is just perfect and she really wants to keep him moving.

Jenny Test launches fundraiser for Ukraine dogs [Image Jenny Test/Facebook]

Meanwhile, Tracz spoke to ABC 7 from France, where he has just won his 8th world championship. However, he will soon be back in Ukraine rescuing more dogs.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening in the world of dogs right now. Come back here often for Dog news, and updates.

 

Anne Sewell

Freelance, TV and travel writer and mom to two rescue dogs who has spent most of her life in southern Africa and is now living on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.

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