Steps to Build Dog Shelters in Crisis Zones – ABW & Japan lead the way!
At the end of August, Actions Beyond Words (ABW) had the honor of welcoming back War Disaster Reconstruction Assistance Center (WDRAC) member Hoshi-San, affectionately known as “Star Man,” who traveled all the way from Japan to join our team in delivering aid to Ukraine. This marked his second mission with us, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the cause. His journey was swift—landing in the country and immediately crossing the border into Ukraine that same evening.
After two long days of driving, the team finally arrived in Podilsk, where they were greeted by Masha, their translator, and Den, the head carpenter of The Place Under the Sun. This dog shelter has been a beacon of hope, providing food, water, shelter, and, most importantly, love to animals displaced by the war. The team wasted no time, beginning their work early the next morning—but not before enjoying a coffee at a newly opened local shop. This simple act highlighted the incredible resilience and entrepreneurship of the Ukrainian people, who continue to start and run successful businesses even as the war wages on around them.
With the energy from their morning coffee fueling them, the team set off to pick up lumber and began the construction of two dog shelters generously funded by WDRAC. Despite the scorching 35-degree heat, the work pressed on. By the end of the first day, both shelters were framed, one had a floor, and the walls for both were partially completed. However, the day ended on a somber note as the largest air strikes of the war rained down on Ukraine, leading to widespread power outages, including in Podilsk. The luxury of hot showers and electricity was something our volunteers had to forgo, as is often the case during their time in Ukraine.
The second day brought its own set of challenges. With power still out, the team focused on purchasing and preparing materials for the next phase of construction. The ever-present hum of generators around Podilsk served as a reminder of the ongoing conflict, yet they allowed businesses and homes to keep running. The air raid sirens, a chilling sound that has become all too familiar, forced the closure of the Ukrainian Postal Service, Nova Poshta, delaying the pick-up of dog food and some donated small dog shelters. Despite these delays, the team persevered, ensuring everything was in place to resume construction the following morning.
Day three began with a renewed push to construct more walls for the shelters, but a large rainstorm soon halted progress. The rain continued into day four, so the team shifted their efforts to Den’s wood shop, where they prepared roofing supports and flooring for the next day’s work. By day five, the flooring was installed, and the welding process for the metal doors and windows began. The week concluded with day six, as Den expertly crafted the roof structure while Star Man completed placing the roofing shingles/tiles.
Despite the obstacles—scorching heat, air strikes, power outages, and relentless rain—our volunteers remained undeterred. Their dedication to providing safe shelter for displaced animals and their support for the resilient people of Ukraine is a testament to the power of human kindness and solidarity in the face of adversity.
As ABW continues its mission, we are reminded that even in the darkest times, hope can be built one shelter, one community, and one act of compassion at a time.
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