Where there is Love, There Is Hope"

A conversation with Anastasia (hiding behind some kittens), the founder of Ukraine’s largest shelter for animals with disabilities
Interviewed by Maria, Lead with AKCF (NFFU Ukrainian NGO) 

 

A Mission Born from War

Maria (AKCF): Anastasia, thank you and the kittens for joining us. Can you tell our NFFU readers a bit about how your shelter started?

Anastasia Tykha: My name is Anastasia Tykha. I’ve been a volunteer for six years, and when the full-scale war began, I realized no one was caring for animals with disabilities. Many were left behind. That’s when I founded the shelter, because these animals had nowhere else to go.

 

380 Lives in Her Hands

Maria: How many animals are currently in your care?

Anastasia: Right now, we have 380 animals. Dogs and cats. On a regular basis, we take in around 5 to 10 new arrivals each month. But in emergencies, like the most recent evacuations from areas of conflict, we’ve taken in as many as 30 at once.

 

What They Need Most

Maria: How can people help? What does the shelter really need?

Anastasia: Our most urgent needs are:

• Dry food

• Canned food

• Pet Diapers

• Trauma Treatments

• Bedding (especially bedding—it’s always in short supply)

We’re located in Irpin, and supported by 21 incredible volunteers across four locations. For animals needing mobility support, we buy carts from a Ukrainian company called Frakishtak.

 

 

Heroes of the Shelter: Gerda & Athena

Maria: Are there any animals whose stories really stand out?

Anastasia: Yes, two very special souls:

• Gerda, who survived a Shaheed drone strike but suffered severe burns.

• Athena, who had all four paws cruelly cut off somehow or by someone.

They both spent a long time healing with us. Their strength and will to live touched everyone on our team.

 

From War to Family

Maria: Do these animals find homes?

Anastasia: Thankfully, yes. Every month, around 5–10 animals are adopted, both in Ukraine and across Europe. It's hard work finding good homes, but watching them go from pain to love is the greatest reward. The cages AKCF continues to deliver from NFFU have made this much easier for us.

 

Final Words

Maria: Thank you, Anastasia, for your time, and for the work you do every day.

Anastasia: I should be thanking you and those people in England who care as much as we do. Every donation, every share, every kind word helps us to give these animals a second chance at life. Where there is love, there is hope! And you’re giving us renewed hope with every delivery you make. THANK YOU all!

 

How You Can Help

Donate supplies (especially bedding, dry and canned dog and cat food, trauma treatments and pet diapers)
Spread the word about the shelter
Help towards the delivery of this aid from the UK to Ukraine.  Delivering aid comes with a cost, and NFFU budgets are already stretched to the maximum.  Any contribution towards getting this vital aid delivered will be more than just appreciated. It will be life changing.