UPDATE Oct. 20
Katie Moore of Help with Refugees with Pets shares some good news about Aslan and his puppy, Rose: “He is safe but we are raising money for Rose Quarantine.” And, Pamela Selwyn of the same group, adds: “He is going to join other family members in Germany, so he will have a home, fortunately.”
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The conflict in Syria has displaced more than 7 million people. Almost 4 million have become migrants and refugees trying to find a better life in another country. And, despite the potentially deadly journey to Europe, some of those people are also bringing their pets.
The United Nations Refugee Agency, or UNHCR, has been tracking – and helping – people impacted by war and disaster, including this 17-year-old boy from Damascus. Today, the agency posted his story on Facebook.
I love my dog!“Some people will ask – you have only a small bag?””Yes.””And you bring your dog?””Yes.””Why?””I love my dog!”Many animal lovers will relate to this 17-year-old boy from Damascus, Syria. And we’ve seen many like him carrying their animals with them on the long journey from Syria, across the Mediterranean Sea and through Europe. When forced to flee home because of war, many people would never dream of leaving their pets behind.
Posted by UNHCR on Saturday, September 19, 2015
The teen walked 500 kilometres carrying his dog, Rose, as well as a pet carrier and a food and water for the puppy. The puppy even has her own passport.
Earlier this month, photos surfaced of another family arriving in Greece with their cat. At first, they family was believed to have arrived from Syria, but actually came via Turkey.
Zaytouna’s owners insisted we help an elderly woman before we could take their photo. Beautiful souls. @Refugees_Gr pic.twitter.com/cwFjQe14I3
— Tamara (@tamara_vdP) September 14, 2015
This Syrian family brought their beloved cat to Greece ♡ @Refugees_Gr #Lesvos #EuropeSaysWelcome pic.twitter.com/KXIlRD96kU
— Tamara (@tamara_vdP) September 10, 2015
FYI: Zaytouna the cat was found and brought from Turkey, not from Syria. Still, she made a hell of a journey to get to #Greece! #refugeesGR
— Tamara (@tamara_vdP) September 14, 2015
The UNHCR says these cases are hardly isolated.
“Many animal lovers will relate to this 17-year-old boy from Damascus, Syria,” UNHCR wrote on Facebook. “We’ve seen many like him carrying their animals with them on the long journey from Syria, across the Mediterranean Sea and through Europe. When forced to flee home because of war, many people would never dream of leaving their pets behind.”
Photos UNHCR/Facebook