As millions of Ukrainians are displaced amid the Russian invasion of their country, so too are are their pets.
But heartwarming stories have been taking place all over the world as families are reunited with their fur babies.
Perseya, a Pomeranian, and owner, Rosaliia Raison, count themselves among them.
The San Diego Humane Society shared their reunion story Monday.
“Pets are family, and families should never be forced apart,” Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, said in a statement.
It was a long journey for Raison, her husband and her mother.
“Presaya’s family traveled to Mexico from the Cherkasy region in Ukraine, fleeing the tragedy facing their country,” the humane society explained. “SDHS partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide a safe place for pets during the mandated quarantine time.”
Today, a Ukrainian refugee was able to reunite with her beloved Pomeranian, Presaya, after her pup completed a 28-day rabies quarantine that was required to enter the U.S. pic.twitter.com/MkENdUZhJo
— San Diego Humane Society (@sdhumane) May 29, 2022
They were brought together after the fluffy, white pooch finished its 28-day rabies quarantine period to enter the United States.
A video of the pair shared on social media show the pup jumping and yipping for joy.
And then, a loving embrace.
Sweet Presaya quickly won over staff while receiving care and enrichment at our Behavior Center, and we sent regular updates on the happy pup to provide her owner with a sense of comfort during their separation. Now, exactly 28 days later, Presaya is back with her family! pic.twitter.com/zGF85D3y6X
— San Diego Humane Society (@sdhumane) May 29, 2022
It was a really touching moment.
Such a heartwarming moment this afternoon at San Diego Humane Society when a Ukrainian refugee united with her dog Perseya. The the pup just completed a 28-day rabies quarantine required to enter the U.S. #InspireCompassion #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/IGzIC4HR2I
— San Diego Humane Society (@sdhumane) May 29, 2022
“We’re so grateful to be able to provide this support to Ukrainian refugees, and help keep animals with the people who love them,” the humane society added. “There’s nothing more moving than seeing a pet reunited with their loving family!”
We’re so grateful to be able to provide this support to Ukrainian refugees, and help keep animals with the people who love them. There’s nothing more moving than seeing a pet reunited with their loving family! pic.twitter.com/j1UPU3Z9Nb
— San Diego Humane Society (@sdhumane) May 29, 2022
It’s a bittersweet ending for Raison. Away from her homeland, but together with family.
“I think it’s more like with daughter, you sleep with like this.. with a child, like a child,” Raison said during the emotional reunion, according to NBC. “How you say, this is a very big part of us, a part of our life. This is our family.”
“When I saw her, I felt her heart beating so much, so quickly,” she told NBC. “But now I feel she is better, she’s okay.”
The humane society said it will keep working with the federal government to transport and quarantine the pets of Ukrainian refugees as needed.
