The American woman has been unable to secure a flight for her dog and left her husband behind in Russia to care for her pet while he ‘ties up loose ends’ – she hopes they’ll all be reunited in The States
She has been unable to find an airline that accepts dogs (Stock photo) (
Image: REUTERS)
As three million Ukrainians flee their homeland, about 25,000 Russians have crossed over into Georgia to distance themselves from Vladimir Putin’s war.
Many wanting peace between the two countries, some Russians have begun wearing blue and yellow ribbons on their clothing to support the Ukrainian people.
Wanting to leave Russia to return home to America, a woman, who has been working in Moscow for about two years, is now having to choose between her husband and dog.
Unable to find an airline that accepts dogs, the woman flew to America alone, leaving her Russian husband to care for their pet while he “ties up loose ends”.
He was meant to fly out with the dog soon after but has also been unable to secure a flight for their four-legged family member, leaving the couple to question whether he should stay behind or give up their beloved pet to be reunited.
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The woman wants to leave Russia with her husband and dog to enter America (Stock photo)
Sharing her dilemma to Reddit, she said: “I left and my husband is in Moscow. We have a dog that’s 25kg, and we are having such a hard time finding an airline to fly him to Armenia.
“My husband is so stressed he’s breaking out in a rash. He would have flown to safety right now, except we are stuck with my dog.
“We adopted him over two years ago from the shelter. He’s got some issues like separation anxiety, and he gets scared.
“At some point it could happen that I need to choose my husband or my dog.”
The woman has explained how they’re unable to buy a car to simply drive out of the country, saying they would do this if they could afford it.
“Driving means we would have to buy a car since we don’t have one,” she added.
“Any car we did find would be at risk of breaking down in the middle of nowhere, and I mean nowhere.
She rescued her dog about two years ago (Stock photo)
“Russia has lots of space between towns outside of cities. We could potentially get broken down 45 minutes away from a small town that may or may not be able to help.”
Having faced criticism about potentially leaving either one of them behind, the woman has tried to explain the current situation in Russia.
She added: “People on here commenting that I don’t love my dog or that Russia really isn’t that bad don’t know what it’s like.
“Overnight all the money I had dropped in value. My job depends on people having extra income. Our landlord asked for an advance of two months rent in cash.
“Things are getting more expensive, social media is gone, non state reporting is illegal, we are cut off financially from the rest of the world.
“People think that because we aren’t bombed we are fine. We aren’t. Overnight I lost my life that I built up from nothing there, I lost my friends, I lost my job.
She can no longer work in Russia due to the war (Stock photo)
“Moscow used to be one of the best cities to live in. Now people are seeing the writing on the wall. And if borders close that means I won’t be able to see family. My husband could chance not seeing his grandmother again.
“And for people to have the audacity to say ‘Oh just pick your dog!’ My marriage is important. I made a promise to my husband to be his partner and pull through for him. He’s my soulmate. It’s just not that easy.”
Trying to offer their advice, some users suggested the woman speak to the embassy or use other forms of public transport to enter America as a complete family.
One user said: “Reach out to some of the bigger charities helping with the animals in Ukraine. They might be able to direct you to organisations helping out Russian animals.
“They might be able to put you in contact with transportation, perhaps someone else is leaving Russia with enough room in their car for husband and dog.”
While another added: “I am so sorry you are in this situation. As an animal lover, I can’t help but also grieve for all the pets caught in the tangle of war and senseless violence.
“I know many have and will continue to suffer as their humans are murdered and displaced. I cannot even imagine what it’s like to be in this situation.
“My heart would be broken and full of guilt for leaving my animals but this situation is such a difficult one. Please try to keep yourself safe first.”
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
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